It seems like no matter the style of music, people will always say "old XXX > new XXX!" I know everyone will argue that they sold out their style, that they were more original before, that they changed for the masses, etc. Could it just be though, that the feeling of exclusivity plays a part? "I know a good band that no one knows! " [1 year later and the band gets airplay] "That [same] band sucks! Buncha sellouts!"

Which leads me to the question, can anyone think of a band that got better after becoming popular?