On one note on Phil and Ed's posts about the "state of country music" and it sounding more "pop or rock." it has always done that. Country always has a 15 year curve as new listeners come into the format, and older ones leave. It is always going to get younger and the music and genre will change. Always has, always will.
Still tells a story, still engages the listener and still has multiple styles and attitudes. Just like the rest of music.
Every form of music goes through changes. Since Prince just passed away, along with Frey, Bowie, and many others, look at how the music they made has changed through the music of today. It all changes. And those that "knew it back then" don't like it now, and those "Now", don't like anything from "way back then." Same as our parents, grandparents and all aspects of music and entertainment.
And for the "Can the DYING STOP NOW?" Crowd, need to get a grip on themselves and have some perspective. Anyone who is in the Entertainment business live a very, very hard life. Fast paced, hard living, drinking, drugs, lifestyle, poor health habits, all take time, which is why most artists, writers, painters, authors, etc. burn out early. The ones who continue on, tend to age faster than most people.
Now we are in the age of the stars of the 70's, 80's and 90's are dying off. Just like our parents and grandparents saw their heroes, Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Bogart, Monroe, Nat King Cole, Elvis, etc. who were their heroes in the 30's 40's and 50's, start dying off in the latter 50's and 60's, we have to get used to seeing our heroes in our time die off.
It is never pleasant but it happens. We should celebrate the impact they leave behind and be grateful for the time we have and the memories they have.
And as far as the "Everything sounds the same" stuff goes, ever listened to Prince's "PURPLE RAIN" and JOURNEY'S "FAITHFULLY?" Yeah, they all sound the same. Even our idols.
Take care.
MAB
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