I was talking with my fiance this morning about music and I realized that although there are talented musicians and songwriters out there today, something is missing. Where are the musical heroes today that remind us of Eddie Van Halen, Herbie Hancock, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, or Ray Charles? Name one guitarist in a band today that has the sheer talent, presence, or staying power of Pete Townshend or Jimi Hendrix. I'm listening.
Bands are disposable, singers are a product of the producer, drama and scandals matter more then talent, and selling ringtones is more important then stadium seats. Norah Jones and John Mayer have good voices and talent but they aren't going to be remembered the way the great singer songwriters such as Carole King and Billy Joel are. In my opinion, much of the problem with music is just that, the lack of music. Where are the great horn players of this generation? When I see Salsa bands using keyboards instead of live musicians then I know that shit has really hit the fan. I mean, The Roots could clean up in the hip hop world just making albums for producers to sample since they're one of the only true African American bands in existence. The last Dave Matthews Band album, produced by 50 Cent producer Mark Batson was riddled with blandness given the fact that they embody some of the best musical talent around and it just made me shake my head. Bring Quincy Jones and real musical orchestration back.
Why the hell is Akon on a record with Michael Jackson as he is in the remix he did for the 25th Anniversary Collection of "Thriller"? I heard that on XM today and it almost made me throw the receiver out the window. I mean, Michael has done duets with Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, and was part of USA for Africa, and now the best he can do is Akon? I realize that Akon is in the top percentage of most played artists on radio, but does that actually mean anything today? So is Britney Spears and Lil Wayne, which both makes me feel like taking a pencil and stabbing myself in the ears. Frickin' Paris Hilton is making records and Tommy Lee is a DJ. I rest my case.
In closing to Paul McCartney; Sir Paul meet Mr. Prenup, Mr. Prenup meet Sir Paul.
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