12 Disappointing Facts...

[kasperjensen]

http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/12-extremely-disappointing-facts-about-popular-mus


I talked about this with someone the other day, and then I saw this.

A lot of people say that it's just so easy string some beats together, and boom! you have a pop rocket. Pop music is so easy to write..

I used to believe this to be true, but somehow I don't anymore.

It simply can't be that easy.

Anyone?

[Gandalf5150]

http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/12-extremely-disappointing-facts-about-popular-mus


I talked about this with someone the other day, and then I saw this.

A lot of people say that it's just so easy string some beats together, and boom! you have a pop rocket. Pop music is so easy to write..

I used to believe this to be true, but somehow I don't anymore.

It simply can't be that easy.

Anyone?

There was a thread about this article a few weeks ago.

That said, it's an interestin article, but I have serious concerns over the validity of some of the so called facts.

A case in point...

5. The Black Eyed Peas' “I Gotta Feeling” is more popular than any Elvis or Simon & Garfunkel song

i put it to you that there are literally dozens of Elvis Presley songs more popular throughout the known world than any BEP song.

[Rumblur]

pop music is easy because it's the McD's of music. You just take basic ingredients, stir in good marketing, copy a proven recipe, and boom - hit. Why do you think the record and radio people keep the good music from us? Because it's too hard to make. It takes time. You cant just pump out a Layla or Paradise City or Pride & Joy. And real musicians/artists arent 'team players' who will always sell their soul just to be on TV.

Since the advent of MTV/CMT etc, music has become a VISUAL art. You cant tell me Lady Gaga or Shania Twain could've made it in 1970.

On the same token, Roy Orbison could never get a gig today.

Some time ago, I was at this chick's house... she said to put on some music. I went to the Sirius channels, found something good... she got ALL pissy because "it's boring, I cant SEE anything".

[nmiller]

A lot of these facts are truly unfair comparisons. For one thing, the market for new music is much, much larger now than it was in the '60s and '70s, so sheer sales numbers aren't a reasonable comparison. Second, artists like Hendrix and Zeppelin were never big sellers in their own time; it's only more recently that they've become solidified as bulwarks of classic rock. Third, Zeppelin, REM and (in their later years) the Beatles were never big singles artists - they were mainly about full-length albums - so it's unfair to compare them just in terms of singles sold and their chart positions.

[John Vasco]

A lot of these facts are truly unfair comparisons. For one thing, the market for new music is much, much larger now than it was in the '60s and '70s, so sheer sales numbers aren't a reasonable comparison. Second, artists like Hendrix and Zeppelin were never big sellers in their own time; it's only more recently that they've become solidified as bulwarks of classic rock. Third, Zeppelin, REM and (in their later years) the Beatles were never big singles artists - they were mainly about full-length albums - so it's unfair to compare them just in terms of singles sold and their chart positions.


The Beatles were never big singles artists? :huh :omg

I do believe you need to go re-check your historical facts...!

[DGDGBD]

That article is definitely designed to poke older folks with a stick. The main notion of the article is that newer pop music has sold more volume than older pop and rock music. You can argue that a lot of it is due an increased population; and the vast changes in the way music is formatted, marketed and sold these days versus yesteryear.

What amazes me the most about new versus old in the world of pop/rock music is the vast amount of different genre's, bands, and materials there is out there now compared to say, a generation ago. Its mind blowing how much there is to choose from today.

[bsrguitar]

I would agree that the list is disappointing. I think it stems from looking at it through a nostalgic viewpoint though. It's kind of like the NFL: the old records will fall with new methods of delivery. Marino, playing today, would likely be setting a higher mark in total passing yards for others to chase after.

Back in the day, when our heroes like Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and all the other great groups and artists named in the article were setting those records, the primary method of music consumption was the Radio. They were well-paid by the spin. Now, the method of delivery is not the radio, it is the mp3 player. A #1 spot can be achieved for a few brief hot weeks, and then its the next flavor up. Back in the day, quality music stayed on the chart for longer, which I think may attest and correlate to some of it's staying power (don't get me started on the current lack of industry investment in artist development, I also think that has a strong impact on the quality of some of the current "hits"). I think if you added up all the spins, it wouldn't even be close.

