Music critics are afraid of boy bands. That's because boy bands all say the same thing, "Critics didn't like the Beatles when they first came out." No critic wants to go down in history as the guy who slagged the next Beatles.

But ... the Beatles grew musically. In less than two years, they went from teen idols to some of the most innovative composers in the history of popular music.

In less than five years, 'N Sync has gone from teen idols to, um, slightly older teen idols.

In stores now, the CD single Pop from the upcoming Celebrity album is masterpiece of pop stagnation. It's a steaming, plastic mess of drum machines, annoying vocal effects and whining where a song should've been. "I'm tired of feeling all around me animosity," these incredible poseurs sing. Aww ...

Also, something about music getting you "high," taking you on a "ride," and so on from hell's own rhyming dictionary. Later on, Jason or Corey or whoever says, "Man, I'm tired of singing."

Thank you. I'm tired of your singing, too. And I can safely say there won't be an Abbey Road in 'N Sync's future. (More on: 'N Sync).

Saturday, June 23, 2001

'N Sync are not the next Beatles