I stopped buying NME when I was in my early 20s, about 6 or 7 years ago. Then I started buying it again about 6 months ago for the crossword and because I find it interesting to watch it's downfall/transition.
The NME pushed bands (whose labels money are basically keeping the mag going) are pushed so desperately and transparently that it's cringeworthy and really funny. Every issue there are 'letters' that are so blatantly fake, praising one or more of these bands - Haim, Palma Violets, Foals, Peace etc.
I find it really funny when someone tries to persuade me that I like something or that I want something. Or even better, when something tries to tell you what you think it itself is. Kind of like how David Brent tries to tell you that he's a 'chilled out entertainer', or a 'motivator' with tell tale darting eyes and a snidey mouth. It's like 'these bands DO matter, and they ARE stars and you know it, cuz I just told you so'.
As their desperation has grown, so has the public's cynicism toward anything that isn't in some way DIY. People's ability to weed out bullshit and read between the lines has increased - especially in music, and the corporate music world has been left standing still.
I guess I also read it because I'm obsessed with Pop culture, and I think it's a really interesting time for music.
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