OK now I can honestly say that I really don't get today's music. The other night I watched a good portion of the MTV VMA's (Video Music Awards). One of my first thoughts as I watched this was, "who the hell are all of these people?" Now maybe it's because I don't have kids or maybe it's just because I'm old, but I find that year after year I drift further and further out of touch with what's happening in today's music. Now don't get me wrong, there are several current groups and artists that I really do like (Ozomatli, Poncho Sanchez and Joshua Redman to name a few) but most of the music I hear today is just not very good at all (to me). There seems to be more importance placed nowadays on the visual look of the artist and the stage show than the real content of the music. I must admit that I had no idea who Lady Gaga (see pic) was before this show and watched as she performed and smeared blood all over her face and body. Ewww! Also, Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez looked seriously out of place sitting in the front row amongst all of the very young musical "artists". Now I really doubt that years from now people are going to look back and say "Wow, 2009 was sure a great year for music, wasn't it?" I think not!
Actually, I think there are three reasons why you don't get/like most of today's music. (They also apply to me.)
ReplyDelete1) Yes, age plays a part.
2) You have a musical education/background.
3) It is genuine, unadulterated crap geared only to make $$$$$CASH MONEY!
Because of #2, you can spot #3.
One of the saddest things about today's school system is that there is very little music education being offered. The net result is that the schools are producing people who have no idea what music is, whether it is jazz, classical, blues, country etc. They think that it requires no skill or training. That's why everyone thinks that they are a rapper or can be the next American Idol.
There is no knowledge in today's world of the patience and discipline it takes to master an instrument. It's much more gratifying to 'sample' someone else's hard work. Besides, why play a real instrument when there is always Guitar Hero! (Yes, I've become an angry old man....)
Very well said and I agree 100%. Yes, I sense a lot of hostility here.
ReplyDeleteI am not that old and agree too!
ReplyDelete