Man I feel you. I think about this all the time. Its like the more time passes by the more immature each generation gets. Back in our parents day pop music and music in general was much more developed and full of substance and meaning. Not only in the actual music but even in the words. Nowadays all these youngins care about is "two steppin" and big rims and cars and shit. Lil wayne is a "legend" to a hip hop fan but all he raps about is his riches and his bitches. Yes the beats these days are catchy at times but if you really listen to most of them combined with the words they sound like really cool nursery rhymes. I would be embarrsed to let my child listen to a "lil wayne" or a "young joc" in 20 years.


The best music created never gets airplay because the average young american is very shallow and ignorant. The average young person doesent understand really good music in my opinion. If you play chick corea for a 15-25 year old they will be more confused by the music than moved by it. But if you put on 50 cent who raps about getting "bitches" and killing "niggas" they will completely understand this and probably start dancing. This is a damn shame. Young people abroad are more in tune with good music and art than these silly ass young americans.


Its a shame that these young folks think that "walk it out" is good music. When I used to go to the club I would just sit back and watch ADULTS dance so hard to this nonsense. Its really funny. Our musical standards continue to decline each year. Its all about money these days....everthing else falls by the wayside.

 

Albeit, I'm of the gen. before you. I don't actively listen to the radio ('cept Mon. nights on The Impact :) and occasionally cruzin' w/the smooth jazz station). I do listen enough thru the net to keep current w/the "garbage". I am with you on this one.

Your other commentor mentions Lil wayne. Last night my nephew (27yrs.) and I were discussing this same topic. Lil wayne was one of his examples too. We both agree with your point. My sarcasticness caused me to say, way back in the 80's (hey, my prime clubbin' days!), that "hey, at least you can't miss the beat while you're dancing!" Even then there was a certain sound patterning, keeping it easy to dance to. To each generation we can denote a certain sound. Each generation has the music that doesn't get airplay but, still is out there for us who are seeking it. Then the music for the pedestrians (the masses), the "garbage", I call it "the Billy Ray Cyrus syndrome". The money controls the media and the media then manipulates the masses. If it is packaged pretty, promoted to the max, then pushed onto you until you really think that it's good.
The pedestrian Americans will eat garbage, listen to garbage and even wear garbage if it is packaged and promo'd right :(
I still like to go dancing and I can ignore for the most part (not being a musician ;)]), the lack of musicality in lew of a beat to move my feet. For awhile anyway.
At least in my clubbin' years we got to see live local talent and that is the shit!
I am appalled by the inferences to, money, hoes, bitches, drugs, killing... all negative aspects of life. I'm afraid for my 12yr. old niece, what does she have to look forward to? If each generation degenerates, what will she have to look back on also? She still doesn't really care for my music choices but, she is starting to listen and liking it better (oh, hope).

Growing up, luckily I was exposed to so many genre's . At 17yrs. I was introduced to Frank Zappa (my top), Weather Report, Mahavishnu, Spiro Gyra, Jean Luc Ponty, Chic Corea, Billy Cobham (fav) etc... From then on I could never be satisfied with the "pedestrian beat (F.Z.)" again. Man, a few mo's ago I saw Steve Martin perform w/Bela Fleck. The piece they played was hard enough for 2 bangos but 3?!! It was incredible to watch and hear. I probably wouldn't have cared for it much when I was in my teens either though.
But, it was the shit!
Your friend ahead of me also mentioned how "young ppl abroad are more in tune with good music..." It was that way when I was growing up too. It seems that the European's especially are willing to embrace it. Americans for the most part are way behind the times in many things, even medicine.

I was rummaging the net for "ceremonial drums (don't ask!)", when I came across some I didn't recognize so, I hit the link. This guy named Steve (?) made them himself. They are one of a kind... cool enough to make me check other links, one being MSp.

I went and listened to their music and it is pretty interesting "World Jazz...". Although these guys are of my gen. and seasoned, they did not drop an album til 2000. I know that it doesn't count for it being your gen. making this music but, maybe there's still hope in the fact that good music, innovative music is still being made... during your generation. That gives me hope :) (as someone is bumpin' "Fat Joe" out the window!).

Well anyway (I have never made a comment on a blog before :D), if you want to check them out, their URL is ... myspace. com/neonegypt.

If ya wanna... hit me back with your opinon :) PEACE