We are entering a golden age if 2015-2016 is any indication

Wait, they can't??

 

I think you might like the Blue Stones.

 

I do like them.

 

Yup. That, and today's audiences lock themselves up in certain musical styles that appeal to only them. The audience today doesn't want to hear, say, Arctic Monkeys next to the latest Flo Rida hit. That would have happened on top 40 radio in the 70s, but not today.

 

I don't think it's the audience, but the radio programmers.

 

This is true.

 

Do you think there "music" people..they like what strikes a note in them, regardless of style, and there "genre" people...those who only like rap, or country, or classical..for specific reasons...they can dance to it...they identify with it culturally...they can relax to it....?

 

I believe both of those types of music listeners have always existed.

 

But going by what radio used to be...less so in the past.

 

I think it's some of both. You could say that radio is just giving the audience what they want, or you could say that radio programming is molding musical opinion.

Even back in the 6os and 70s, there were undoubtedly people who only wanted to hear a certain genre of music. That's why AOR, MOR, AC, R&B, disco, jazz, country, and all those other radio formats were created. And, these segregated formats were great for advertisers who wanted to target certain audiences.

 

Honestly, I don't hear anyone on this thread knocking the discovery or enjoyment of new music in general. The thread asked whether specific, current artists hold up against the best of what was around in 65' and 66', or thereabouts. To respond to that question with a resounding "No," does not automatically mean that I, or others, believe that discovering new music is worthless or that nothing in today's music scene is any good.

Since I can only speak for myself, I'll say it quite clearly, and will hope that those who disagree can at least avoid misunderstanding me:

1) I believe that virtually no new music of today compares favorably to the best artists of 1965-1966, including the ones mentioned by the OP. In fact, IMO, the artists on the OP list are not anywhere close to that level of musicianship, skill, creativity, lyrical talent, etc.

2) I still enjoy a a good number of today's current artists. In fact, I believe it's always worth discovering new artists. Case in point, I was happy to discover the artist Trixie Whitley listed by the OP. She has real potential and I am intrigued by the direction of her music, and I want to buy her new album soon.

There you go. Fire your arrows if you must.

 

No arrows required.

 

I hate to say it, but I think that's the majority of people: ones who only want to hear one kind of music, or one era of music most of the time, or all the time. We have people like that right here on this forum.

 

True enough.

 

Not me. I listen to both kinds of music: country and western.

 

All true. But "music" listeners, as opposed to "genre" listeners (as described above) still exist. Some of us either switch stations frequently, or play what we want.

I do go on genre kicks from time to time. But fortunately I have a diverse enough collection that any genre itch I may have can be scratched. A little cortizone cream helps as well.

 

me too..rock and roll.

 

How about people who listen to "what ever is on"...that I find interesting.

 

I know. There are actually people who don't care all that much, or at all, about music.
I think we should put them in a zoo or something. Non-musicals. Pffft.

 

But don't forget the "Golden Era of Jazz: 60s/70s edition". "The Golden Era of R&B: 60/70s." All genres peak in the 60s and 70s to those people.

 

This is absolutely true, and I won't judge..I know a few audiophiles with $500,000 systems that don't know who Seal, Peter Gabriel, or
u2 are. And the do listen to pop music.

 

They should donate their systems to poor people who care.
If they refuse, then they should be force fed music appreciation courses.
NO tolerance!

 

Funny, i thought the same...next time they feel compelled to "upgrade" their powr cords, they should write a check to a charity instead.

 

Once in a great while, I will listen to a run of a certain genre, but I will tire of it after a couple of hours. I can't listen to one thing all day long unless i'm working on it.

 

I can do that whenever i'm in the car on a road trip and get in the mood to check out what the top 40 or classic rock station is playing.