Originally Posted by BIG JIM MERRILEES
Jody. Now I do not know exactly what music you are referring to. If you want real examples of great music then just look at the charts from around 65-75 especially UK. Even the bad stuff is miles better than todays crap. If you want examples of todays great music then I would have to say I am sorry that is an impossible question that I do not have an answer to. Possibly because there is none that I can consider exceptional. If it was a school report card it would read "average performer could do better"
This is supposed to be your era you make the music do not ask me to rescue it. By the way If you think todays music is so good please please please give me real-world examples. You probably can but most of the music out there is below par. That was my original point until folk nit picked. I think perhaps the proble with yanks is they are too easy pleased and mediocrity has become a staple diet. Well you gave us fast food and those sad sit coms and soaps.

It is my era. But the funny thing is, I respect music, even from eras much older than 1965-1975 and especially the UK. I don't sit on a couch whining about the "state" of music and calling it mediocre crap. I used to do that when I was learning to play and realized I wasn't doing anything to help make it better. So I shifted my focus. Now I spend my time honing the craft of songwriting and getting better at translating that through my music and my instrumental capabilities. I like doing things to help others get exposure for their music (if I like it), get better at their skills (if they desire to play), and make more money from it (if they create something). I don't worry about John-down-at-the-pub being pissed if I didn't play Freebird, Wanted Dead or Alive, Lola, Help, or Dream On for the millionth time. I spend time writing the song that John-down-at-the-pub will request next because he loves it so much he needs to hear someone play it, if he can't have me play it for him.

BTW - I never asked for a rescue.

Some real world examples of great music:

King's X - Especially the CDs Faith, Hope, Love; Ear Candy
Maroon 5 - Songs About Jane. Extremely amazing songs front to back. Makes Me Wonder is a superb example of music over lyrics from the CD It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Dick Prall - Copperhead Town, fantastic song. Here's a link to my blog where you can hear it: http://www.singleoftheday.com/2008/01/31/
Lemonhead - "A". A very young band that has a lot of potential. Link to hear it: http://www.singleoftheday.com/2008/01/10/
Cabin - Dance With Me. Here's a link: http://www.singleoftheday.com/2008/01/07/
Serj Buss - Thinking Heads. Here's a link: http://www.singleoftheday.com/2008/01/22/
The Bihlman Bros - American Son. Here's a link: http://www.singleoftheday.com/2006/10/17/
Nicole Witt - Bourbon. Here's a link: http://www.singleoftheday.com/2008/01/20/need-a-drink/
Sara Bareleilles - Love Songs. Here's a link: http://www.singleoftheday.com/2007/12/22/love-songs/

I can keep pulling up specific examples from here to tomorrow of really good/great music. There is absolutely nothing wrong with current music.

Jody Whitesides
A Funky Audio Lap Dance For Your Ears!
www.jodywhitesides.com