Kicking it old school
Since beginning writing for the Colonnade, I have yet to talk about music. This is pretty surprising for myself since music is a large part of my life and a great interest. I have played guitar for 11 years, have been in several bands, and until recently, gigged routinely. Now, generally, I keep an open mind about music, but tend to dislike current pop music; but maybe that has all changed.
I know the Grammy’s aired over a week ago, but it has taken that long for me to figure out what is going on the current musical atmosphere. It’s apparent that there is generally a retrospective look in terms of popular music. In the 90’s, there was a resemblance between the current music and the music of the late 60’s and 70’s. Lately, we have seen a look back to 80’s music with the use of synthesizers, which for me is not a good thing. I absolutely hate 80’s pop and rock music (barring a few bands, of course). However, if the Grammy’s are a good indicator, there is an even more retrospective sound to music now.
There seems to be a re-emergence of an almost proto-country music. I wouldn’t exactly call it bluegrass, but it’s definitely an Appalachian Folk music sound, with a hint of sounds of the Scots-Irish folk music. The Scots-Irish incidentally were large parts of the settlers in the Appalachian region, which probably is why I hear their influence. The Grammy’s had Bob Dylan perform, no doubt a nod to the Folk-esque bands who performed before him. Mumsford & Sons and The Avett Brothers, both wielding acoustic guitars and banjos, indicative of the Appalachian sound, gave amazing performances to lead in to Bob Dylan. However, both bands are not purely retrospective. They introduce modern lyric play and subject matter.
Not to be outdone, there seems to be a harkening back to 50’s music as well. Performances by Bruno Mars and Cee-lo Green offer good evidence. Both artists have a resemblance 50’s soul, and “doo-wop” sounds. Cee-lo Green’s “Fuck You,” which was so heavily edited at the Grammy’s, it lost any resemblance of the original song, has that 50’s R&B sound, complete with backup singers.
Old R&B tries and tries to come back, a testament to its universal appeal, but never really has any staying power. A few years back we saw Amy Winehouse become popular, but she has faded from view. Hopefully, with the new interest in 50’s music, and Appalachian music, they will both stick around. This kind of music seems to have a deeper sound, song meaning, and in the case of 50’s style music, a sort of playfulness that alludes popular music in general.
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