Are music standards declining?

[Lampshade]

Do you not know what an answer is? I listen to The Killers, Keane, Madonna. They are artist s who are aimed at a more educated audience, ie people over 30.

So what would Def Leppard/Whitesnake/Guns N' Roses fall under? How about The Clash? What about Boston, The Eagles and Tom Petty?

I'm interested to know whether you consider these bands' music is for the "uneducated i.e. students"

 

[350232]

No, it's true. It is nothing more than a PR stunt. What they do is interrupt the valuable work of aid agencies, and draw the attention away from the actual problems. If she did care, then she would either donate to an aid agency who know who to deal with these situations, or build an orphanage that can help a lot more than the lucky 1 or 2.

Nevertheless, in doing so, she raised awareness of child poverty which cannot be faulted. Stop looking at the means and be proud of the ends.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Nevertheless, in doing so, she raised awareness of child poverty which cannot be faulted. Stop looking at the means and be proud of the ends.

What did she achieve? Told us all about something the aid agencies were already telling us about.

 

[350232]

So what would Def Leppard/Whitesnake/Guns N' Roses fall under? How about The Clash? What about Boston, The Eagles and Tom Petty?

I'm interested to know whether you consider these bands' music is for the "uneducated i.e. students"

Ah but those bands had proper lyrics, not 'umbrella-ella-ella-yeah-yeah-yeah'.

World of difference there, don't you think?

 

[MidnightFlyer]

So what would Def Leppard/Whitesnake/Guns N' Roses fall under? How about The Clash? What about Boston, The Eagles and Tom Petty?

I'm interested to know whether you consider these bands' music is for the "uneducated i.e. students"

Quite, I've been to Status Quo, Whitesnake and Def Leppard concerts, as well as The Jam and Eagles tribute bands. I also love Pink Floyd, Yes, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Boston, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Uriah Heep. I am college student as of tomorrow, what does that make the above?

 

[Lampshade]

Ah but those bands had proper lyrics, not 'umbrella-ella-ella-yeah-yeah-yeah'.

World of difference there, don't you think?

Yes but you were referring to students as a whole. I've just graduated but my music taste didn't just change overnight, I didn't just wake up the day after my last exam and think "Ahh I'm not a student now, I must listen to proper music", I've never cared for manufactured garbage, just like I've never cared for bigotry and generalisations.

 

[43021HST]

Jealousy!!! LOL
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Your first comment about music standards going downhill started off intelligently. From then on, youve gone downhill just like the music.
Yes more drink is consumed by students nowadays, but you are exagerating everything. Drinking a lot doesnt make you an unintelligent person. Maybe stupid regarding drink, but you could still be intelligent.
Dont be so harsh towards the youth of today. It is these people who are going to be looking after you in years to come!

I think he is very young and believes everything he reads.

I'm surprised that the users of this forum that like the popular music of today hasnt commented to stick up for their 'tastes'. Then again they all probably assume that its a bunch of old farts going on about the days of the Who. For the record I like The Who.

Oh well, was anyone at Reading Festival this year? I wish I went this year

 

[SS4]

For some reason I'm getting an image in my head not unlike this one:

As ever whether music standards are declining is entirely dependent on how you define declining and music standards. I, being a fan of heavy metal and classic rock, see a notable decline in standards - the reference for these standards being bands like Sabbath, Priest, Zeppelin, AC/DC and so on. I was born a generation too late for good music but have been lucky enough to see most of the bands I like most of all.

I believe the least subjective would be to compare the typical airplay on a national, mainstream station between now and this time every year from the station's start date comparing each year separately and then taking the mean and adjusting for a small standard deviation.

Even here, I've assumed that declining is in terms of content, not in terms of production quality.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Oh well, was anyone at Reading Festival this year? I wish I went this year

Not me, I could only afford High Voltage this year (iron maiden, judas priest and rammstein tickets do not come cheap!)

 

[mbonwick]

Ah but those bands had proper lyrics, not 'umbrella-ella-ella-yeah-yeah-yeah'.

World of difference there, don't you think?

I disagree, but Umbrella isn't one of Rihanna's deeper songs.

Try Man Down, I personally think that's very deep..

