I am just barely old enough to remember the emergence of Rock and Roll in the mid fifties. It caused a revolution in popular tastes. Things like big band music which had been dominant, went downhill rapidly, and the younger generation hardly listened to such music any more.
Then within less than 10 years it kind of hit bottom. Anyone remember Fabian? Even Elvis Presley, according to his biographers thought it was over and that was one reason why he went into movies.
Among other contenders, to knock Rock off were folk music: Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, the Kingston Trio, Bob Dylan etc.
But nevertheless Rock music (no longer Rock and Roll) was reinvigorated in the 60's by many good US groups and with the help of the Brits and Motown.
Personally since then I haven't heard much other than Rap, which strikes me as new and different, and I frankly don't see that rap is really music, it's musical wallpaper with poetry, usually bad poetry at that.
I have kids growing up (10 and 12) and they are more inclined to pick up on some of the popular music that my wife and I play. a lot of what you hear on the "oldies rock" stations. Some of the music that works for them are the Beatles, Beach Boys, Doors, Joan Baez. Surprisingly to me, Presley is a complete dud to them but I am impressed by how nearly all young people know and like the Beatles.
My kids check out the Radio (LA area) and listen to some of their friend's music but I am not struck anything out there which approaches the near-universal impact on a large audience that some of the aforesaid oldies groups had in their time. (Last week, Paul McCartney still sold out in Anaheim)
I had expected that my kids would have their own musical revolution to define them, but I don't see (or hear) that happening.
I have taken a few music history courses and realize that musical styles can stay in place for long periods, even a century or more until some critical mass of people really need something new and someone comes along to fill the bill, whether its Beethoven, Wagner, Stravinsky or the Beatles.
I have spoken to some people who think that the next major trend will come from some amalgam of "World Music." Certainly there are many things out there which could add some zip to our musical diet. (Try a Greek 7/8 rhythm for a new musical experience).
I realize this is a potted history of popular music in the last 50 years, and your favorite group is probably not being given credit, but I think I have touched on some of the main trends.
Am I alone in my discontent ? Are you happy with the status quo? What will be the next big thing and when is it coming?
Then within less than 10 years it kind of hit bottom. Anyone remember Fabian? Even Elvis Presley, according to his biographers thought it was over and that was one reason why he went into movies.
Among other contenders, to knock Rock off were folk music: Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, the Kingston Trio, Bob Dylan etc.
But nevertheless Rock music (no longer Rock and Roll) was reinvigorated in the 60's by many good US groups and with the help of the Brits and Motown.
Personally since then I haven't heard much other than Rap, which strikes me as new and different, and I frankly don't see that rap is really music, it's musical wallpaper with poetry, usually bad poetry at that.
I have kids growing up (10 and 12) and they are more inclined to pick up on some of the popular music that my wife and I play. a lot of what you hear on the "oldies rock" stations. Some of the music that works for them are the Beatles, Beach Boys, Doors, Joan Baez. Surprisingly to me, Presley is a complete dud to them but I am impressed by how nearly all young people know and like the Beatles.
My kids check out the Radio (LA area) and listen to some of their friend's music but I am not struck anything out there which approaches the near-universal impact on a large audience that some of the aforesaid oldies groups had in their time. (Last week, Paul McCartney still sold out in Anaheim)
I had expected that my kids would have their own musical revolution to define them, but I don't see (or hear) that happening.
I have taken a few music history courses and realize that musical styles can stay in place for long periods, even a century or more until some critical mass of people really need something new and someone comes along to fill the bill, whether its Beethoven, Wagner, Stravinsky or the Beatles.
I have spoken to some people who think that the next major trend will come from some amalgam of "World Music." Certainly there are many things out there which could add some zip to our musical diet. (Try a Greek 7/8 rhythm for a new musical experience).
I realize this is a potted history of popular music in the last 50 years, and your favorite group is probably not being given credit, but I think I have touched on some of the main trends.
Am I alone in my discontent ? Are you happy with the status quo? What will be the next big thing and when is it coming?
) or "Indie".
