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02 January 2014, 11:06 AM
#34
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I'm 33 and for me, there hasn't been us much band hype or decent UK music (Kasabian aside) since Oasis and Blur. I think my music radar switched off in the 90s tbh. Most of my playlists go 90s backwards rather than forwards.
I don't think there will be many super groups as people just don't have the attention span for that now. There is way too much choice and not enough quality. New groups/artists seem to get rattle gunned of a production line. If Gaga had appeared in the 80s she'd have more long term appeal and if Madonna appeared recently she'd be buried after 2, maybe 3 albums. That said, it doesn't help that the former is blatantly copying the latter therefore there is nothing really new being done there.
There will no doubt be a trend of anti-pop music to follow which will be followed by another trend of pop again and so on. It's no different to fashion in that sense.
Like old movie classics, the older music just sounds timeless and it's very rare now that newer stuff has that star quality to it, but then that could just be an age thing? I'm sure my Dad hated Nirvana, but to me they were fantastic for example. Just because I don't get the new stuff doesn't mean someone else isn't buying into it.
Still can't see us producing another Stones any time soon though but that really is a product of society rather than quality of music though I think or maybe both. I'm a Chef, I'm buggered if I know
I don't think there will be many super groups as people just don't have the attention span for that now. There is way too much choice and not enough quality. New groups/artists seem to get rattle gunned of a production line. If Gaga had appeared in the 80s she'd have more long term appeal and if Madonna appeared recently she'd be buried after 2, maybe 3 albums. That said, it doesn't help that the former is blatantly copying the latter therefore there is nothing really new being done there.
There will no doubt be a trend of anti-pop music to follow which will be followed by another trend of pop again and so on. It's no different to fashion in that sense.
Like old movie classics, the older music just sounds timeless and it's very rare now that newer stuff has that star quality to it, but then that could just be an age thing? I'm sure my Dad hated Nirvana, but to me they were fantastic for example. Just because I don't get the new stuff doesn't mean someone else isn't buying into it.
Still can't see us producing another Stones any time soon though but that really is a product of society rather than quality of music though I think or maybe both. I'm a Chef, I'm buggered if I know
02 January 2014, 11:47 AM
#36
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They're still an 'acquired taste', where ever they are from 
With one or two notable exceptions, most of the so called supergroups of the '60s & '70s were over-rated in my opinion, they got away with playing shows stoned or pi55ed because the audiences were in the same state and didn't notice. Rose-tinted nostalgia has subsequently elevated those acts to near god-like status, and most of those bands are milking their past glories overcharging pensioners for reliving their youth 'en masse'
Admittedly some of those bands sound as good, if not better, now than they ever did in their heyday, but more are definitely getting away with living off past glory, thanks largely to a fawning media so wrapped up in the hype they dare not see or speak the truth. The Rolling Stones at Glastonbury, or Paul McCartney anywhere being prime examples of the latter
The modern young concert-goer (screaming teenaged girls aside) is far more discerning, and expects far more, in terms of spectacle, for his or her money, than we oldies did in days gone, meaning the good acts in general work harder, which in turn makes it harder for the great acts to stand out.
What we end up with is the current situation, where the bland rise to the top simply because inoffensive shifts more 'units'. That's the only way I can think to explain the Coldplays of the world anyway
With one or two notable exceptions, most of the so called supergroups of the '60s & '70s were over-rated in my opinion, they got away with playing shows stoned or pi55ed because the audiences were in the same state and didn't notice. Rose-tinted nostalgia has subsequently elevated those acts to near god-like status, and most of those bands are milking their past glories overcharging pensioners for reliving their youth 'en masse'
Admittedly some of those bands sound as good, if not better, now than they ever did in their heyday, but more are definitely getting away with living off past glory, thanks largely to a fawning media so wrapped up in the hype they dare not see or speak the truth. The Rolling Stones at Glastonbury, or Paul McCartney anywhere being prime examples of the latter
The modern young concert-goer (screaming teenaged girls aside) is far more discerning, and expects far more, in terms of spectacle, for his or her money, than we oldies did in days gone, meaning the good acts in general work harder, which in turn makes it harder for the great acts to stand out.
What we end up with is the current situation, where the bland rise to the top simply because inoffensive shifts more 'units'. That's the only way I can think to explain the Coldplays of the world anyway
Last edited by CrisPDuk; 02 January 2014 at 11:48 AM.
