MUZAK

The state of the music industry today depresses me severely. When I was but a child I used to watch the music video for "Video Killed The Radio Star," and I had absolutely NO idea just how dead-on that group was (the name escapes me now).

It seems like ever since a musical artist's worth began to be weighed on more factors than simply his or her MUSICAL ability and talent, things have gone downhill. The introduction of music videos brought an artist's looks to the forefront. Nothing aggravates me more than when somebody sees a singer whose voice they've heard and taken a liking to, and they react negatively to the person's appearance. As if what the individual LOOKS LIKE has anything to do with how well they perform their craft.

GRRR.

Also, it seems like during the 60's, 70's, and much of the 80's, the music industry tended to cater to adults (more specifically people in their mid-20's and up). I could be wrong about that, but what I'm DEFINITELY NOT wrong about is how much the industry caters to teenagers now. That's PROBABLY a result of the boy-band phenomenon (and I use that p-word loosely here). As soon as the New Kids on the Block were recruited and gathered together (I have a feeling it happened outside a Haagen Daas at a shopping mall), the music industry put their faces and voices everywhere, and things CHANGED.

It's not that I don't think there are musical artists working in the pop realm today who have talent. I could go as far as to say that I like artists from this area, such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, and even that Rihanna girl on occasion. I liked one of Fall Out Boy's songs for a day or two. I'm just as guilty of being swept away by a catchy melody as anybody is.

The majority of artists in this genre of music have NO staying power, however, and THAT really puts a damper on it for me. Look at the bands I listen to most. A band like Opeth (who are from Sweden,) have been around for damn near 13 or 14 years, and their output (9 studio albums) has been pretty damn consistent. I also love Nine Inch Nails. Trent Reznor's been at it since the late 80's. Even a band like Coheed and Cambria (my current favorite,) have been around for about 7 years, and though they had a lineup change and a rough patch a while back they're still going strong with no signs of slowing down. Longevity is not something you see in pop music (and that includes the rock music that is played on the radio).

Also, everything sounds artificial. If it's R&B the majority of the percussion is electronic. If it's rock everything is polished to a sickening shine. There's no grit, no mud, no dirt. Every alternative post-punk emo band out there has the same whiny kid singing for them. Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison would bitch-slap this whole sorry lot of mofo's. I wish Jimi Hendrix were around to school all these so-called "guitarists" playing three power chords but NOT trying to be punk.

Yuck.

Why did I start writing this post? Oh yeah, I fuckin' HATE Nickelback.

With a passion.