Today's Music.

shimric · 11-17-2008, 02:09 AM

Often I have asked myself- what happened to good music? Why is music in general today so utterly revolting, and downright embarrassing compared to what has been in the past? How could something that was once so good and refined, degenerate into what it has now become, and why has nothing been done? I have been told before that I was simply born in the wrong generation, and that it’s all a matter of taste and preference, and I have considered this, and decided that there must be more to it.
I decided that I needed an answer to these questions, and the senior project presented me with an opportunity to do so. But what is the best way to go about this, I asked myself. Certainly questions of this magnitude could not be easy to unravel, nor could I likely find the answers to them by any traditional “research paper” means- e.g. trolling the mass of information on the internet, cornering myself in some stuffy college library, and so on. Being that I am experienced with music only in listening to it and playing it, I decided that I would have to get an expert opinion on the matter, and if I wanted to truly do justice to the questions at hand, I would need outlooks from various experts in multiple positions throughout the industry.
I created a short series of questions relating to this subject, and sent them to a number of music wonks in different areas of the music field; DJ’s, music editors, radio station program directors, music critics, and other various music journalists. When the results were in there seemed to be a few theories as to why music quality had so degenerated, but there was absolute unanimous agreement that music had in fact not only lost its luster over the last 30 or so years, but had deteriorated almost beyond recognition in the area of artistic development, and had entirely lost its staying power. There was not total agreement however when it came to the cause of this downfall. One particular theory was summed up well by Sean Spillane who wrote:
I think it’s harder for artists affiliated with major record labels to keep artistic integrity than it has been in the past. Years ago, labels would allow artists to grow and take chances and would stick by someone it has invested time and money in. Nowadays, companies are just as likely to be impatient and cut an artist loose if the artist tries something that may not be as commercial as the label would like.
This is certainly an element to what has happened to music. Where is the wild inventiveness and bold experimentalism that embodied such bands as Pink Floyd? Why has no modern band come close to the soaring crescendos of lunacy found on Wish You Were Here, the towers of sound and cyclones of obsessive fervor on The Wall, or the orgasmic apogee one feels whilst saturated in the momentarily all-encompassing vibrations of ineffable euphoria offered on Eclipse, the final track on Dark Side of the Moon?
Spillane is certainly correct in his analysis. If a band such as Pink Floyd wasn’t given time to develop artistically, perhaps our ears would never be allowed the privilege to tune in to their masterpieces of sound. The solution could not be so simple. It would be easy to lay full blame on the soulless corporate bogeymen of our modern age, bedfellows of the money they so crave, however there are other factors that I believe should be taken into account, and other reasons for the decline in music that were mentioned in the interviews that I read. Technology is also a major player in the music industry, and though there are quite a few benefits to the new wave of technology there are also problems that it causes. As Rick Koster of the New London Day says,
Because of the amazing developments in technology (wherein almost anyone can make relatively inexpensive high quality recordings at home) and the stubborn idiocy of the major record labels (wherein they over the years ceded artistic control to accountants who have no taste or talent), the industry has been revolutionized. In this context, thousands of artists who believe in the integrity of music and their own work are finding ways to get their stuff out there. The problem with this, though, is obvious: if everyone can afford to release music, and being a “rock star” is perhaps more attractive than ever before, there is an astonishing amount of crap out there. It can be very frustrating, from the perspective of a music journalist, to have to wade through the overwhelming amount of mediocre or even awful music – but it’s always a blast to find something great and new.
Again, this is true and accounts for another factor in the decline of music, the burst of technology we have seen. The statement above also sheds further light on the first theory that the industry has become to money driven, and does not give the artists time to grow and prosper. In the 60’s and 70’s many of the major record labels were run by people who were very involved in the music industry, some of whom were musicians themselves. Today, as Koster stated, the control of the companies is left up the accountants and bean counters who care nothing about the artists, but only about the cold hard dollar. The negative effects on the music industry from management like this are clear, and we are seeing them today. Without allowing artists creative freedom, and enough time to grow and age to perfection, as they could in the past, we come out with one hit wonders, and corporately produced groups that have about as much combined talent in them as Jimi Hendrix’s right big pinky toe, if that.
The record industry has prospered in the short run because of cheap tactics like these, but is creating a far worse situation for themselves in the long run. Without sustainable music acts, the industry is going to have to keep churning out the talentless groups and one hit wonders that they have begun to produce, and will have no sustainable means of income from people that can continue to sell records decades later such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Who, and so on, because there are no such acts today, and unless great change occurs, there will likely not be such acts ever again. Kevin O’Hare, of the Republican agrees with this sentiment. When asked “Do you think musicians today have the staying power of previous generations of musicians?” He replied:

Overall, definitely no. If you look at the acts that are still filling some of the largest venues, a vast number are older acts that built a career around more than one or two hits. Look at all the nights Billy Joel has sold out the Mohegan Sun! He hasn’t put out an album in 15 years but he could live off his massive backlog of hits for years. The Police, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers, Santana, Prince, Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Wonder, etc., etc. are examples of stars from the past still doing tremendously well in this market. Who’s going to fill vast arenas in 20 years? For the most part we’ve seen a parade of one or two-hit wonders rise to stardom and crash in burn because the music industry has not been intent upon building the careers of these artists they’ve been far more intent on cashing in as quickly as possible and now they are paying a price.
This response confirmed my fears about the record industry, and the lack of integrity within it. The result has been the same from all of the interviews that I have conducted. There is a major problem with the misuse of technology in the industry, but far worse of a problem in the ethics and motives of the decision makers of the record companies.
Another issue lies with the fans, and consumers of music. The fact is that despite all that is wrong with the industry, the people are at fault as well. People continue to consume the trash that they are handed by the record companies. In order to enact change, people need to stop being ok with bad music. There needs to be a revolution against the music of today, or music will never again be what it was. The main problem as I see it lies with the parents. Children are constantly being exposed to crappy music, without knowing how bad it really is. They are left on their own to try and find music, and unless by some chance they are exposed to quality music, will never know what they are missing. Some parents even encourage this filthy behavior by doing such things as watching American Idol with their children. Such an act of child abuse leaves me shocked and chagrined. If a parent were to send their child to a prostitute, the child would be taken away, and brought to a more responsible family, and rightfully so. But when a parent exposes their child to the musical equivalent, the brutish and barbaric ritual dubbed American Idol, it is looked upon as family time. Just as the Romans had the Coliseum, we have American Idol with its screaming mindless masses of fans under the spell of mob mentality. This is a classic example of irresponsible and neglectful parenting. Parents who want the best for their child must take it upon themselves to teach their children right and wrong. This goes for every aspect of the child’s life, including music. Of course in the end, the decision must ultimately be the child’s, however without exposure to quality, genuine music, in our corporate controlled culture of advertising and media buys, young impressionable children will undoubtedly fall victim to the Satan that is modern day mainstream music. Rick Koster put it well when he said
I also think – codger that I am – that younger listeners don’t actually know what’s “good.” That sounds weird, but they’re exposed to so much crap without any context that they don’t actually have taste. This partially explains the substantial resurgence in classic rock bands among teenagers and college bands: someone (parent, older brother, whomever) plays them a Led Zeppelin or a Doors or a Beatles ect....

Found on yahoo answers.

= win

TomsMR2 · 11-17-2008, 02:42 AM

theres lots of good music. its just not popular.

.. and led zepplin sucks. yup i said it.

conor · 11-17-2008, 04:10 AM

^^^ That.

I also believe that you, like most people, are suffering from "It was better when I was a kid" Syndrome

Hellstorm · 11-17-2008, 04:54 AM

not reading all that.

PHOENIX · 11-17-2008, 07:39 AM

Cliff notes?

Mister2.2 · 11-17-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHOENIX

Cliff notes?

