I never understood the low art/high art distinction.
I'm not excited when bands strip things down. I'm not excited by the White Stripes.
There's so much to be said for making your guitar sound like a synthesizer and try to make your drummer sound like a drum machine.
Patriotism is a joke in the UK.
You can't help hearing things that are popular when you're young and impressionable.
You want to reach people on a real level and have a fan base that understands you.