Why does music suck now?

[africantigercow]

I didn`t check the whole thread but basically:












If you are too lazy to look for good music then its your own fault.




music is subjective so if you decide to not like something that is entirely your choice, but i`m personally finding more and more good music that, in my opinion, is getting better and better. i look around a lot though...

[narcoman]

exactamundo.

[logicll]

I think to say "all bands today suck" is to broad.

I think many new musicians have lost the art of practicing there chosen instrument and are lazy.

The core issue is that we now have tools that allow the mass majority of people to sound as good as the true talents of yesteryear. Hence we have more bands witch equals more suckage.

Music has little value these days, how can anybody savour a band when they get a million bands thrown at them a minuet. Do we need to have a thousand songs on an I pod? Do I need a thousand paintings in my house?

[donsolo]

And here's the reason bands don't practice and don't become skilled.

In 1963, the Silvertone 1457L was first sold by the Sears Corporation out of their catalog for $67. This was a beginner guitar and amp in case.

Today, that would be $500 give or take.

In 1963, if you wanted a guitar, you had to mow a LOT of lawns, deliver a LOT of papers and flip a LOT of burgers to earn that guitar and you would be damned if that thing collected dust in your closet.

Now, for $100 you can get a Squier that is reasonably playable (subjective) and as a kid you have to work about a week to get one. Instant gratification. Mommy and daddy buy you one for christmas and they don't break your balls for not practicing because it was cheaper than your PS3.

But not taking the instrument seriously and not spending countless hours in your bedroom practicing isn't going to deter you from starting a band.

And bands get signed for many many reasons (Beyonce gets treated with melodyne heavily by the way, she can't sing THAT good, not compared to Aretha). Sometimes it's just a catchy song, sometimes it's a look, sometimes it's because everyone is 19 and have the attitude to sell a lot of records or whatever. It's rarely actually about the music.

So now you've got bands that got "good enough" to "make it" and they're influencing the whole next generation of musicians who will see the bar as being set that much lower. And they will in turn lower the bar for the generation after them.

The bar meaning a minimal amount of musical ability to create your own artistic statement.

Don't pull out Bob Dylan and his 3 chord songs. Those were well crafted, timeless songs. The guitar was an afterthought to those lyrics. He and Willie are rare cases.

[narcoman]

Originally Posted by donsolo

And here
And bands get signed for many many reasons (Beyonce gets treated with melodyne heavily by the way, she can't sing THAT good, not compared to Aretha). s.

Having worked with the woman on three occasions - I can tell ya that's nuts.

She can sing VERY very well. The melodyne treatment is for effect, not for re-tuning.

Love Aretha - best soul singer ever - but you do know that RESPECT is out of tune! Not that it matters.

[donsolo]

Originally Posted by narcoman

Love Aretha - best soul singer ever - but you do know that RESPECT is out of tune! Not that it matters.

I think you may have missed my point:

A Good singer will make it good even if it's a little out of tune. Delivery is 100% (look at dylan) not intonation.

But when you go messing with the intonation, you mess with the delivery.

[narcoman]

didnt miss your point at all - this was just anecdotal.

[Jake]

Several points on this:

First, when you complain that "today's" music sucks compared to the brilliant music of yore, what you are in essence doing is comparing the best music over a 40-50 year span to what's currently popular now. Not an accurate or fair comparison. In that sense, you are absolutely correct that the best music of several generations of artists is far superior to today's music.

I would argue that there's always been a sizeable proportion of crap to quality in music, but that we only remember and relish the classics from prior years, leaving the false impression that music was somehow better then it actually was.

Secondly, when people (including myself) make this complaint, what is more typically happening is that you're bemoaning the lack of new music of a certain ilk, in your case classic rock a la Little River Band/Night Ranger.

To use myself as an example, I love classic R&B -- you know the classic Stax Volt/Motown/Atlantic records up through the 70's. Not much being made that sounds like that anymore, and I often complain that modern R&B basically sucks. What I'm really complaining about is that contemporary mainstream R&B artists aren't interested in recreating the classic R&B/soul sounds from the 60's and 70's.