02 January 2014, 12:33 PM
#37
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They're still an 'acquired taste', where ever they are from
With one or two notable exceptions, most of the so called supergroups of the '60s & '70s were over-rated in my opinion, they got away with playing shows stoned or pi55ed because the audiences were in the same state and didn't notice. Rose-tinted nostalgia has subsequently elevated those acts to near god-like status, and most of those bands are milking their past glories overcharging pensioners for reliving their youth 'en masse'
Admittedly some of those bands sound as good, if not better, now than they ever did in their heyday, but more are definitely getting away with living off past glory, thanks largely to a fawning media so wrapped up in the hype they dare not see or speak the truth. The Rolling Stones at Glastonbury, or Paul McCartney anywhere being prime examples of the latter
The modern young concert-goer (screaming teenaged girls aside) is far more discerning, and expects far more, in terms of spectacle, for his or her money, than we oldies did in days gone, meaning the good acts in general work harder, which in turn makes it harder for the great acts to stand out.
What we end up with is the current situation, where the bland rise to the top simply because inoffensive shifts more 'units'. That's the only way I can think to explain the Coldplays of the world anyway
With one or two notable exceptions, most of the so called supergroups of the '60s & '70s were over-rated in my opinion, they got away with playing shows stoned or pi55ed because the audiences were in the same state and didn't notice. Rose-tinted nostalgia has subsequently elevated those acts to near god-like status, and most of those bands are milking their past glories overcharging pensioners for reliving their youth 'en masse'
Admittedly some of those bands sound as good, if not better, now than they ever did in their heyday, but more are definitely getting away with living off past glory, thanks largely to a fawning media so wrapped up in the hype they dare not see or speak the truth. The Rolling Stones at Glastonbury, or Paul McCartney anywhere being prime examples of the latter
The modern young concert-goer (screaming teenaged girls aside) is far more discerning, and expects far more, in terms of spectacle, for his or her money, than we oldies did in days gone, meaning the good acts in general work harder, which in turn makes it harder for the great acts to stand out.
What we end up with is the current situation, where the bland rise to the top simply because inoffensive shifts more 'units'. That's the only way I can think to explain the Coldplays of the world anyway
I agree that some of the old school bands are trading on their past reputation and that somr weren't as good as the rose tinted spectacles might suggest, but equally some were truly great.
It's the same today IMO and as for your comment on the modern young concert goer being more discerning I am not so sure, I still think people are way too easily influenced by what the media say about bands and artists. The only real answer is to go and see the bands/artists whose recordings you like to listen to and make up your own mnd about their live performances, not kowtow to the media's position on artists!
I have been lucky enough to see many bands and artists over the years and am often surprised at how good (Talking Heads/David Byrne for example) and bad some of them are (REM for one).
Coupled to that is some of the best concerts I have ever been to for atmosphere have not been the best technically. The best atmosphere I ever experienced at a live gig was The Smiths at the Hacienda Manchester in Nov 1983 yet technically it was a bit average, a close second was Joy Division at The Lyceum in Feb 1980, again technically weak due to a crap PA, but a brilliant atmosphere
A good modern band live creating similar atmosphere to those bands is Arcade Fire, I have seen them twice and the energy and sound of their performances is breathtakingly powerful and mesmerises the audience into a state of what I can only describe as euphoria.
The other thing is I think the whole stadium tour thing has become stale. The Beatles started it all with the Shea Stadium gig, bands like Pink Floyd and The Stones took it to new heights, but the end really came when U2 did the Zoo Live tour.... nothing can ever really surpass that for technical brilliance and use of the size of these stadiums as a backdrop to the music. Even U2 admit they have never topped that tour! I am just glad I got to see it as it was truly epic in terms of its scale!
Consequently artists these days feel they have to put on a live show to equal those that have gone before as they are appearing in these same huge arenas/statdiums, just having good songs isn't enough and this is partly what has led to a lot of these big tours becoming a bit bland, too focused on the show and not on the music and all a bit the samey in their approach and presentation. Watch Gaga and you could lift her out and replace her with Beyonce or Rihanna or even Madonna.... they are all the same!
Bands like Pink Floyd and U2 could do it as their music was bigger than the venues, artsts today are not always in that league through no fault of their own, but sadly they get railroaded into the big gig world and sometimes I think it would be better if they weren't!
02 January 2014, 01:29 PM
#38
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As I listen to them in the gym, The Prodigy come to mind as a more well known but still innovative (UK) group.
