I was heavily involved in music growing up. I played the flute/piccolo, dabbled with piano and trumpet, and sang in chorus. Instead of listening to the sounds of the 90’s, I worshiped the pioneers of rock n’ roll. I frequented Broadway musicals and performed in a dance routine in my high school’s talent show.
Thus, my shocking revelation: I am not a music lover. I believe that I immersed myself in musical programs to feed my compulsive need for achievement.
I am not knocking musicians or music in general. Having experienced what it’s like to play and write music, I appreciate the talent that most musicians possess. I think that a musical background is a positive influence on children and that it enhances certain aspects of their knowledge and personality.
With that being said, here are some thoughts I have about today’s music:
*I do not like going to concerts unless it’s a concert that features a “legend.”
Legends I have seen: David Gilmore, Lou Reed, Pete Townsend
Musicians whom I consider to be a legend: Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, Bob Dylan
*I am conflicted as to whether Madonna is a musician or not, however I consider her to be a legend.
*Britney Spears is neither a musician nor a legend. I will admit that some of her “tunes” are catchy.
*I do not gain anything from listening to an album cover-to-cover. When I say that I like a song, and someone responds with, “That’s a great album,” consider the meaningful part of the conversation over.
*After listening to Bob Dylan at a very young age, I was thoroughly convinced that there was something mentally wrong with him.
*Over past five years, songs that are included in the rock/alternative genre sound painfully alike. The same goes for hip hop and R&B.
In conclusion: Was I/Am I living a lie or just getting old? Let’s find out in 10 years.
5 comments:
Dylan IS a legend & i wish i could see him in concert. and agreed, I like songs not albums or artists even. mix tapes, it's all about mixed tapes ;-)
Glad to see you're blogging again Liz!
Now to comment...
Funny, when people say things like "I like songs, not albums" I consider the meaningful part of the conversation over. Personally, I think you're not listening to the good music out there (mostly indie), but it is a matter of opinion. You have every right to not be into music, but it seems like you think nothing good is being created right now. This isn't true. There is a ton of great music out there but it seldom gets recognized because pop has run wild and people seldom pay attention to anything that requires a bit of work. I can easily turn on the radio and listen to the same simplistic tune five times a day till it's burned into my mind and I'm forced to say I like it. But I prefer to hunt down the artists that don't get mainstream play and appriciate their efforts. And to me, the best artists are the ones that still create albums. Albums with a flow, a theme, an idea.
I've been told that I don't appear to be taking the initiative to find good music. I suppose I could try but if I do not find something that I like, I will most definitely revert back to my stubborn ways of listening to 80's music.
If anyone has suggestions of what to listen to, let me know and I will check it out.
interesting perspective I must say. I've been influenced and dare I say shaped by a lot of the music I listened to in my adolescence. Sadly I have to agree that 'main stream' main street music is woefully lacking and highly processed and fit to a formula.
I've been recently turned onto this guy who does mash ups of these main street rubber stamp songs, with great music. It's called Girl Talk. I highly recommend it, esp if your into music with a beat. Its weird what actually sounds good together, especially after you figure out whats playing with what.
Thanks, Ken. I will check them out and let you know what I think.
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