To be fair, I think you would have to compare total per capita listenings and market share for some set period to really look at their relative success and influence in their own temporal environments.

[Gas-man]

pop music is easy because it's the McD's of music. You just take basic ingredients, stir in good marketing, copy a proven recipe, and boom - hit.


Completely false.

If it really were that easy, why aren't you in LA or Nashville making millions?

Pop hits are incredibly hard to write and produce. The public is fickle--it's hard to say what is going to work and what isn't.

Yes, Shania and Lady Gaga would still sell millions of records if they came out in 1970 because it is the strength of their melodies that make them popular.

Hooks and melodies sell records. Learn it, live it...ignore it and go back to practicing Peter Green licks in basement! :p

[semi-hollowbody]

the most disappointing thing to me is rock n roll will NEVER see another "led zeppelin" or "beatles"...

Im not big on the "current music sucks" bandwagon...there are old bands I despise, there are new bands I despise...

I couldnt look at the entire list as the pic of the 4 shirtless creed dudes popping up scared me away

[chopsley]

Oh fer f**k's sake, this again?!

[Lotis]

I agree that it isn't just about the music or audio experience anymore. You have to have visual and you have to appeal to the masses.

[crzyfngers]

hell people spend 500 bucks on a phone. people get dumber every day. so what? i'm sure they've sold more pet rocks than les pauls.

[Gas-man]

I agree that it isn't just about the music or audio experience anymore. You have to have visual and you have to appeal to the masses.

It never was "Just about the music." Ever.

The visual/image aspect has always been a factor and always will be.

Do you think Johny Cash is iconic because of his singing voice?

[DreamPop]

It never was "Just about the music." Ever.

The visual/image aspect has always been a factor and always will be.

Do you think Johny Cash is iconic because of his singing voice?

+1 I do believe he is called "The Man in Black" for a reason that has nothing to do with his music.

These "new music sucks" threads have taken a turn for the silly. I don't understand why people feel the need to prove music is worse now than it was when they were younger. There has always been dreck to appeal to the lowest common denominator; there has always been great music. Yin and Yang and whatnot. People tend to view their own pasts and experiences with a healthy dose of nostalgia and through rose colored glasses. Turn your radio off and let it go. I'm sure people from my generation will be doing the same thing in a few decades. "This Space-Ke$ha-2000 sure as heck ain't no White Stripes....."

Also, who compares REM to Rhianna?

[paulg]

Well, the Archie's out sold Jimi back in the day too. Who cares? Pop music is candy for the masses.

[EricPeterson]

That article is definitely designed to poke older folks with a stick.



Oh fer f**k's sake, this again?!


:agree

[78deluxe]

pop music is easy because it's the McD's of music. You just take basic ingredients, stir in good marketing, copy a proven recipe, and boom - hit. Why do you think the record and radio people keep the good music from us? Because it's too hard to make. It takes time. You cant just pump out a Layla or Paradise City or Pride & Joy. And real musicians/artists arent 'team players' who will always sell their soul just to be on TV.

Since the advent of MTV/CMT etc, music has become a VISUAL art. You cant tell me Lady Gaga or Shania Twain could've made it in 1970.

On the same token, Roy Orbison could never get a gig today.

Some time ago, I was at this chick's house... she said to put on some music. I went to the Sirius channels, found something good... she got ALL pissy because "it's boring, I cant SEE anything".


As much as I don't like most "pop" music, and grew up liking GnR...there are plenty of pop songs that are better and took more talent to write than Paradise City.....IMO of course.

[Turbo Gerbil]

This is like the 10th thread on this, right?

That list cracks me up, the genre bias is obvious and glaring. Seriously.... #6 and #9 are just proof that sometimes record sales do indicate actual talent. and Pearl Jam? Really?

[Shiny_Beast]

That article is completely pointless

[Turbo Gerbil]

A lot of people say that it's just so easy string some beats together, and boom! you have a pop rocket. Pop music is so easy to write..


A lot of pop songs have a bunch of cool stuff going on in them, but not surprisingly most musicians don't take the time to listen, because, pop is not about showcasing musicians.

