The Great British public reckon the music charts have lost their credibility in recent years and now simply reflect the marketing power of major record labels over the nation's musical tastes. Which is odd, because I'd say that all happened ten years ago but that things have actually improved a little since digital sales were included into the mix, but what do I know, I only report on the charts every week?
Anyway, in a poll by, erm, toothpaste makers Colgate (I kid thee not), 74% of those surveyed said they thought the importance of the UK music charts had diminished in recent years. More than 82% think true musical talent is being overshadowed by manufactured hype created for pop stars with less ability, while 40% believe that stars brought to public attention through reality shows like Pop Idol and X Factor lack real talent. 65% said that reality shows were guilty of creating a generic unexciting style of music, while 93% said they more respect singers and bands who "make it through word of mouth" like Lily Allen and Arctic Monkeys.
So, that's all you pop types told. Colgate are concerning themselves with pop stars' credibility rather than the quality of their teeth ahead of a new online talent search they are staging with e-music TV.