[youtube]sEhy-RXkNo0[/youtube]

 

[43021HST]

For some reason I'm getting an image in my head not unlike this one:

As ever whether music standards are declining is entirely dependent on how you define declining and music standards. I, being a fan of heavy metal and classic rock, see a notable decline in standards - the reference for these standards being bands like Sabbath, Priest, Zeppelin, AC/DC and so on. I was born a generation too late for good music but have been lucky enough to see most of the bands I like most of all.

I believe the least subjective would be to compare the typical airplay on a national, mainstream station between now and this time every year from the station's start date comparing each year separately and then taking the mean and adjusting for a small standard deviation.

Even here, I've assumed that declining is in terms of content, not in terms of production quality.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Not me, I could only afford High Voltage this year (iron maiden, judas priest and rammstein tickets do not come cheap!)

Not too keen on metal full stop, I prefer punk but even I will admit that metal has rapidly sunk since the days of Deep Purple.
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I disagree, but Umbrella isn't one of Rihanna's deeper songs.

Try Man Down, I personally think that's very deep..

Thats the problem with modern music, its too deep, it doesnt have a funny sense of humour unlike surfin bird. That Man down song was awful.

 

[mbonwick]

I would hardly say modern music is "too deep", in fact most of it is far too shallow.

OK, so you may not like the style of Man Down, but you have to admit it's dealing with an important and relevent issue (rape).

 

[43021HST]

I would hardly say modern music is "too deep", in fact most of it is far too shallow.

OK, so you may not like the style of Man Down, but you have to admit it's dealing with an important and relevent issue (rape).

And the songs point is just that? I think most Dead Kennedys songs have more meaning than that, ranging from Political injustice from the reagan era to having a lack of identity in the 9 to 5 world. Most modern songs wont even contemplate sticking two fingers up to major record companies and politics.

 

[mbonwick]

Oh sod this.

All this thread is proving is that certain members cannot accept that others' taste in music is different to their own.
Just because it's different doesn't mean it's "crap".

And klambert, are you implying that, for you to like a song, it must "stick two fingers up to major record companies and politics." ?

 

[Statto]

Have to ask, are there any Engima fans on the forum?

I only remember this one by them http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9DxYhqmKw&ob=av2n

Music has gone downhill over the last 10 years, tends to be dominated by XFactor, & what the Moguls/Labels want. Although Manufactured Bands./Music has been around for years, i remember the late 80s when Stock/Atken/Waterman crap was dominating the Charts, but there was always something else that was decent muscly wise around with the Madchester scene just starting, which lead to the Britpop scene.

 

[SouthEastern-465]

Oh sod this.

All this thread is proving is that certain members cannot accept that others' taste in music is different to their own.
Just because it's different doesn't mean it's "crap".

And klambert, are you implying that, for you to like a song, it must "stick two fingers up to major record companies and politics." ?

He's being to single minded and opinionated with his music tastes and thinks everyone thinks the same. couldn't agree more with the above.


"Every bit of modern musics crap except mine, mines the exception and evryone agrees with me" seems to be the attitude of the thread now.

Why can't others agree to disagree, I like modern music, but only certain bands (the hoosiers) but just because someone else doesn't like it it doesn't bother me they have a different taste in music good on them I'm not going to start an argument because they don't like the same music as me.

 

[Temple Meads]

Most of the music in the chart is anodyne, manufactured and repetitive - thats a given, but it's always been like that, you just have to find the good within the bad.
I like:
Muse
Pendulum
Chase and status
Florence and the mchine
The killers.

 

[bb21]

I must say that I don't know, at a guess, at least 80% of the bands that have been mentioned in this thread. Does that mean I have bad taste in music?

I am no fan of manufactured bands however I do think that some tunes have been well written. These include some of the songs by The Wanted and Bruno Mars at the moment. Does that mean I have bad taste in music?

My interest ranges from some bands in pop to various sub-genres of rock and numerous other ones. What is important to me is whether I like the tune, not what type of music it belongs. I don't care what the artist stands for or what he/she supports. The only thing that matters is quality of music in my eyes. Do I care what others think? Not in the slightest.

I really don't understand how it can be claimed that some genres are superior than others. What is the basis of comparison? As they say, one man's meat is another man's poison. Different tastes, different conclusions. Saying that one person's favourite music is better than someone else's just shows immaturity and nothing else.

