"The fact that you might not have the tenacity, balls, talent or will power has nothing to do with it. "
That's usually what it takes! |
" It's not a surprise for me where there's almost no school that even introduces what is music to children."
My daughter goes to a decent public middle school and has been learning violin there for 2 years. She's no Heifetz yet, but certainly getting a great introduction. Other than that, what kids hear or experience musically is another story, but not much different than when I was a kid her age 40 years ago. |
Classical music is still fairly popular in Austria I've been told, at least as reflected in the cost of attending preimier events in premier venues there.
The traditional "arts" including classical music still have a strong core going in cities like NY, Boston, and even Baltimore, near where I live. It'll never be "popular" music though. THat will always be a different breed. |
Music is more diverse and more available then ever these days. As a whole, it mostly sounds pretty darn good these days to me as well, though not always perfect.
Like John Harbough likes to say, "Who's got it better than us?". |
Wealthy because beautiful, talented and likable as well it would seem.
Not to mention multi-racial appeal and a catchy name.
Beyonce', the perfect storm? |
"And, let's face it, her SuperBowl performance was eminently forgettable."
Yes, but aren't they all?
Its more about being as over the top as possible without breaking any social taboos. A big name star is required.
I'm a big Stones and Who fan, and can tolerate MJ and Madonna, but their appearances were all forgettable as well other than the fact they occurred at Super Bowl halftime. Its a football game and spectacle, not a music conservatory! |
"R U surprised that we now live in a world of less than mediocrity.."
The world on average is mediocre pretty much by definition.
Luckily, there are still plenty of exceptions to keep things moving forward.
Learn to ignore the mass media and much of what politicians and corporations say for mass consumption and find your own sources of whatever turns you on. That's the key. |
"There's no artistic ability with gangbanging and cop killing plus having it crammed down our throats in TV commercials, advertisements, sports events and radio stations. Rock music never did this..."
No but the point is the parents of teh rock generation felt pretty much the same way about rock music as oldsters today tend to about current pop culture. Pop culture is for youths, not for old farts.
Somehow I survived the rock era. There were just as many bad influences to overcome back then as today I would say. The big difference is these days with internet, social media and such, everyone is probably more aware than ever of what those unlike them are doing. I think that is probably a good development compared to the past where it was much easier to live in the dark ages.
I was in the gym the other day working out in the boxing room. There was one other much younger fellow (caucasian) in there. HE had some RAP/Hip Hop music playing over the sound system off his IPOD as he was working the heavy bag. Seemed like a nice kid, but the lyrical content of what he was playing was way out there. I do not offend easily and have heard a lot of similar music, but this set a new milestone for crudeness by far over most anything else I have ever heard. I suspect only a select few young or old, could listen to that and not react negatively. It was the lyrical equivalent of a raw porn movie set to music and I am not exaggerating! How popular will that be in another 10 years? I'm sure something even more out there will take its place. |
Everyone has a chip on their shoulder I suppose.
Its big business!
Most learn to deal with it better with age, but I suspect even then it is always there, pretty much without exception. |
Next time I go into the boxing room to work the heavy bag, I think I will play some Mozart and see if that can get me going like some good AC/DC. |
Schubert you have a point there.
I'm a fan of the philosophy of yin and yang though. Gotta deal with both the dark and light sides of life to get by. |
Some might make the argument that no music since is the equal of Bach's.
I think there is some validity to that argument. |
" but there is ZERO dicernable talent involved in pop music"
musical talent need only be solid and not outstanding to be successful in pop music. There are other kinds of talents involved as well that go into making someone appealing to the masses, which is what pop culture is all about, along with the $$$s that go along with it. |
