Listening to tonight’s “Sound Opinions,” ostensibly about the “Best Albums of 2013 … So Far,” I was reminded of Frank Copenhaver, musing on music in Thomas McGuane’s “Nothing But Blue Skies”:
“I feel sorry for the young people of today with their stupid fucking tuneless horseshit; that may be a generational judgment but I seriously doubt it.”
Jim and Greg redeemed themselves ever so slightly by adding Procol Harum’s “A Salty Dog” to their Desert Island Jukebox. That is, until I discovered that they misspelled the band’s name on their website.
Keelhaul the lot of ’em.
Tags: Sound Opinions, Thomas McGuane
June 14, 2013 at 10:14 pm |
A friend, who is an actual singer and retiring this weekend, posted something the other day about the sheer lack of talent (singing or musical) about today’s acts. How true is that?? Auto-tune this, Beiber that, get Taylor Whats-her-name to sing with the Stones…..ugh!! Makes me want some good ol’ rock and roll…
On a sad note, the local fish wrap is reporting that one of the better indie used music (are there really records anymore?) stores is closing after 20 years in their current location! They are going to offer their trade online…..
June 15, 2013 at 6:36 am |
Computers did it; they amplify talent and skill, both real and imagined. These days it seems to me that most is imagined. Music especially is affected by the computer’s ability to generate more stuff, it seems to me, of ever increasing lower quality for the the folks that want it now, want it new, want it cheap or free, and most importantly, want what is popular in this minute. But when these consumers go to a live concert, they begin to understand what they are missing. So, I am optimistic. Sometimes the current pop music scene reminds me of mass produced, imported from the cheapest source, plastic bikes.
I visit here because I want to read what a real talent and skill produces, and it’s not me doing it.
June 15, 2013 at 1:36 pm |
I can’t remember the last time I was force fed music. I have never heard a Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber sing. I heard a ten year old covering Lady Gaga and it was awesome, Close as I came. My office commander just turned me on to the Uncluded though. Very thoughtful and it gives you something to dance to. Artists are out there, just Listen.
June 15, 2013 at 3:03 pm |
Hey Derek, a suggestion. Listen to the Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett duo doing “The Lady Is a Tramp.” Lady has some pipes!
June 16, 2013 at 7:09 am |
Will check it out. I understand that there is talent and skill there, but I equate it with something like navigating USA cycling, politics are more important than skill. So if you are at the top I am suspect.
June 16, 2013 at 7:18 am |
Lesson learned. Thanks.
June 16, 2013 at 7:18 pm |
Try Calexico or Phosphorescent or The Lumineers and then try to whine that there is no good new music out. I say….it’s never been better or more diverse. But it’s true that the unwashed masses do seem to listen to some pretty horrible shit and call it pop or billboard top 40. Once you get past that there are tons of great bands all over the planet laying down music without auto tune etc. Just gotta look for it!
June 16, 2013 at 8:13 pm |
Calexico I’ve heard and like. M’man Charles Pelkey is hot on The Lumineers — they’re playing Red Rocks later this year. Herself and I saw ’em on SNL and they kind of remind me of Pueblo’s Haunted Windchimes.
AIn’t none of ’em could carry Tom Waits‘ jockstrap, though.
June 23, 2013 at 6:28 am |
The concert was really good. This house concert, held on a patio instead of the barn, had about 50 people attending. We all brought some snacks and wine and beer to share. Got to talk to the performers before and after the concert. We will do it again.
June 17, 2013 at 6:26 am |
Going to see this lady Saturday night in a friend’s big alpaca barn.
http://www.katycreek.com/
Time for a innertubes break.