???

shimric · 11-17-2008, 09:40 AM

I didn't read it either. Only made it through the first paragraph. I assumed it would be an awesome read so I posted it...

Servin · 11-17-2008, 10:43 AM

I guess Im the only one who read it all? I also dislike Pink Floyd its just not my style.

lsgheero · 11-17-2008, 11:07 AM

I like the old stuff, and it is mostly a preference this just like genre's some peeps like country others like rock, some like rap some like jazz, etc.

I will agree that there used to be more design in alot of the older rock bands tho compared to todays stuff.

But I like them both just depends on my mood. Altho nothing beats some good ole iron maiden lol :P

Ghost Ridah · 11-17-2008, 11:25 AM

If any of you actually read the whole thing, it is a good read analyzing why there is so much crap in music. If those of us here that are parents expose our children to good music from the good days when they are young, we can begin this healing process.

American Idol is ****. This BS single serving crap pop song garbage is terrible. In my house, music is always playing, on the biggest shuffle you can imagine, classical, reggae, country, rock, hip hop, blues, punk, techno, opera, you name it, it gets played in our house; except the crap that the entities that be out there are trying to shovel at us. I don't pay for a single album EVER! I go to concerts and support the artists I feel deserve my support.

shimric · 11-17-2008, 02:15 PM

The first and only CD I ever bought in my entire life was 2 weeks ago. Tool: Lateralus.

Hellstorm · 11-17-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Servin

I guess Im the only one who read it all? I also dislike Pink Floyd its just not my style.

I think Pink Floyd was my first favorite band. I found a little book my dad had when i was little. It was about pink floyd. It had all the illustrations and lyrics to the WALL album. I memorized all the songs b4 I even heard them.

Ghost Ridah · 11-17-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimric

The first and only CD I ever bought in my entire life was 2 weeks ago. Tool: Lateralus.

That's a very good choice if you're going to buy a CD.

Smersk86 · 11-17-2008, 04:23 PM

eckoman_pdx · 11-17-2008, 07:11 PM

I actually read it all, though it has a pain due to the lack of spacing between paragraphs.

Overall, I thought it was a good look into what has happened to music and why it sucks. I'll long theorized that the record labels, aka "corporations," were the case. This seemed to agree. They care more about churning out crap for a mob mentality than real music.

Whether it be Rap, Rock or something else, most music is a shell of what it was. It's all mindless corporate commercialize crap. All they care about is a decent beat, then they fill it with garage.

To find anything decent, you have to sift through the private and independent label releases to find something. I personally liked Rap growing up (I probably shouldn't have been listening to NWA at that age, hahah). The only 2 CD's I've bought in the last several years where Ice Cube's 2 releases, "Laugh Now, Cry Later" and "Raw Footage."

Not surprisingly, he's on his own private label. There's no way corporate labels would let him release him music. His lyrics stir up way to much. Much better for them is the mindless crap and garage 50 cent puts out.

I think it's the same with Rock. Even Country is beginning to go that way. All commercialize. My wife's mother is a big fan, and I've noticed over the years it's slowly selling out, same as rock and rap. I wish Corporate America would pull there head out of their ass. I for over only buy CD's if the music is good. Which means I don't buy much. Maybe if the mobs shared this mentality, we'd get better music. After all, they won't put out crap if no one will buy it.

bean · 11-17-2008, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimric

The first and only CD I ever bought in my entire life was 2 weeks ago. Tool: Lateralus.

My last was 10,000 days. I'm worried that my one good Lateralus (other damaged) is missing though....

