I was at a dinner party in New Orleans not long ago. The people were smart, educated and hip, as they used to say. I guess I still do. After dinner, we sat around talking. The subject turned to present-day music. Someone said that today’s music couldn’t hold a candle to the music of the 60s.
I don't remember the source, but the gist of the study is that each generation thinks the music that was popular from age 18-25 was the best music ever.
So interesting, these parasocial relationships. I find myself saying things like "I don't know Taylor Swift, but I do like some of her music." For me, it feels best to avoid making claims about the character of someone I've never met (unless their public actions are overtly evil, or something).
Wow, so many thoughts on this. I am so unplugged from popular culture these days that I'm not sure I've ever heard a song by Taylor Swift. (Gasp.) Now I'll have to listen. King's definition of a hack is great. I loved his book on writing. Reading just one of King's books cured me forever of reading or watching horror. He's a genius. Your thoughts on gatekeepers who determine the value of art are so true. What has ever been built or created or accomplished through cynicism? And why does the world so easily defer to it? It would interesting to make a list of artists who became well-known for their work only posthumously. Vincent Van Gogh and Emily Dickinson come to mind.
My grandson, aged 16, is a big fan of Stephen King, puts him right up there with Cormac McCarthy. That's pretty high praise and he has convinced me that I have to read McCarthy, whom I've always avoided because of his reputed grim stories. As for King, the scariest story I have ever read in my long reading life was one he published in The New Yorker.
But Grandson has never read Shakespeare, not even in a school assignment. Call me an elitist, but that really bothers me. How can you get up to 3rd year in high school without any Shakespeare?
Now, that just seems wrong, not having read any Shakespeare by 3rd year in high school. I did not like the one McCarthy book I read, "The Road." Very cynical, and I don't like cynicism. I love Stephen King's book "On Writing." Haven't read much more!
Spot on, Richard. I enjoyed reading this because everything you share is always good, but also because this story is a clear reminder that I can be guilty of similar dismissive reactions at times. I hear myself being too judgmental and then question where the reaction is coming from. Am I simply nostalgic for my youth? Have I even given this new artist proper attention before I called them derivative or boring? Part of aging for me comes with the challenge of keeping an open mind. I am aware of it and admire people like you who seem to practice that naturally.
I have the same reactions! I don't want to be one of those bores who says, essentially, "In my day..." Is there an equivalent French expression? Thanks for your response. It always means a lot. By the way, the photo of your new song--haven't listened yet--looks great. All those mountains in the background!
Yes, they say "De mon temps..." Merci pour ta réponse. Toujours un plaisir de te lire.
Glad you like the photo with the Baronnies in the background. I remembered your suggestion and included subtitles this time. Should be pretty easy to follow Hugo's verses.
I couldn’t agree more. I think a lot of us feel the way you do here but just don’t say it. Thanks for saying it.
That's my job, Ben.
I don't remember the source, but the gist of the study is that each generation thinks the music that was popular from age 18-25 was the best music ever.
Seems right, Greg!
Thanks, Richard! I love this. Have you seen her documentary?
Thanks, Christine. No, I haven't seen it. Worth watching?
The documentary is well worth watching. She’s quite an astute business woman from a very young age.
I'll look it up. Thanks.
So interesting, these parasocial relationships. I find myself saying things like "I don't know Taylor Swift, but I do like some of her music." For me, it feels best to avoid making claims about the character of someone I've never met (unless their public actions are overtly evil, or something).
I totally agree, Elyse.
Loved your arguments, Richard. Now I want to listen to Taylor Swift's music. Never before. I prefer Beethoven and Chaikovsky (smile).
Haha. You can listen to all of them!
Wow, so many thoughts on this. I am so unplugged from popular culture these days that I'm not sure I've ever heard a song by Taylor Swift. (Gasp.) Now I'll have to listen. King's definition of a hack is great. I loved his book on writing. Reading just one of King's books cured me forever of reading or watching horror. He's a genius. Your thoughts on gatekeepers who determine the value of art are so true. What has ever been built or created or accomplished through cynicism? And why does the world so easily defer to it? It would interesting to make a list of artists who became well-known for their work only posthumously. Vincent Van Gogh and Emily Dickinson come to mind.
I couldn't agree more! Cynicism is the worst. I can't say you'll like Taylor Swift! I love that Kobe did!
My grandson, aged 16, is a big fan of Stephen King, puts him right up there with Cormac McCarthy. That's pretty high praise and he has convinced me that I have to read McCarthy, whom I've always avoided because of his reputed grim stories. As for King, the scariest story I have ever read in my long reading life was one he published in The New Yorker.
But Grandson has never read Shakespeare, not even in a school assignment. Call me an elitist, but that really bothers me. How can you get up to 3rd year in high school without any Shakespeare?
Now, that just seems wrong, not having read any Shakespeare by 3rd year in high school. I did not like the one McCarthy book I read, "The Road." Very cynical, and I don't like cynicism. I love Stephen King's book "On Writing." Haven't read much more!
Spot on, Richard. I enjoyed reading this because everything you share is always good, but also because this story is a clear reminder that I can be guilty of similar dismissive reactions at times. I hear myself being too judgmental and then question where the reaction is coming from. Am I simply nostalgic for my youth? Have I even given this new artist proper attention before I called them derivative or boring? Part of aging for me comes with the challenge of keeping an open mind. I am aware of it and admire people like you who seem to practice that naturally.
I have the same reactions! I don't want to be one of those bores who says, essentially, "In my day..." Is there an equivalent French expression? Thanks for your response. It always means a lot. By the way, the photo of your new song--haven't listened yet--looks great. All those mountains in the background!
Yes, they say "De mon temps..." Merci pour ta réponse. Toujours un plaisir de te lire.
Glad you like the photo with the Baronnies in the background. I remembered your suggestion and included subtitles this time. Should be pretty easy to follow Hugo's verses.