Of course, as dinosaurs, we'll never be able to fully appreciate the mind boggling talent of No Direction & co....
Of course, as dinosaurs, we'll never be able to fully appreciate the mind boggling talent of No Direction & co....
02 January 2014, 01:36 PM
#39
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I agree with your comment about relevance, I'm not a fan of Mark E Smith personally, but I can't deny the influence he's had on bands that I do like.
I was too young to catch Joy Division, a continued regret, especially since I'm from Macc
I saw New Order many times though, and their gigs always had a great atmosphere too, even when the technical side was a let down - great gigs with bad PA was a hallmark of the 'Madchester' venues of the time I think
That is partly what I mean by modern audiences being more demanding, I don't think they tolerate the technical rubbish we used to, and they are soon onto the instant social media outlets to express any disappointment they do suffer
There are still bands around that can fill a stadium musically, to the level that Pink Floyd, U2 and others managed, but they are usually Rock bands, and thus completely ignored by mainstream media. Remember the deafening silence from the press when Iron Maiden won the best UK live act Brit over Take That
I was too young to catch Joy Division, a continued regret, especially since I'm from Macc
I saw New Order many times though, and their gigs always had a great atmosphere too, even when the technical side was a let down - great gigs with bad PA was a hallmark of the 'Madchester' venues of the time I think That is partly what I mean by modern audiences being more demanding, I don't think they tolerate the technical rubbish we used to, and they are soon onto the instant social media outlets to express any disappointment they do suffer
There are still bands around that can fill a stadium musically, to the level that Pink Floyd, U2 and others managed, but they are usually Rock bands, and thus completely ignored by mainstream media. Remember the deafening silence from the press when Iron Maiden won the best UK live act Brit over Take That
02 January 2014, 01:49 PM
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I agree with your comment about relevance, I'm not a fan of Mark E Smith personally, but I can't deny the influence he's had on bands that I do like.
I was too young to catch Joy Division, a continued regret, especially since I'm from Macc I saw New Order many times though, and their gigs always had a great atmosphere too, even when the technical side was a let down - great gigs with bad PA was a hallmark of the 'Madchester' venues of the time I think
That is partly what I mean by modern audiences being more demanding, I don't think they tolerate the technical rubbish we used to, and they are soon onto the instant social media outlets to express any disappointment they do suffer
There are still bands around that can fill a stadium musically, to the level that Pink Floyd, U2 and others managed, but they are usually Rock bands, and thus completely ignored by mainstream media. Remember the deafening silence from the press when Iron Maiden won the best UK live act Brit over Take That
I was too young to catch Joy Division, a continued regret, especially since I'm from Macc
I saw New Order many times though, and their gigs always had a great atmosphere too, even when the technical side was a let down - great gigs with bad PA was a hallmark of the 'Madchester' venues of the time I think That is partly what I mean by modern audiences being more demanding, I don't think they tolerate the technical rubbish we used to, and they are soon onto the instant social media outlets to express any disappointment they do suffer
There are still bands around that can fill a stadium musically, to the level that Pink Floyd, U2 and others managed, but they are usually Rock bands, and thus completely ignored by mainstream media. Remember the deafening silence from the press when Iron Maiden won the best UK live act Brit over Take That
02 January 2014, 02:13 PM
#44
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I still think people are way too easily influenced by what the media say about bands and artists. The only real answer is to go and see the bands/artists whose recordings you like to listen to and make up your own mnd about their live performances, not kowtow to the media's position on artists!
I don't mind being unfashionable music-wise. Just bought tickets for Fish, which I know isn't going to impress anyone I knock around with but I like his stuff so that's it for me
02 January 2014, 02:19 PM
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Very true. I have friends who will go to a gig once in a blue moon to see the latest 'big' act. Prior to that they have never mentioned being a fan, they'll go the gig, tell anyone and everyone about it, then never mention the group again. The kind of people who spend all their time at the actual event either texting or talking to each other
I don't mind being unfashionable music-wise. Just bought tickets for Fish, which I know isn't going to impress anyone I knock around with but I like his stuff so that's it for me
I don't mind being unfashionable music-wise. Just bought tickets for Fish, which I know isn't going to impress anyone I knock around with but I like his stuff so that's it for me
Funny what you say about having friends who go and see the 'big artist' of the moment. I know a couple who went all the way to Madrid to see Madonna a few years back and he left his wife in the auditorium and spent the whole concert in the bar! To this day neither of them own any of her music.... it's weird
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