Theater of the Mind
Nothing is as vivid as our “theater of the mind”. Society moves at such a rapid pace that it’s almost impossible to just think. Many people could sit back and really listen to music back in the 60’s (and into the early 70’s). Many times, these recordings had a loosely-based theme that could be molded by the minds of anyone listening. It was a slower, yet still turbulent time.
Typically, today’s music is shoveled out in rigid formats that leave no place for imagination. There’s a reason for that… Populations are easier to manipulate if they’re kept ignorant and rewarded for it. There is generally the same homogenized sound on many songs, depending on the “genre”. Don’t stray! Form a marketing funnel. Play the game. Above all, don’t think!
Other Factors
Other factors exist for the the decline of critical listening. For one, the sheer speed of our lives leaves little quality time left. Popular music, for the most part, seems to be repetitious, lowest-common denominator-appealing garbage. Younger listeners many times don’t know know what they don’t know due to lack of school music curriculum.
The second is economic. People have to make a living, so with multiple jobs and families to support, many no time to research the daily news, let alone purchase and critically listen to music. I remember finding albums that sold two for the price of one back in the day. I was more apt to try one of these and found some real gems that way; future buying based on the initial choice. (Chicago comes to mind). YouTube has tons of stuff to hear, so it’s all-of-a-sudden affordable. Please support those you enjoy when you can though!
Third is the (lack of) culture. Instant gratification rules the day (for now, anyway). Loud, live, lit-up crowds provide that false sense of sophistication and belonging. But, you don’t need anyone else’s approval. You only need your own. Take the first step out of the sheeple… Listen boldly!
Critical Listening
Critical listening can take you to the theater of your mind. Remember, you are an individual, not a demographic. Since you might be socially isolating right now, think about using your powers to step outside the box and see what else (besides the mainstream slop being peddled) is out there. I guarantee rich audio rewards!
Question the origin of all you hear. Listen to it in that perspective. Make it personal.
Since you can’t go out right now, bring the real concert to you. The fancy lasers, etc. aren’t there. They’re in the theater of the mind!
Oh, I might add:
2020- The Great Awakening album by Skyypilot is out now. It’s almost two hours of theater for the mind. Wherever you get music… Thanks!
2020-The Great Awakening/Skyypilot
© 2020 J. Mark Witters Skyypilot Media Skyypilot.com