So, this is going to be one of those “I’m actually 60” statuses… But I have no shame.I was watching the Fleetwood Mac documentary today, called “Don’t Stop” (online for a few more days on iplayer)… and that got me thinking about music.
Now, in case you don’t know, I’m a bit of an old fuddy duddy when it comes to music. Radio 2 takes pride of place in the car, alongside a bit of classic rock and Les Mis. In fact, I’m willing to go on record as saying that Fleetwood Mac are the greatest band – ever. Big claim, I know, but if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then surely musical genius is in the ear of the listener?
The rest of my music taste is pretty similar. We’re talking Eric Clapton, The Kinks, S Club 7, Toto, Santana, ACDC, and Dire Straits. The sort of thing that everyone likes, but doesn’t get played on Radio 1. The sort of thing that brings a smile to your face. The sort of thing that is proper music. Full of songs which really mean something, played by people who eat, sleep and breathe music.
I don’t want to say that modern music is a bit rubbish… but… Let’s look at the current top 40. If you take away Taylor Swift, and perhaps Daft Punk, is there anything of any substance there? I haven’t heard of most of the songs, and to be honest, I doubt whether anyone will listen to them in a few weeks. Honestly, I couldn’t care about most modern music.
In fact, we’ve reached a stage where some of today’s overly-produced autotuned style-over-substance crud isn’t half as entertaining as some of the ridiculous parodies. Let’s take that well respected modern music man, Justin Beiber. Here is his haunting love ballard, “Boyfriend”:
And here is a cheap copy by a sincere fan:
What else do I need to say? So, this weekend put on some corduroy and rock out to the music that your parents met over. Banish any radio stations that plays the top 40 and stick on ones where the presenters are over 40. Ditch the dubstep and dig out the disco. Why not ask your parents what their favourite music is? I’m willing to put money on the fact you’ll find something amazing that you’ve never heard before.
Have fun, and rock on!
antonyjcbutcher 