The popular music of today I cannot seem to connect with. There are some songs that catch my attention but for the most part there is no visceral connection between my solar plexus and my ears.
Years ago I held music in a higher esteem than I do now because today it either lacks the fundamental elements of style, percussion and syncopation because my brain cannot engage with it. I think it’s not about age or time of life because I listened to the most varied music available from industrial, punk rock, adult contemporary to get this country music. I would not be able to classify what is happening now. Hip-hop does not draw me in, for the most part because in my opinion it is not music but rather urban prose. Expression yes, music no. I might draw some fire for that statement but when lyrics that rhyme are put together merely because they rhyme it is not music to me. It’s like an anagram that is spelled first and the words are configured to fit the anagram not the reverse. Take SCUBA for instance it is a word by itself but not many know what it stands for. In that case it just so happened a pronounceable word came about. Today rhyming is from the head not the heart.
I also used to think that in my life as a dancer in the 1980’s that music juxtaposed with dance gave more meaning to some songs over others. I now know that this is not true music comes first and the interpretation of that music dancing came second. It just so happened that I had the venue to give music Dionysian art it so richly deserved.
Musicians like the Stones, Eagles and Led Zeppelin are still active because the money is so attractive and their solo careers have long since sputtered. I am glad they still perform but it lacks the anthem of originality, rebelliousness and the fact that our parents hated it made it attractive as well. To wit music sales are paltry when compared to the 20th century. I also attribute the fact that there is a dearth of musical talent as well. Another statement that might have me assassinated but when hip-hop and country music are the headliners something is seriously missing from the collection. Not that that form of expression does not have its place but it feels like the supporting cast has taken over the starring roles.
Self contained underwater breathing apparatus. And yes there are good and talented musicians out there today.
ReplyDeleteWhat Jagger/Richards, Henley/Frey, Plant/Page have that many of today's so called 'stars' don't have, is something that you didn't get into.
ReplyDeleteThese musicians have integrity. And, I don't mean they are mountains of morality in the fields of substance or fidelity. What I mean is the integrity to know exactly how to achieve musical nirvana.
I placed the ying and yangs of these musical talents together, because not only are they great performers, but they each compliment each other's strengths immaculately well.
Today's artists have really no idea of what talent truly is. I mean, if somebody can jump up on a stage and can't sing a single note (and, yes, I mean the hip-hop), then what's the point. What is the point of saying they are musicians, when they can't even play one instrument or carry a harmonious melody with their voices.
Now, Taylor Swift might not be everyone's cup of coffee (and, to me, I prefer green tea) But, that said, she actually gets up there and plays her guitar and sings the words the best she can.
Sometimes diamonds shine. Sometimes they're just Cubic zirconia.
As one person who enjoys a memorable melody and unforgettable chords, I'll take a diamond any day.
- A Smokin Hot Blonde
“Talent alone cannot make a writer. There must be a man behind the book; a personality which, by birth and quality, is pledged to the doctrines there set forth, and which exists to see and state things so, and not otherwise.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803-1882)
Interesting comment you post by Emerson because Gary Cooper thought the same thing about stardom.
ReplyDeleteWe have similar feelings about the music today. It all seems forced and so forgettable. Thank you for your commentary, smokin hot blonde.