For example, I love the production on Gaga's Telephone. Yeah, the lyrics are lame ( hey, Gaga wrote it originally for Britney, what do you want. ;) ). But There is a lot of cool stuff going on in this song by producer DarkChild, and a lot of thought behind it.

uxGZqVSZyUw

[kasperjensen]

I agree. Maybe it came across wrong.

I think there is a lot of talent in pop, especially in the writing side. It's why I feel it's a bit silly when people say that it's so easy.

It can't be.

[A-Bone]

I agree. Maybe it came across wrong.

I think there is a lot of talent in pop, especially in the writing side. It's why I feel it's a bit silly when people say that it's so easy.

It can't be.

For sure. If it was that easy, more people would do it successfully and more people would be making a mint from doing so.

[RockStarNick]

world population in 1960: 3 billion

Population now: 7 billion

Enough said.

More total people = more dumb people = more people who will buy Kesha songs.

[Lucidology]

Don't get why those are so Disappointing...

So what ... life goes on & on & on & on ...

[Trebor Renkluaf]

You just need to know the four chords:

5pidokakU4I

[A-Bone]

Don't get why those are so Disappointing...

So what ... life goes on & on & on & on ...

-CPCs7vVz6s

[scottlr]

While as an old fart, I am not completely in touch with today's youth, I think the OP's premise is only partially true. Yes, you can now string a bunch of beats together, but I think you still have to have a hook to make a hit. Now maybe someone my age doesn't "get" the hook, but there has to be a hook in there somewhere.

[chopsley]

Don't get why those are so Disappointing...

So what ... life goes on & on & on & on ...

well said...

[jads57]

It's not about the song, it's about owning the copyrights! But ultimately writing great pop songs does take musical talent,or at least it use too,lol!

[Rockledge]

I agree. Maybe it came across wrong.

I think there is a lot of talent in pop, especially in the writing side. It's why I feel it's a bit silly when people say that it's so easy.

It can't be.


Pop music is in and of itself fantastic.
What sucks is a music industry that tries to turn everything into cash by trying to create formulas and formats for everything.
The fact that something suddenly becomes appealing to the masses shouldn't be just cause for it to be labeled as "unacceptable".

One of the most talented partnerships was the two guys who created ABBA. ABBA albums are fantastic and very creative. They are the perfect example of a group that got stereotyped because it garnered mass appeal. They get pegged on the basis of their hit songs. Most who have them pegged never heard an album by them, and will never be compelled to.

[teleman1]

Here's some old fart reality for the last 20 years of music. If there is a 2075, you will still hear and learn about the Beatles. The majority of today's crap,(its not all crap, just the majority), won't even be thought of or mentioned.

[teleman1]

And I don't find anything dissappointing about Barbara Streisand beating anyone. Like it or not, she has the voice. Celine? She gives me volatile cramps. She caused me not to conceive a child cause I lost my E when she came on the radio.

If you take the perspective of time, nothing on that list holds weight with our different media,media control of the industry. That's right, the fixed programming of the music we listen and are exposed to>>>Clear channel.

[mike walker]

[QUOTE=nmiller;12079790 the Beatles were never big singles artists - they were mainly about full-length albums - so it's unfair to compare them just in terms of singles sold and their chart positions.[/QUOTE]

?? Just number 1s? Like some of these were double A sided so songs like Strawberry Fields were on the other side. There are many more.


1. Love me do
2. From me to you
3. She loves you
4. I want to hold your hand
5. Can't buy me love
6. A hard day's night
7. I feel fine
8. Eight days a week
9. Ticket to ride
10. Help!
11. Yesterday
12. Day tripper
13. We can work it out
14. Paperback writer
15. Yellow submarine
16. Eleanor Rigby
17. Penny Lane
18. All you need is love
19. Hello, goodbye
20. Lady Madonna

[kasperjensen]

I think I have to make it clear that I respect pop music a lot, and am not of the opinion that it's simply a couple of beats that a monkey could make.

[Yngtchie Blacksteen]

That article is definitely designed to poke older folks with a stick.Those, and the millions of kids who go: "I'm 13 and I love Led Zeppelin!" on YouTube.