 

[starrymarkb]

Musical standards have dropped since 24 November 1991...

See today's Google logo

 

[sprinterguy]

Musical standards have dropped since 24 November 1991...

See today's Google logo

I saw that earlier this morning, that Google logo is class!

 

[junglejames]

I think he is very young and believes everything he reads.

I'm surprised that the users of this forum that like the popular music of today hasnt commented to stick up for their 'tastes'. Then again they all probably assume that its a bunch of old farts going on about the days of the Who. For the record I like The Who.

Oh well, was anyone at Reading Festival this year? I wish I went this year

Ha, not a chance. They would have to pay for my train tickets (1st class to avoid the scrum going on in Standard), and also provide me with a daily wage everyday i had to go there. Say about £300 a day to make it worth my while.
So i think its fair to say, no, never have, never will!

 

[43021HST]

He's being to single minded and opinionated with his music tastes and thinks everyone thinks the same. couldn't agree more with the above.


"Every bit of modern musics crap except mine, mines the exception and evryone agrees with me" seems to be the attitude of the thread now.

Why can't others agree to disagree, I like modern music, but only certain bands (the hoosiers) but just because someone else doesn't like it it doesn't bother me they have a different taste in music good on them I'm not going to start an argument because they don't like the same music as me.

You dont love modern music, you love one band, now that is single minded. Trust me I know southeastern 465 personally.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Oh sod this.

All this thread is proving is that certain members cannot accept that others' taste in music is different to their own.
Just because it's different doesn't mean it's "crap".

And klambert, are you implying that, for you to like a song, it must "stick two fingers up to major record companies and politics." ?

Instead of saying certain members, just state the obvious and say 'klambert'. I'm implying that music doesnt have the rebellious spirit or talent like it used to or if it does its drowned out in a wave of corporate blandness. Most of the music foundations for today were born out of rebelliousness. But those foundations are being quickly forgotten.

By the way that Rihanna song wasnt 'different', Frank Zappa now that was 'different'.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I must say that I don't know, at a guess, at least 80% of the bands that have been mentioned in this thread. Does that mean I have bad taste in music?

I am no fan of manufactured bands however I do think that some tunes have been well written. These include some of the songs by The Wanted and Bruno Mars at the moment. Does that mean I have bad taste in music?

My interest ranges from some bands in pop to various sub-genres of rock and numerous other ones. What is important to me is whether I like the tune, not what type of music it belongs. I don't care what the artist stands for or what he/she supports. The only thing that matters is quality of music in my eyes. Do I care what others think? Not in the slightest.

I really don't understand how it can be claimed that some genres are superior than others. What is the basis of comparison? As they say, one man's meat is another man's poison. Different tastes, different conclusions. Saying that one person's favourite music is better than someone else's just shows immaturity and nothing else.

I soppose there isnt such thing as a bad taste in music, there is such thing though as a limited taste in music, I think that can constatute for a bad taste in music. The best cure for that is to find bands that sound similar to what you like, and you'll soon find yourself branching off to other types of music.

 

[SouthEastern-465]

You dont love modern music, you love one band, now that is single minded. Trust me I know southeastern 465 personally.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Instead of saying certain members, just state the obvious and say 'klambert'. I'm implying that music doesnt have the rebellious spirit or talent like it used to or if it does its drowned out in a wave of corporate blandness. Most of the music foundations for today were born out of rebelliousness. But those foundations are being quickly forgotten.

By the way that Rihanna song wasnt 'different', Frank Zappa now that was 'different'.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I soppose there isnt such thing as a bad taste in music, there is such thing though as a limited taste in music, I think that can constatute for a bad taste in music. The best cure for that is to find bands that sound similar to what you like, and you'll soon find yourself branching off to other types of music.

No, your telling me I like one band .

I didn't say I like modern music I said its mostly crap (my opinion) but you can't choose others music tastes if they like it that's down to them, its there choice. I was referring to you basically saying what you likes best and everyone else's opinion didn't count. Being single minded.

You have to accept others don't think the same, you don't have to agree with what someone says but respect there opinion.

And I also know you personally and your not much different than on the forum!

