I would trace the beginning of this slide to the mid to late 70's when music really became a big business, which soon led to music being labeled as "corporate rock" (Journey, REO Speedwagon, etc). For me, the final nail in the coffin was the 2016 SXSW Music Festival.
I had attended SXSW every year from 2002 - 2016. Opening night (Wednesday) always featured unknown and/or unsigned artists. From 2002 - 2015, I always made multiple worthwhile discoveries; but, in 2016 every showcase that I attended on Wednesday featured people (I refuse to use the word "artist") that: 1) Could not write a decent song 2) Could not competently play their instruments 3) Could not competently sing their songs.
@bob540, your post makes many valid points and they reminded me of the following lyrical gems:
A) "The world is turning Disney and there's nothing you can do" - THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH (1996).
B) "I am using you, am I amusing you?" - MARTHA & THE MUFFINS (1983)
I had attended SXSW every year from 2002 - 2016. Opening night (Wednesday) always featured unknown and/or unsigned artists. From 2002 - 2015, I always made multiple worthwhile discoveries; but, in 2016 every showcase that I attended on Wednesday featured people (I refuse to use the word "artist") that: 1) Could not write a decent song 2) Could not competently play their instruments 3) Could not competently sing their songs.
@bob540, your post makes many valid points and they reminded me of the following lyrical gems:
A) "The world is turning Disney and there's nothing you can do" - THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH (1996).
B) "I am using you, am I amusing you?" - MARTHA & THE MUFFINS (1983)