I would agree to a point that there are fewer examples of major label musicians being given the time and opportunity to mature, develop, and experiment as artists with creative control over their music. That said, musicians today have more alternatives available for recording, performing and releasing music.

Lastly, as many others have posted, there IS a lot of great music being made whatever your particular tastes. Just by way of example, if you like 70's era classic rock I can quickly think of several current groups that I like that fit roughly in that description -- Midlake, Jason Collett, Dungen, Wolfmother. No, none of them sound like Night Ranger or the Little River Band, but if that's all you're looking for you'll miss out on some pretty great new music.

[donsolo]

Originally Posted by Jake

. No, none of them sound like Night Ranger or the Little River Band, but if that's all you're looking for you'll miss out on some pretty great new music.

The part that you don't realize and the labels bank on:

People don't know what they like, they like what they know.

Why do you think Stones tickets are so expensive?

[Igotsoul4u]

The amazing bands are out there but unfortunatly they might not be pretty enough. Image has always been a factor in music but not to the degree that it is now. If an artist can't be cross marketed in the fashion or advertising world they are often skipped over. The music comes 3rd or even 4th in most major label situations.

[Fluxpod]

You just need to search a bit harder to find something you like imo.There is enough music around that does not suck,i for myself just ignore 99% of the major releases.

[d1rtynyc]

It's true if you search you can find great bands & great music out there.
I think the main problem with music today, at least from my perspective is the loss of the local record store. I worked at these for years and owned on myself.
At the local record store you could go and speak to that guy or girl that gets you and what you like and make a couple suggestion from their over saturated knowledge pool. Sure there is the internet, but the personal approach that I loved is gone.
Also, today there are so many choices and ways to get music so we have (at least I do) thousands of albums and singles. Back in the day you bought a new record that Lou at the local shop suggested you kinda had to give it a chance because you just spent your cash on it. Giving the record many plays. Sure you bought some trash, but you gave the music more time to win you over, to hook you. Now we are oversaturated with all music, bad, good, great and timeless.
Too many choices and too many places to look leads to less appreciation or the things you find.

In my opinion.

[olivia_nb]

Originally Posted by d1rtynyc

Sure you bought some trash, but you gave the music more time to win you over, to hook you. Now we are oversaturated with all music, bad, good, great and timeless.
Too many choices and too many places to look leads to less appreciation or the things you find.

totally my experience too, i really only buy one or two albums a month now and I have friends who keep lobbing stuff at me and I never get around to listening to it, way too much for me. Some of the stuff I buy I keep listening to, other stuff I get into for a while and then move on... ahhh, just like the old days...

[latweek]

I think what would be more clear would be the statement

"why does popular music suck now".

"Popular" music is going in a direction that reflects society, it always will. To understand the behavior of popular music requires an examination of the change in both today's business and audience.

What has changed between now and the period of time you are comparing it with?

One possiblity is that tastemakers during the time referenced would have been older and appreciated a more sophisticated product than today. Tastemakers of pop music today are probably 10 - 20 years younger minimum. Also, film and record companies are now owned by corporate conglomerates.

With those trends in play, the music demographic you relate to continues to be marginalized due to market forces. A product that is more sophisticated, creative and unpredictable creates additional risk and less profit than lab tested crack addictive teen music.

The corporate directive will require an approach that will not nurture and promote the risk inherent with innovation.

As many folks have said, the music's out there, but non promoted or supported so you have to look harder to find it because its not ubiquitous.

[aeonsound]

Originally Posted by AC Long

I'm of the opinion that most songs and musicians these days suck.

how can one person even come close to listening to 'most songs and musicians' these days? there are millions of releases out there - i doubt a lifetime would be enough to even scratch the surface.

Also, a killer band like The Little River Band would never get signed today simply because of the way they looked. They were ugly as sin, but man, they were amazing!

So is it MTV? Autotune? Music Piracy?

Let me know what you think...

i think if you pay attention to the Pepsi Top 10 Pop Song Mega Chart for Preteens you will be overwhelmed by derivative talentless musical nothingness.

i think if you listen to a decent radio station or frequent a good record store you will be overwhelmed by talented, original and committed music.