 

[mbonwick]

Instead of saying certain members, just state the obvious and say 'klambert'. I'm implying that music doesnt have the rebellious spirit or talent like it used to or if it does its drowned out in a wave of corporate blandness. Most of the music foundations for today were born out of rebelliousness. But those foundations are being quickly forgotten.

By the way that Rihanna song wasnt 'different', Frank Zappa now that was 'different'.

Being rebellious towards record companies these days is hardly a smart move if you want to make money from music and achieve fame now, is it?

I never said that Man Down was different to the rest of the charts/moder music, just that it was a different style for Rihanna.

 

[aspierail]

Today's music is absolutely atrocious i would rather watch paint dry to be fair with you.

 

[sprinterguy]

Why is their a presumption by a number of posters that the "music of today" can only be that which is in the charts and receives the most media attention?

What about all the other current endeavours by talented artists in the other many and varied genres of music that is most certainly current, whether it be in the worlds of jazz, folk, metal or classical (etc)?

Just because it's not reported as much doesn't mean that their isn't good music out there still being made in the present day.

 

[blackettstreet]

Why is their a presumption by a number of posters that the "music of today" can only be that which is in the charts and receives the most media attention?

What about all the other current endeavours by talented artists in the other many and varied genres of music that is most certainly current, whether it be in the worlds of jazz, folk, metal or classical (etc)?

Just because it's not reported as much doesn't mean that their isn't good music out there still being made in the present day.

absolutely. for example, dream theater make some incredibly complex, intelligent music (much as i hate mike portnoy), which in fact has probably stopped them from receiving much media attention. people generally want to listen to what's in the charts - simple, catchy, often annoying song - because the majority of people aren't musicians.

 

[43021HST]

Why is their a presumption by a number of posters that the "music of today" can only be that which is in the charts and receives the most media attention?

What about all the other current endeavours by talented artists in the other many and varied genres of music that is most certainly current, whether it be in the worlds of jazz, folk, metal or classical (etc)?

Just because it's not reported as much doesn't mean that their isn't good music out there still being made in the present day.

My main gripe is that the UK record charts do not have a variety of music on it. So anything decent cannot be made easily accessible to the mainstream audience. You need an existing in depth knowledge to access anything good that has been made recently.

 

[Tracked]

My main gripe is that the UK record charts do not have a variety of music on it. So anything decent cannot be made easily accessible to the mainstream audience. You need an existing in depth knowledge to access anything good that has been made recently.

In depth knowledge? bit patronising surely? anyone with an internet connection has more access to new music than I did 20 years ago. The sort of sites with samples and recommendations such as amazon would've saved me buying quite a lot of sh*t, though I admit I still prefer looking through record shops (the ones left, anyway, that's another story) even knowing that the album I want's probably a few clicks away oneline - where's the fun in that?

The Charts might give an indication of what's popular in music. I expect most purchasers of music are less interested in the music for its own sake, ie; the sort of casual buyers who buy one or two albums a year but generally have other interests.

 

[EM2]

You need an existing in depth knowledge to access anything good that has been made recently.

All you need is the ability to listen to BBC 6Music, whether on DAB or online.

 

[passmore]

absolutely. for example, dream theater make some incredibly complex, intelligent music (much as i hate mike portnoy), which in fact has probably stopped them from receiving much media attention. people generally want to listen to what's in the charts - simple, catchy, often annoying song - because the majority of people aren't musicians.

I think it's rather sad that music such as what you have described in consigned to the 'back benches' of today's music world. I often liken much of today's chart music, especially 'manufactured music', to a fast food meal. People who simply listen to the charts for a quick fix. There's also the domination of record labels that I believe has been instrumental in the changing face of our music. I know that is a bone of contention, and there are people who agree and disagree in equal amounts, but anyone with that kind of money exerts a degree of power over the industry he/she taps into. Promoting shows and artists who might be talented in the short term is good for those who want a 'quick fix', but because they almost invariably never produce anything beyond the remit of their record label, they almost always vanish into the ether. What kind of success is that whereby you're always constrained by the demands of your record label, never having the chance to spread your musical legs apart from in your voice? The bands that you've outlined never get that chance and whilst their music is played in certain arenas if you look hard enough, they will never achieve the success simply because the bigger record labels aren't interested in them.