As I sit here, lipsynching to Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb," I am struck by the completely unintelligent, unoriginal, unimportant, forgettable music of this generation.
My peers bombard me with claims of Lil' Wayne's "genius," how "hot" the Jonas Brothers are [apparently there is a direct relationship between attractiveness and talent? who knew.], and how "great" Britney Spears' newest single is. Sure, there needs to be a healthy amount of music with a great beat, otherwise clubs and proms everywhere would be out of business. And I admit, there is a small dose of this "pop" music on my iPod, because man, can it get me moving. It provides a strong pace for my workouts, without trying to convey complex ideas about war, poverty, or current issues.
Can this really be it though? There is so much material in our modern world to use. Iraq, Afghanistan, the economic crisis, a historical presidential election, poverty, the environment. And that's just barely scratching the surface of real-world issues that can be tackled. Instead we have an ocean of new artists, who hit it big with one "hot" single, ride the wave to shore, then are pulled back into obscurity. Musically, no one is breaking new ground. We have nothing to define our times with. And it's not just "pop" music. My dear rock n' roll is in the same plight. I can count on one hand how many "new" bands I think are really talented. And even they are no match for my classic rock heroes. My parents grew up with The Beatles, Stones, Doors, Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Bowie, AC/DC, Dylan, CSNY, Police... I really could keep going all day. Where are the pioneering rap and hip hop artists, that spoke about the hard times they came from or the world around them? These artists' music was enduring. It was universal. It spoke to everyone, and it was important, whether musically, lyrically,.or both. That list is endless. But what about ours? Everything I hear can fit into either the "boy pines for girl/gets heart broken/no one understands how awful life is/or pimpin's the way to go" categories. Where's the social commentary? Where's the protest music and [anti]war anthems? I really do feel like looking back, there will be absolutely no one representing our present. No one will be listening to our music; we hardly listen to our own once we get tired of it after about a week.
I don't know how we got to this place. I don't know why. But it needs to change.
Now if you don't mind, the magical mystery tour is coming to take me away.
I absolutely agree. Someone I know tried to convince me to listen to the rap they listen to, because it "reflects the true happenings of today". Sure, the social scene of sex, drugs and money that applies to virtually no one. Thats why I started listening to the music my parents grew up with and indie bands. They may not be mainstream, but their lyrics are stronger and represent a more modern message, or at least a message most people can still relate to.
I'm gonna guess you only know mainstream rap. I don't know how you have the power to know what most people can relate to. And what are strong lyrics? and what is a more modern message? and what rappers are you talking about?
Leave Canada, please - Canadian Dude
Not all rap is terrible. I have some decent rap on my iPod. However, the mainstream music is getting the undeserved attention. I suppose it's because people don't want to dance to a song that is speaking about something serious.
______
"Qui plume a, guerre a."
-Voltaire
I think the problem is that too many people are used to the radio stations giving them good music, and now that stations aren't doing that, people think there is no good music anymore. Maybe you have to find the music, like people did before there was radio or television. Surf the web, MySpace, YouTube. I listen to lots of current music, and none of it is Lil Wayne, Jonas Brothers, Britney or any of that indie crap.
Leave Canada, please - Canadian Dude
we as a generation have no musical... definition. You could define the 60s-80s musically. Sure there's some really great artists out there now. I spend way too much homework time finding/listening to them. (: However, many of my peers label the mainstreamers with no talent as revolutionary geniuses with incredible music because finding "good" music takes effort.
______
"Qui plume a, guerre a."
-Voltaire
However, many of my peers label the mainstreamers with no talent as revolutionary geniuses with incredible music because finding "good" music takes effort.
Some of mine too. And now "indie" music has become mainstream so lots of people think they are listening to something really deep. No offense to anyone who does listen to indie music, but I take issue with something being labeled indie just because it sounds that way (even though the band may be on a big label).
I've spent the past hour rocking out to the Donnas and now I'm deaf.
Leave Canada, please - Canadian Dude
The term "Indie" is used much too liberally.
Were you using an mp3 player? Because you've just proved the recent study that we're all going to be deaf because of these evil devices. :D
I've been having crazy cravings for Bright Eyes/Lupe Fiasco/Arcade Fire/Tupac all day. It's a weird combo to listen to.
______
"Qui plume a, guerre a."
-Voltaire
I started doing research and found many songs about iraq and other issues. Check out Flipsyde someday and Happy Birthday. Someday is about Someday you can have the strength to rise above your weaknesses. Happy birthday by Flipsyde is about abortion and how the guy feels about what happened. This group is pretty good I must say because they incorporate guitar, rap, and singing in there songs. It is some what like rock/rap. All I used to listen to was rap when I was a teen then I switched to rock because it had deeper emotion. By the way I also like Billy squier. If you look at my profile you will see how diverse my music is.
System of a down for example has the song BYOB and it is about how the government is screwed up one line for example: " Why don't president's fight in the war why do they always send the poor?" Alot of their songs have good meaning to them. Aerials talks about UFO's.
Another song by 4thand25th I believe they either are or once were soliders in iraq have a song called matter of time. You should check that out also.
I miss the old rap I used to grow up listening to and the rock. I listen to all the ones you listed in your blog.
Also smile empty soul (not that they are a break through but I still like them) Have the song this is war it is also about iraq. And now since someone put together a video of 9/11 with the song wake me up when september ends (although I don't really care for the band too much) I now associate that song with september 11th not a meaningless love song. Also I hate to admit this because mostly everyone hates eminem, but most of his songs have alot of emotion and are about struggles.
Maybe this helped, but you should do some research to find at least better than you actually have right now. I understand your frustration though, I am also annoyed.
http://www.progressiveu.org/043043-mom-i-can-finally-write-you-letter
Sorry to disappoint you, but I am voting for Lewis Black.
DrifterDani~
I'll definitely look into some of the artists you mentioned. I do have some SOAD songs, including BYOB. Also, I agree about Eminem. I actually really enjoy some of his work, it feels very raw and personal, and I like that. It's just a bit sad that one actually has to do research in order to find great artists. Oh well.
______
"Qui plume a, guerre a."
-Voltaire
I do not understand this music obsession this generation has. People are literally are addictive to the newest indie bands, rock and pop bands. When i hang around groups of people usually the only thing they have to talk about is music. It sickens me.
If you want to hear stuff about social issues, environmental issues, and international problems then just talk about them ( there is nothing muscial about these serious issues)
Get your earphones out of your ear and start listening to the news and reading articles on the issues instead waiting for a band to sing it to you in a nice tone.
Today's music is a by-product of society's willingness to aviod real problems. The problem is not the music, but our culture.
what has happen to our culture. why do we aviod the real problems?
It's part of our culture, and I don't think it'll ever go away. Since it is so incredibly prevalent in society, shouldn't at least some of it be tackling issues in an artful and personal way?
______
"Qui plume a, guerre a."
-Voltaire
It will and does happen, but i believe it takes the essence out of the problem. It is a problem not a song not something musical.
more of the question is why do so many poeple turn to music instead of solving problems?
If the problem can't be fixed then really all you do have to solve the problem is music. I can't raise my mom from the dead so the only thing is music. There are alot of things that some people just can't solve and music can inspire and fill in that void. I do understand where you are coming from though. I guess I will just say it is more therapy to enhance some people to solve a problem.
Come to the darkside....we have cookies ;)
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/50086-%E2%80%9Ctaxi-darkside%E2%80%9D-u...