What would happen if Wilco suddenly became really popular? Then what would you do??? :)

This is an excellent question. Let's take for example Coldplay. Other than "Yellow", their first album Parachutes was not particularly popular. I thought it was pretty damn good, and was anxiously awaiting their second album (A Rush of Blood to the Head).

Well, they released that and became really popular, through songs like "Clocks" and the wretched "The Scientist." Now I like them much less, but I think they became more popular by writing crappier songs.

Thus, popularity seems inextricably linked to crappy music.

All the same, I've wondered this before. To re-state: would I like my favorite bands as much if they still wrote similar quality music but became really popular? Sometimes I think probably not. It's sad, but certainly possible that I may subconsciously aim my likes toward less-popular things.

Fair enough. I think it's natural to like to be one of a few people who knows about something that you think is cool. Exclusivity can be a satisfying feeling. :)