These aren't good times for communitarian ideals, either in politics — with our sclerotic, shout-louder-than-the-next-asshole punditocracy — or in music, where the landscape is dominated by the indulgences of solo artists. In 2012, the individual is king: Prevailing ideals favor the flawed heroism of artiste-godhead types (Kanye, Gaga, Beyoncé, et al.) over bands, groups, or other power-sharing configurations. Jagger may still be strutting his stuff, but only while backed up by lesser names, far from where a Keith Richards or Charlie Watts could threaten his spotlight. The slight return of rap posses like Black Hippy and boy bands like One Direction are temporary exceptions (the good ones all go solo eventually)... More >>>