TomsMR2 · 11-17-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eckoman_pdx

Overall, I thought it was a good look into what has happened to music and why it sucks. I'll long the

11-17-2008, 02:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
shimric Ruler of OT Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 1,236 Thanks: 35 Thanked 40 Times in 34 Posts Blog Entries: 1 iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Today's Music. Often I have asked myself- what happened to good music? Why is music in general today so utterly revolting, and downright embarrassing compared to what has been in the past? How could something that was once so good and refined, degenerate into what it has now become, and why has nothing been done? I have been told before that I was simply born in the wrong generation, and that it’s all a matter of taste and preference, and I have considered this, and decided that there must be more to it. I decided that I needed an answer to these questions, and the senior project presented me with an opportunity to do so. But what is the best way to go about this, I asked myself. Certainly questions of this magnitude could not be easy to unravel, nor could I likely find the answers to them by any traditional “research paper” means- e.g. trolling the mass of information on the internet, cornering myself in some stuffy college library, and so on. Being that I am experienced with music only in listening to it and playing it, I decided that I would have to get an expert opinion on the matter, and if I wanted to truly do justice to the questions at hand, I would need outlooks from various experts in multiple positions throughout the industry. I created a short series of questions relating to this subject, and sent them to a number of music wonks in different areas of the music field; DJ’s, music editors, radio station program directors, music critics, and other various music journalists. When the results were in there seemed to be a few theories as to why music quality had so degenerated, but there was absolute unanimous agreement that music had in fact not only lost its luster over the last 30 or so years, but had deteriorated almost beyond recognition in the area of artistic development, and had entirely lost its staying power. There was not total agreement however when it came to the cause of this downfall. One particular theory was summed up well by Sean Spillane who wrote: I think it’s harder for artists affiliated with major record labels to keep artistic integrity than it has been in the past. Years ago, labels would allow artists to grow and take chances and would stick by someone it has invested time and money in. Nowadays, companies are just as likely to be impatient and cut an artist loose if the artist tries something that may not be as commercial as the label would like. This is certainly an element to what has happened to music. Where is the wild inventiveness and bold experimentalism that embodied such bands as Pink Floyd? Why has no modern band come close to the soaring crescendos of lunacy found on Wish You Were Here, the towers of sound and cyclones of obsessive fervor on The Wall, or the orgasmic apogee one feels whilst saturated in the momentarily all-encompassing vibrations of ineffable euphoria offered on Eclipse, the final track on Dark Side of the Moon? Spillane is certainly correct in his analysis. If a band such as Pink Floyd wasn’t given time to develop artistically, perhaps our ears would never be allowed the privilege to tune in to their masterpieces of sound. The solution could not be so simple. It would be easy to lay full blame on the soulless corporate bogeymen of our modern age, bedfellows of the money they so crave, however there are other factors that I believe should be taken into account, and other reasons for the decline in music that were mentioned in the interviews that I read. Technology is also a major player in the music industry, and though there are quite a few benefits to the new wave of technology there are also problems that it causes. As Rick Koster of the New London Day says, Because of the amazing developments in technology (wherein almost anyone can make relatively inexpensive high quality recordings at home) and the stubborn idiocy of the major record labels (wherein they over the years ceded artistic control to accountants who have no taste or talent), the industry has been revolutionized. In this context, thousands of artists who believe in the integrity of music and their own work are finding ways to get their stuff out there. The problem with this, though, is obvious: if everyone can afford to release music, and being a “rock star” is perhaps more attractive than ever before, there is an astonishing amount of crap out there. It can be very frustrating, from the perspective of a music journalist, to have to wade through the overwhelming amount of mediocre or even awful music – but it’s always a blast to find something great and new. Again, this is true and accounts for another factor in the decline of music, the burst of technology we have seen. The statement above also sheds further light on the first theory that the