[A-Bone]

?? Just number 1s? Like some of these were double A sided so songs like Strawberry Fields were on the other side. There are many more.


1. Love me do
2. From me to you
3. She loves you
4. I want to hold your hand
5. Can't buy me love
6. A hard day's night
7. I feel fine
8. Eight days a week
9. Ticket to ride
10. Help!
11. Yesterday
12. Day tripper
13. We can work it out
14. Paperback writer
15. Yellow submarine
16. Eleanor Rigby
17. Penny Lane
18. All you need is love
19. Hello, goodbye
20. Lady Madonna

Yes, saying The Beatles were "never big singles artists" is kind of like suggesting Boston is not really a college town.

"My Bonnie" /
"The Saints"[A]
1962 "Love Me Do" /
"P.S. I Love You"
1963 "Please Please Me" /
"Ask Me Why"
"From Me to You" /
"Thank You Girl"
"She Loves You" /
"I'll Get You"
"I Want to Hold Your Hand" /
"This Boy"
"Roll Over Beethoven" /
"Please Mister Postman"
"I Want to Hold Your Hand" /
"I Saw Her Standing There"
1964 "Please Please Me" /
"From Me to You"
"Sweet Georgia Brown" /
"Nobody's Child"[A]
"All My Loving" /
"This Boy"
"Why" /
"Cry for a Shadow"[A]
"Twist and Shout" /
"There's a Place"[B]
"Can't Buy Me Love" /
"You Can't Do That"
"Do You Want to Know a Secret" /
"Thank You Girl"
"Sie Liebt Dich (She Loves You)" /
"I'll Get You"
"Ain't She Sweet" /
"If You Love Me, Baby"
"Sweet Georgia Brown" /
"Take Out Some Insurance on Me, Baby"
"Ain't She Sweet" /
"Nobody's Child"
"A Hard Day's Night" /
"Things We Said Today"
"A Hard Day's Night" /
"I Should Have Known Better"
"I'll Cry Instead" /
"I'm Happy Just to Dance with You"
"And I Love Her" /
"If I Fell"
"Matchbox" /
"Slow Down"
"I Feel Fine" /
"She's a Woman"
"If I Fell" /
"Tell Me Why"
1965 "Eight Days a Week" /
"I Don't Want to Spoil the Party"
"Ticket to Ride" /
"Yes It Is"
"Help!" /
"I'm Down"
"Yesterday" /
"Act Naturally"
"Roll Over Beethoven" /
"Misery"
"Boys" /
Medley: "Kansas City"/"Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey"
"We Can Work It Out" /
"Day Tripper"
1966 "Nowhere Man" /
"What Goes On"
"Paperback Writer" /
"Rain"
"Yellow Submarine" /
"Eleanor Rigby"
1967 "Penny Lane" /
"Strawberry Fields Forever"
"All You Need Is Love" /
"Baby, You're a Rich Man"
"Hello, Goodbye" /
"I Am the Walrus"
1968 "Lady Madonna" /
"The Inner Light"
"Hey Jude" /
"Revolution"
1969 "Get Back" /
"Don't Let Me Down"
"The Ballad of John and Yoko" /
"Old Brown Shoe"
"Something" /
"Come Together"
1970 "Let It Be" /
"You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)"
"The Long and Winding Road" /
"For You Blue"


And this list does not include the subsequent singles released during the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

[Soul Man]

And I don't find anything dissappointing about Barbara Streisand beating anyone. Like it or not, she has the voice. Celine? She gives me volatile cramps. She caused me not to conceive a child cause I lost my E when she came on the radio.

If you take the perspective of time, nothing on that list holds weight with our different media,media control of the industry. That's right, the fixed programming of the music we listen and are exposed to>>>Clear channel.

I would take Celine's voice over Babs any day BUT.......that's the beauty of our world.

Just like the "facts" in the article, everyone will look at (listen to) things differently and there are an endless number of things that shape what we like.

[Steve Foley]

Hyandai's probably outsell Lamboughini's, too...... does that make the Hyundai better? :huh