A socio-economic approach to appreciating music as individuals
Sounds academic, doesn't it? Well, I lied, it has nothing to do with music appreciation.
This rant, brought to you by the good people at Time Warner, is about the bastardization of music by Time Warner and other companies. You may ask, why the hostility to Time Warner, and I would reply, because they're there! I don't even know if TW has a music division, although I suspect they do.
My main complaint with music is that it sucks. I recognize that this is a pretty general statement, yet it's true, trust me on this. There is a lot of crappy music on the airwaves, with the exception of Britney Spears, because I would not classify that as music, more like a peep-show. You don't see me complaining either. Well, maybe I am, and that is the topic of this article: crappy music.
Now, since I have no formal musical educations besides the early childhood piano lessons, I consider myself an expert in musicology. Really, I Rock, every day and every night. Technically, I am sure that Britney, Justin, et al have real talent, putting together the beats, hooks, etc. More power to them for that. What I take issue with is the lack of writing ability. I mean, how many songs can you sing about pimping, hoeing, whoring, sex, and relationships? Seems pretty redundant to me. And is it just me, but are all the women paid to promote lust, even someone like Jessica Simpson? To be fair, I don't expect unbelievers to be concerned about the state of their souls, but how about Jessica doing a favour to all us Christian celibates and perhaps cover up? Image is not everything.
But back to lyrics. I expect more out of music than the ability to dance to them. Like all art, music should transcend ourselves. It should rise people up to the Divine Mystery that is our Creator. Sadly, this is lacking in music today, even in the Christian music scene. A few days ago, I read an article about Amy Grant and the "Righteous Babe" syndrome that ensares young male Christians minds. The virgin hottie. I know I want me one of those. It is obvious that the "good girl" is a hot commodity, look at aforementioned Simpson and Hiliary Duff (the fact that Duff is 16 is a whole other issue). Yet, their lyrics are the sugarist, crappiest things ever. All I see is them whoring themselves for some bling. What's up with that?
As I guy, I will probably harp moreso on the girls than guys because, well, I don't know what makes a girl lust. For some reason, I don't imagine girls lusting more than guys...stupid cultural conditioning. Plus, what women find attractive is an utter mystery to me (it is obvious that it isn't personality, humor, and intelligence because I have all three in spades). As I am writing this, I am listening to some songs based upon the prayer of St. Francis of Assissi and Gregorian chants. Now, it may be my love for all things Baroque, or my affair with medieval Europe, but these songs seem to stir my soul. This bubblegum pop does not. Maybe I expect too much out of people to want good music once in a while, maybe good music doesn't make money, but can't we, as a society, ask to have quality music available? Instead of the depraved bling-bling of young stars, can we not have another Keith Green, Rich Mullins, or Larry Norman who does not flount their wealth at every opportunity? Is that not too much to ask?