industry has become to money driven, and does not give the artists time to grow and prosper. In the 60’s and 70’s many of the major record labels were run by people who were very involved in the music industry, some of whom were musicians themselves. Today, as Koster stated, the control of the companies is left up the accountants and bean counters who care nothing about the artists, but only about the cold hard dollar. The negative effects on the music industry from management like this are clear, and we are seeing them today. Without allowing artists creative freedom, and enough time to grow and age to perfection, as they could in the past, we come out with one hit wonders, and corporately produced groups that have about as much combined talent in them as Jimi Hendrix’s right big pinky toe, if that. The record industry has prospered in the short run because of cheap tactics like these, but is creating a far worse situation for themselves in the long run. Without sustainable music acts, the industry is going to have to keep churning out the talentless groups and one hit wonders that they have begun to produce, and will have no sustainable means of income from people that can continue to sell records decades later such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Who, and so on, because there are no such acts today, and unless great change occurs, there will likely not be such acts ever again. Kevin O’Hare, of the Republican agrees with this sentiment. When asked “Do you think musicians today have the staying power of previous generations of musicians?” He replied: Overall, definitely no. If you look at the acts that are still filling some of the largest venues, a vast number are older acts that built a career around more than one or two hits. Look at all the nights Billy Joel has sold out the Mohegan Sun! He hasn’t put out an album in 15 years but he could live off his massive backlog of hits for years. The Police, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers, Santana, Prince, Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Wonder, etc., etc. are examples of stars from the past still doing tremendously well in this market. Who’s going to fill vast arenas in 20 years? For the most part we’ve seen a parade of one or two-hit wonders rise to stardom and crash in burn because the music industry has not been intent upon building the careers of these artists they’ve been far more intent on cashing in as quickly as possible and now they are paying a price. This response confirmed my fears about the record industry, and the lack of integrity within it. The result has been the same from all of the interviews that I have conducted. There is a major problem with the misuse of technology in the industry, but far worse of a problem in the ethics and motives of the decision makers of the record companies. Another issue lies with the fans, and consumers of music. The fact is that despite all that is wrong with the industry, the people are at fault as well. People continue to consume the trash that they are handed by the record companies. In order to enact change, people need to stop being ok with bad music. There needs to be a revolution against the music of today, or music will never again be what it was. The main problem as I see it lies with the parents. Children are constantly being exposed to crappy music, without knowing how bad it really is. They are left on their own to try and find music, and unless by some chance they are exposed to quality music, will never know what they are missing. Some parents even encourage this filthy behavior by doing such things as watching American Idol with their children. Such an act of child abuse leaves me shocked and chagrined. If a parent were to send their child to a prostitute, the child would be taken away, and brought to a more responsible family, and rightfully so. But when a parent exposes their child to the musical equivalent, the brutish and barbaric ritual dubbed American Idol, it is looked upon as family time. Just as the Romans had the Coliseum, we have American Idol with its screaming mindless masses of fans under the spell of mob mentality. This is a classic example of irresponsible and neglectful parenting. Parents who want the best for their child must take it upon themselves to teach their children right and wrong. This goes for every aspect of the child’s life, including music. Of course in the end, the decision must ultimately be the child’s, however without exposure to quality, genuine music, in our corporate controlled culture of advertising and media buys, young impressionable children will undoubtedly fall victim to the Satan that is modern day mainstream music. Rick Koster put it well when he said I also think – codger that I am – that younger listeners don’t actually know what’s “good.” That sounds weird, but they’re exposed to so much crap without any context that they don’t actually have taste. This partially explains the substantial resurgence in classic rock bands among teenagers and college bands: someone (parent, older brother, whomever) plays them a Led Zeppelin or a Doors or a Beatles ect.... Found on yahoo answers. = win

