Cultural thoughts on musical styles

cybersmyth · #1 August 8th, 2004

I've notices on a lot of guitar sites that go into any kind of depth, this one for example, at least touch on all different musical styles, not just rock. I think this interest in different styles and variety seems to be more pronounced in sites that aren't in the US. I was just kind wondering what people outside of the US think of different styles.

Like in the US, country music - bluegrass especially - is kinda viewed as music for stupid rednecks. Same goes for any type of folk music. People that like rock music seem to think other styles are not just bad, but only idiots like it. I'm not saying everyone is like that, I mean lots of people like country music, but it's just as if people don't accept variety. They're just uninterested in anything other than what they like.

Just curious about how other cultures/countries look at music styles.

-Joe

Spyder F16 · #2 August 8th, 2004

Well... in the US. Country is no longer fully viewed as a 'Redneck thing'. Now some of the country stars have gone into the pop genre, while still having a foot in country. it's hard to explain.

Usually I myself view all music as a impression of the souls that make up our world. Music is a beautiful thing no matter what it is.

Kirk Lorange · #3 August 9th, 2004

I think that may be an 'age' thing, as well. Youngsters tend to generalize stupidly about things, including music. The older you get, the more you realize it's all the same 12 notes ... I remember absolutely HATING pedal steel guitar as a teenager. Now ... I can't think of a more beautiful sound than a well played steel; Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como ... LOATHED them as a kid. Now, I see what masters they are/were; Jazz? The most RIDICULOUS music possible, back then. Now? I love it.

I must say, though, today's so called music leaves me cold. The fact that the more amateurish you sound, the more successful you become really riles me, and as for rap ... I don't even consider it music, so it doesn't even come into the picture, and any 'art' form that promotes hatred and violence should be banned in my view.

But that's just me, I'm an old fart. There's only one consolation for us old farts, and that's that the belligerent, rude, bigotted, egomaniacal youth of today will grow old too.

Spyder F16 · #4 August 10th, 2004

I agree with you on the 'Rap' Kirk.

Is it just a qoinsence that Rap rhyme with 'Crap'

I dont think so

.

Joshua · #5 August 11th, 2004

Hey Joe!

Well, get ready! LOL!

I'm a 16 year old, Bluegrass/country/folk/classical/blues/rock loving, U.S. dweller. Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bryan Sutton, Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Andrés Segovia...You name it.

Bluegrass isn't that badly regarded...I've been to an "underground" Bluegrass concert before, in Maine, all kinds of people! Young and old...Some very talented musicians. VERY talented. It was a fund raiser, in memory of a well known New England solo bluegrass/old time yodeler/guitar player named Slim Clark. Yodeling Slim Clark they called him, he died in 2000, I read somewhere that he had been touring New England since the early 1930's. I play music at chuch with a bass player who also plays Fiddle in one of the better known Bluegrass bands in Maine...Amazing fiddler, bassist, guitar player, drummer, vocalist (especially), I believe he plays the accordian as well! He has a Fender Blues Deluxe that he's hinted at selling that I've been meaning to ask him about....

Bluegrass may not be well regarded with a lot of people, but I must say, it's accepted quite well here in Maine by a lot of people...

Joshua

Spyder F16 · #6 August 12th, 2004

There is no problem with bluegrass. it is fun to listen to at a bonfire, indeed.

.