To begin with, it is only a bit weird hearing 20-year olds
saying that referring to the 90’s. Well, they weren't in much of a state of
judgement then were they? When they grew up a bit they got acquainted with
Nirvana, Offspring and all those 90’s jewels. But I have an idea about why that
music is… “music to your ears”; it is because it is the tip of the iceberg! The
base consisted of Wet Wet Wet and Right Said Freddy. In 2050, when the same
whiny teenagers talk of 2010’s, they will not likely talk about “Anacoda”-
Nicki Minaj, but maybe “Lonely Boy”- Black Keys. And yes, there has been an
exponential increase in song production therefore maybe more stupid songs are
trending now but I’m pretty sure there were thousands songs then that were and
are inaudible.
The other thing I find weird is having two different sorts
of people say this; my father and my friend. Why is that weird? ‘Cause when my
father says “music used to be much better than this concentrated noise”, he
means Beethoven (that is 1880) and Bach (three to four centuries ago)! That
makes both the Beatles and Jimmy Hendricks seem like yesterday, doesn't it?
What I mean is that we technically are in the same era with the 60’s
chronologically and conceptually. If my generation merges Bach and Beethoven
into one genre, classical music, then only one genre corresponds to The Stone
Roses and Fall Out Boy (love and hate them respectively). Now, I am obviously
not talking for that small (unfortunately) percentage that can differentiate
between Bach’s more baroque era and Beethoven’s romantic. Bottom line is, music
has not changed that drastically within its genres (yes, there are more than
one genres to choose from!).
All this probably doesn't change the fact that past music
sounds better than current to most, but once again, I just feel it has to do
with nostalgia and exposure. As far as nostalgia is concerned, Backstreet Boys
– “Get Down” is just as cheesy as One Direction – “Live while we’re young”. But
one of them is connected to kids’ parties and more carefree times and
personally, that one I love. As far as exposure is concerned, Eagles – “Hotel
California” is the one song I expect every living soul to know. It’s on the
radio, it is in movies, it is everywhere. And it has been for so long! But the
world is not ending tomorrow, so songs of today may be the next generation’s or
the generation after “Hotel California”. Personally I’m rooting for Psy –
“Gangham Style” just for the hell of it!
Whenever you feel
gloomy, listening to a past tune,
Put on Macarena and
puke from night till noon.
Whenever current music
fills you up with holes,
Worry not, my friends,
there’s “Holy Fire”-Foals.
