September 8

I find myself being attracted to anything that's original or creative. Mind you, I'm talking about ANYTHING: music, film, writing, graffiti, bicycles - when I say anything, I mean it. Where does this come from? I was in bed trying to fall asleep last night when I thought back to a conversation my Mom and I had when I was driving back from Detroit. I had just picked her and my Grandma up from the airport and was headed home when the topic of hip-hop music came up. My Mom started talking about how she doesn't get popular culture these days and how she doesn't consider that genre of music, well, real music. I looked at her a bit confused and started what would end up being about a 30 minute debate. All the while my Grandma sat quietly in the back, probably laughing to herself at the conversation. Anything you could think of was touched upon, from citing poetry to referencing Bob Dylan, 2Pac, Lupe Fiasco, the Beatles, Green Day (don't ask), etc. In the end we simply agreed to disagree; However, my Mom did say something that rang very true.

"People want to listen to music or watch movies to escape from real life. They don't want to have to think or decipher."

The majority of people out there like "it" cut-and-dried. They want to turn on the radio, hear a certain melody regardless of message, and go with it. I'm not built that way. I'm not exactly sure when the change happened, but it did. I admit, I've listened to my fair share of embarrassing, brainless music and watched a ton of terrible films. But back then I thought if the majority liked it then I should too. I'm a lot happier now. Haha.

Yes, I completely agree that music or film or any form of entertainment should be just that: entertainment. It should be an escape from the mundane routines people find themselves in. And people are free to experience that in any way they want as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. For me, though, that just isn't enough. Let's stay centered around the music portion in this instance. I listen to music some friends are playing in their iPods and it's all the same to me. The record labels are doing what they do best: taking something that sells, signing cookie-cutter groups/bands, pairing them with similar producers, and manufacturing hits. There's no soul in a lot of what's on the radio. I'm not saying that EVERYTHING you hear on pop radio is rubbish, just that a lot of it doesn't do much for me.

When it comes to this particular position, only a few friends are on my side. What's on the surface shouldn't be the entire story. How about an example? Exhibit A is a modern country hit with all the production, pop references, and that radio friendly sound; Exhibit B is an old school, stripped down, roots type song by an artist who, live, only needs a guitar, stool, and his voice.

A:

B:

I realize that they're two different types of songs, but on any day of the week I'd rather listen to Mr. William Elliott Whitmore. I've been lucky enough to catch him live. The inflection in this guys voice when he's up there stomping his feet, sweating, and completely immersed in music that he believes in - that's coming from his soul, for lack of a better term - was one of the best shows I've ever seen. And he was the opening act.

Any day of the week. I will stand by that.

Indeed.

In the end, though, this is just how I feel. I recognize that many people out there disagree, and that's fine. Like I said, if it makes you happy and it's not a burden on others, go for it. Live and let live...

BUT, if you're someone who's constantly looking for that something "extra," then rest-asured you're not alone.

Just pretend,
B