I used to be somewhat knowledgable of what’s going on in “popular” music, back when my roommates had MTV. Granted, we spent most of our time either lamenting the fact that MTV never played videos, or that the vidoes they played were utter crap. But still, I knew enough to be down with the kids.
Since we got rid of cable a few months ago, I don’t know who the hip artists are these days. Tonight, I found the perfect place to brush up on popular music… the laundromat. After spending an hour or two in there, with one of the crappy local stations blaring over the PA (a real irritant when you’re trying to read Kierkegaard… honestly, I was!), it all came rushing back. And I remembered why I never listen to local radio, Clear Channel be damned.
I had no idea that “…Baby One More Time” was still in regular rotation, nor did I know that Puddle of Mudd was still considered worthy of airtime. And I’d forgotten that the lyrics to Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” were that insipid. Could someone let me know if Missy Elliot does, indeed, have a new single out? What’s most amazing is that I heard all of these artists, and more, in the span of an hour (along with the usual bevy of ads for the local meat markets).
I find it really interesting that you can hear Puddle of Mudd and Britney Spears played right next to each other. I’m all for breaking down genres, but isn’t this a little ridiculous? On the other hand, it kind of makes sense. Deep down, beneath the angst (or breast implants, as the case may be), it really is the same sort of music. The styles may be different, but they’re both designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator of musical appreciation. The individual artists may try to represent themselves differently, but it’s essentially an issue of musical semantics. The end result is the same; art that aspires to be nothing more than a commodity.
I think it’s great when an artist like Christina Aguilera says their new album will be more personal, innovative, or whatever. But with an artist of Ms. Aguilera’s, um, “status”, I’m taking their words with a grain of salt. Even if her songs are more personal, it’s safe to assume that a whole cadre of executives, marketing departments, producers, co-writers, and A&R suits have also helped to define her intimate songwriting. If these songs are really a new direction, then it’s a direction carefully mapped out to appeal to as broad a target audience as much as possible (and maybe sell a few products along the way).
I guess I can wish Ms. Aguilera and her sort the best of luck, even though you couldn’t pay me to buy her album (there’s the music snob in me again). But then again, I doubt she needs my dollars considering how hot her new video is supposed to be. So I guess that’s Aguilera’s version of “personal” songwriting…