:)

Originally Posted by henryrobinett

OK then, where are they? I know they're out there. But where are they? Which bands can actually play great stuff live with no support, autotune, backing tracks - just play great. Which ones are they? I to an old. Night Ranger and Little River aren't my cup of tea, and I wouldn't have mentioned them as great bands of yore. Little Feat, EWF, Beatles, Allman Bros, Cream, Jimi, Zep, . . .

What are the bands today that can really play? Does anyone know?

i just got back from The Mars Volta, who played a 2hr 20min set at The Roundhouse in London. it was a riveting, compelling, intricate, explosive, virtuouso performance by a unique band. the sheer mindmelting musicianship on that stage was just... inspiring. seriously, if you get a chance - check out their live shows. i don't think you'll see anything better...

[protoculture]

Originally Posted by AC Long

I'm of the opinion that most songs and musicians these days suck. Maybe I'm old but I can't get over the fact how much better bands like Night Ranger (just an example) could play and sing than the bands of today. Their songs were better too. Their hooks actually hooked you in a good way, not like a fish hook in your eye.

Also, a killer band like The Little River Band would never get signed today simply because of the way they looked. They were ugly as sin, but man, they were amazing!

So is it MTV? Autotune? Music Piracy?

Let me know what you think...

Peace
AC

I tend to agree, but only in that the mainstream music avenue is crap. Ie: the charts. And I think this is what you are talking about. The charts used to be filled with real artists with a message.... now most of these bands songs are on approval by committee, the message is empty an is only serving the corporate image and mindset. This is especailly true with hip hop, which is Americas modern day musical contribution to the world. I think the rest of the world thinks Americans are nuts ( I know the people are not ), but the reality presented in TV, overtly religious, war mongering but yet somehow on 'god's side', plus crappy hip hop might lead some to believe that. The black man is never normal on TV, he is either a drug dealing degenerate OR a glorified higher status degenerate. Its all about control.... dont expect to see anything of substance on TV, those days are over.

The charts have ceased to have any real meaning just like the voting system.

The problem is that the media presents itself as reality. As authority on culture and it is not. It should serve as a reflection of it, but not leader. We need to create our own culture.

[donsolo]

Originally Posted by protoculture

The black man is never normal on TV, he is either a drug dealing degenerate OR a glorified higher status degenerate. Its all about control.... dont expect to see anything of substance on TV, those days are over.

That was off-topic. I don't think the race issue especially the stereotyping of the media has to do with the fact that bands just don't care and get big regardless.

MAYBE in mainstream hip hop (which we pretty much unanimously agree, sucks) would this be an issue but c'mon man, Al Roker is hosting Celebrity Family Feud...

There's substance on TV actually. There's a couple shows that I really enjoy watching that are considered Sitcoms (How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory) and if anything, the depth of stand-up comedy is greater than ever!

Alan Alada Hosts Scientific American is a great show (limited by it's overview approach but still)

And I watch the Universe like it's going out of style!

Quality in terms of drama? Sorry, Law and Order killed it (oversaturation TNT). Quality in terms of Comedy? Sure.
Quality in terms of Music? Gotta look pretty hard.

[Nolet]

Ahem....back to the topic!

How come "old" people never seem to able to look forward, while "young" people have no trouble looking backwards?
Almost 90% of my friends (varying from 20 to 35) love the Beatles, Beach Boys, Neill Young...even Simon & Garfunkel. Still, we combine this with modern stuff, even Hip Hop and Techno. Absolutely no problem.
I love the musicscene right now! Would 've loved it just as much in the 60ties probably.

Just some bands that recorded great albums the last 1-3 years and whose live shows I found f*cking amazing.

Sigur Ros
Deerhoof
Beachhouse
The Shins
Radiohead
Tindersticks
Jose Gonzales
Sufjan Stevens
Interpol
Joan as Policwoman
FleetFoxes
The Magic Numbers

BTW: I agree. Charts have ceased to have any meaning.

[Zooey]

It's arguably easier than ever to find new music. In the eighties and nineties, I relied on word of mouth, radio (blech), and shows like 120 Minutes on MTV.

