Viral commentary tease

BRANDING IRONS: When you’re sick of hearing a song on the radio, what does that mean for the artist? What dubious distinction did Green Day add to its previously stellar career arc in the last year? And which of his songs has done the most to enhance Jay-Z’s brand? These and other intriguing questions are considered and answered in our newly posted commentary, “Why Viral Marketing Is Not Nearly Enough to Create a Hit,” in response to that much-talked-about New York Times think piece about the nontraditional marketing tactics being used by several of music’s biggest stars. Read it this morning with your coffee—it’ll get your brain out of neutral. (6/25a)