While many musicians at the fringes are doggedly independent artists with fresh ideas, they share that great, circular stage with a number of groups and individuals who don't really aim for high art. There are novelty acts, vanity side projects for more successful artists and, of course, cover bands. When an established artist who usually records unique material decides to do a cover, it's usually out of admiration for the original artist or possibly a cheap ploy to sell records and confuse downloaders. But to be a dedicated cover band is another trajectory altogether. It is to willingly live in the shadow of other, much more prominent artists, or maybe to openly ride their coat tails to a career. Read more