In the early 2000s, listening stations in record stores were a decent option (Virgin Megastore used to have a huge selection of popular and obscure music at dozens of listening stations, though I haven't checked it out in many years).

Now, we have tools like Pandora that are pretty damn helpful. User-created lists at Amazon.com have also steered me toward lots of good music I may have otherwise missed. You can also stream selected programming from progressive radio stations online (KEXP, KCRW, many many more).

Some of the best recentish releases IMHO:

Digitalism (rock-influenced electronica)
Maritime (indie power pop - kind of an Elvis Costello vibe?)
We Are Scientists (nerdy power pop with tight vocal harmonies)
Dizzee Rascal (hip hop with glitchy/dubby beats)
Cut/Copy (guitar/electronic mishmash)
British Sea Power (wall of sound rock anthems)

Interesting record labels:

Matador
Definitive Jux
Ed Banger

[RyanC]

I think it's also important to note that when you look back in time you are looking at everything that has stood the test of time. Newer generations get into the older greats. . .

Many of todays garbage acts wont even be remembered by most of us in 20 years

for a reality check, go to a local thrift store and check out all the records there. All the garbage that was out in the 70's etc, all these pop artists that people today have never heard of. They where all the N'syncs etc of their day. . .

Meanwhile you can barely find CTI records on vinyl because that genre (Freddie Hubbard and friends) has been rediscovered now, and people dig it. I'm too young to know this from having been there, but older cats tell me that Freddie Hubbard was seen as a sell out at the time and CTI was Jazz-Pop crap to most "serious" jazz artists. . . Don't even try to find something like Shuggie Otis on Vinyl. . .

I've recorded enough crappy old guy bands to know that there were plenty of kids back then that never took playing their instrument all that seriously either.

[Marbarbaar]

I hear my mother play music from 'better times' on regular basis.
When you look past the wonderful analogue sound and that sauce of retro sentiment, you mostly see the same garbage you see today in mainstream music.

[donsolo]

What's weird is all of the 80s stuff is becoming "Classics"

I can't wait til Tiffany's "I think we're alone" is a blast from the past.

I never did like the mastering style of that era. I love Alan Parsons and the Alan Parsons Project but talk about tinny sounding...

[khai]

10 artists that made the 60's (amongst other giants) :

Miles Davis
Beatles
Ennio Morricone
John Coltrane
Joao Gilberto
Burt Bacharach
Rolling Stones
James Brown
Bob Dylan
Beach Boys

Now give me 10 names of today's music. Let's compare ! (and laugh)

[dogonjon]

they know the Stones, The Doors, Led Zeppelin,Black Sabbath and AC/DC. They come to our shows (I'm in a classic rock cover band after 10 years in Seattle trying to break out my originals) and stare. I talk to them and they all play guitar. They hate new music and say it doesn't rock, it's the old rock that really rocks!

[drumzealot]

Harsh judgments sometimes start with ignorance.
This sort of
“music sucks today”
“today’s artists pale in comparison to yesterday’s” (hind sight is 20/20)
banter is really the couch of calcified minds: Those who can’t look beyond their own taste and respect good art. What is good and what you like do not always overlap. There is stuff that I don’t like but I still respect because its quality goes beyond my own taste. I’ve never been able to enjoy Wagner but I can’t say his operas suck. I don’t dig Jasper John’s paintings but he’s a great artist. The Dave Mathews Band gets on my nerves, but they are excellent musicians.
There’s some great stuff out there right now. Actually, pop music has been rather fertile over the last 5 years or so. I’ve been listening to the “alternative” stations on satellite radio and loving much of it.
In terms of creativity, we are in a pop music explosion. Too bad you're missing out.

[Hard2Hear]

'cause all the good guitar players play country music now. You don't have to like it, its just how it is. Alot of those guys are as talented as anyone has ever been.

[donsolo]

I'm going to agree on this point.

If you're a hot sh*t guitarist, you make a MUCH better living as a chicken-picker...

Same with singers. The whole Nashville singing community is lightyears ahead of even modern soul.