11-17-2008, 07:39 AM	#5 (permalink)
PHOENIX Beams Owners Group Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Japan --> U.S. Posts: 7,337 Thanks: 74 Thanked 221 Times in 166 Posts Blog Entries: 1 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (41/100% )	Cliff notes? __________________ Moving to Eureka, California March 2009 I am currently in the process of moving to the states. My time online will be limited and spiratic over the next month till around the 3rd week of January.

11-17-2008, 02:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
TomsMR2 Formerly Tom Brokaw Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area Posts: 2,138 Thanks: 8 Thanked 165 Times in 138 Posts Blog Entries: 1 iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	theres lots of good music. its just not popular. .. and led zepplin sucks. yup i said it.

11-17-2008, 04:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
conor Dead From Bad Intentions Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 858 Thanks: 19 Thanked 22 Times in 21 Posts Blog Entries: 2 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	^^^ That. I also believe that you, like most people, are suffering from "It was better when I was a kid" Syndrome

11-17-2008, 04:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
Hellstorm I Bet I Can Break It. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: The Woodlands, Texas Posts: 723 Thanks: 11 Thanked 7 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	not reading all that.

11-17-2008, 09:40 AM	#7 (permalink)
shimric Ruler of OT Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 1,236 Thanks: 35 Thanked 40 Times in 34 Posts Blog Entries: 1 iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I didn't read it either. Only made it through the first paragraph. I assumed it would be an awesome read so I posted it...

11-17-2008, 10:43 AM	#8 (permalink)
Servin Cage Fighter Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 446 Thanks: 8 Thanked 26 Times in 20 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	I guess Im the only one who read it all? I also dislike Pink Floyd its just not my style.

11-17-2008, 11:07 AM	#9 (permalink)
lsgheero RAR! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 450 Thanks: 7 Thanked 22 Times in 22 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I like the old stuff, and it is mostly a preference this just like genre's some peeps like country others like rock, some like rap some like jazz, etc. I will agree that there used to be more design in alot of the older rock bands tho compared to todays stuff. But I like them both just depends on my mood. Altho nothing beats some good ole iron maiden lol :P

11-17-2008, 11:25 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ghost Ridah The Diet Coke of Skills Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 123 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	If any of you actually read the whole thing, it is a good read analyzing why there is so much crap in music. If those of us here that are parents expose our children to good music from the good days when they are young, we can begin this healing process. American Idol is ****. This BS single serving crap pop song garbage is terrible. In my house, music is always playing, on the biggest shuffle you can imagine, classical, reggae, country, rock, hip hop, blues, punk, techno, opera, you name it, it gets played in our house; except the crap that the entities that be out there are trying to shovel at us. I don't pay for a single album EVER! I go to concerts and support the artists I feel deserve my support.

11-17-2008, 02:15 PM	#11 (permalink)
shimric Ruler of OT Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 1,236 Thanks: 35 Thanked 40 Times in 34 Posts Blog Entries: 1 iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	The first and only CD I ever bought in my entire life was 2 weeks ago. Tool: Lateralus.

11-17-2008, 04:23 PM	#14 (permalink)
Smersk86 Party time? Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )

11-17-2008, 07:11 PM	#15 (permalink)
eckoman_pdx Custom Car Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,036 Thanks: 28 Thanked 56 Times in 47 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I actually read it all, though it has a pain due to the lack of spacing between paragraphs. Overall, I thought it was a good look into what has happened to music and why it sucks. I'll long theorized that the record labels, aka "corporations," were the case. This seemed to agree. They care more about churning out crap for a mob mentality than real music. Whether it be Rap, Rock or something else, most music is a shell of what it was. It's all mindless corporate commercialize crap. All they care about is a decent beat, then they fill it with garage. To find anything decent, you have to sift through the private and independent label releases to find something. I personally liked Rap growing up (I probably shouldn't have been listening to NWA at that age, hahah). The only 2 CD's I've bought in the last several years where Ice Cube's 2 releases, "Laugh Now, Cry Later" and "Raw Footage." Not surprisingly, he's on his own private label. There's no way corporate labels would let him release him music. His lyrics stir up way to much. Much better for them is the mindless crap and garage 50 cent puts out. I think it's the same with Rock. Even Country is beginning to go that way. All commercialize. My wife's mother is a big fan, and I've noticed over the years it's slowly selling out, same as rock and rap. I wish Corporate America would pull there head out of their ass. I for over only buy CD's if the music is good. Which means I don't buy much. Maybe if the mobs shared this mentality, we'd get better music. After all, they won't put out crap if no one will buy it.