The major reason's for the decline of music quality is poor education in the school systems. Back in the 60's and early 70's High School Students were required to take Music education classes which taught music theory and the history of music such as jazz and classical. When the AFL-CIO unionized the school teachers in the late 70's they lowered the standard's making it easier for low quailty teacher's to obtain their teacher's certificates. Art and music classes are just about non existent nowadays in the school's resulting in lack of knowledge and the importance of music to the current generation of students. Asia, Europe and Canada still maintain their high education standards which is why high end audio and music awareness is stronger in those countrie's than in the states. The result is mediocre talent shows on TV as well as poor recording artists with major labels. Justin Bieber is a prime example of the garbage coming out of the current music industry. Their is still some damn good rock band's around today but not on the same scale as thirty or more years ago.
Why does most new music suck?
Ok I will have some exclusions to my statement. I'm not talking about classical or jazz. My comment is mostly pointed to rock and pop releases. Don't even get me started on rap.... I don't consider it music. I will admit that I'm an old foggy but come on, where are some talented new groups? I grew up with the Beatles, Who, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix etc. I sample a lot of new music and the recordings are terrible. The engineers should be fired for producing over compressed shrill garbage. The talent seems to be lost or doesn't exist. I have turned to some folk/country or blues music. It really is a sad state of affairs....Oh my god, I'm turning into my parents.