You realize how ridiculous that sounds? No one in the recording industry who wants to create a pop star is going to create one with songs like Lana del Rey's. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, her 5 minute long plodding orchestrated songs are the about the opposite of radio friendly right now. Rihanna, Katy Perry,…

I think Tom Hanks kind of attempted to go the Jimmy Stewart route, and take on a different, pseudo-villainous role with "The Ladykillers." I thought he did a good job, but critically and commercially the backlash pushed him into his comfortable, Charlie Wilson/Larry Crowne phase.

I wonder if McCartney's more commercial approach in the 80's was a response to the absolute shredding that McCartney II got when it was released in 1980. That was one of the most experimental, off-the-wall albums things he's ever did, and it took until the re-release this year for it to finally get it's due.

I think that, with McCartney's continued prominence and the great albums he's been releasing the past 10-15 years, combined with the good remastered releases of his Wings/solo stuff, there's finally a (much deserved) rehab of his critical reputation. (George's too, but he had to die to get it.)