Thumbing through my lastest issue of 'Spin', I realized that something irked me, and quite profoundly at that. I think those people who refuse to read or be intune with music media on the basis that they "tell you what to listen to" are fools. These people truely need a lesson in deciphering the difference between mainstream and 'newstream' (hehe, yes, I made that word up all on my own, you think it will catch???).
Basically, without music media, there's no sense of discovery. And, If your argument is just that of the one described above, know that music publications are a collective of opinions. That they are suggestions, yes unsolicited if a gun is being held to your head and the person with the trigger at their finger tips claims your only way to survive is to read what the critics are saying. Otherwise, you are given this fantastic oppertunity to read about and possibly listen to music you may never gotten a chance to.
One also has to remember that when reading these publications, these people have been listening to music for years (some, though on the staff at Rolling Stone, I'd have to question that being the truth for), and they make knowing about music their business. One type of music journalist that i admire, and one that I aspire to be myself, is the listener of all genres. The appeiciator of many views and angles and sounds of the music. THAT my friends will be the successful and well respected critic. Even by musicians themselves. Furthermore, I am not condoning the tearing apart of a musician, band or genre of music, I've never been that sort of person and I think that it shows poor journalism if one cannot peg what the problem is without making constructive suggestions (and YES I have read reviews of this nature, it's very sad...).
All I'm saying is, If we are to be a generation of openminded, progressive people, be that way! Expand your musical possibilities, don't just stick with the same old band you've been listening to for the last 10 years! find out who their influences are, find out who they are influencing. That can only bring you to higher musical heights!
Basically, without music media, there's no sense of discovery. And, If your argument is just that of the one described above, know that music publications are a collective of opinions. That they are suggestions, yes unsolicited if a gun is being held to your head and the person with the trigger at their finger tips claims your only way to survive is to read what the critics are saying. Otherwise, you are given this fantastic oppertunity to read about and possibly listen to music you may never gotten a chance to.
One also has to remember that when reading these publications, these people have been listening to music for years (some, though on the staff at Rolling Stone, I'd have to question that being the truth for), and they make knowing about music their business. One type of music journalist that i admire, and one that I aspire to be myself, is the listener of all genres. The appeiciator of many views and angles and sounds of the music. THAT my friends will be the successful and well respected critic. Even by musicians themselves. Furthermore, I am not condoning the tearing apart of a musician, band or genre of music, I've never been that sort of person and I think that it shows poor journalism if one cannot peg what the problem is without making constructive suggestions (and YES I have read reviews of this nature, it's very sad...).
All I'm saying is, If we are to be a generation of openminded, progressive people, be that way! Expand your musical possibilities, don't just stick with the same old band you've been listening to for the last 10 years! find out who their influences are, find out who they are influencing. That can only bring you to higher musical heights!
VIEW 14 of 14 COMMENTS
glorybox:
oh yea... i was contemplating going to Salisbury for lax and soccer, i met with the coach and all. Jim Nestor is his name if i recall. They have very good sports programs there. Who knows, i still have 2 more years of eligablilty left, maybe i'll transfer.
ziggs:
thanks. u should see the color i just put in