Harry P. Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 Frank Sinatra, et al, never wrote a song in his life or played an instrument on his albums, but he continues to be a favorite of millions of people, part of "the soundtrack of their lives." What kind of definition are we looking for to value a singer? How about this definition: Someone who actually sings every note we hear in the finished product. No auto-tune, no studio enhancement other than the usual arranging and mixing of the separate tracks. In other words... we're hearing the singer actually (really) singing, and they would sound pretty much the same singing in your living room. There have always been studio tricks, but these days the technology is to the point where anyone can be made to sound good. Talent is literally not necessary anymore, "personality" is.
Harry P. Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 I wasn't trying to put Beyonce down as a performer at all... I just think this nicely demonstrates the state of the contemporary music industry, which, in turn, reflects on the quality of the product itself in a major way. I agree with that. It's not so much a lack of actual singing talent these days, but a lack of quality writing, musicianship, arrangement, etc. There are plenty of technically talented singers... singing garbage. These days all you need is a drum machine for a beat, some fake synthesized "instruments," and some inane lyrics.
Wonderbread Kustomz Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 I know alot of you old farts ( I'm joking by the way ) don't like rap music or hip hop.. And I'm sure this isn't what you meant when you were talking about today's music... But this has been my perception of my choice of music. I was around 11 or 12 when Run DMC first came out and my mom was the one who actually got me into rap music . Throughout the years in my teens, I remember Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre coming out with "Nothin but a G thang" Then the west coast gangsta rap blew up, and let me say, I was hooked like an addiction .... I wanted to move to Cali ( years later I did) and ride around in a Lowrider. ( been there done that, and too much of a headache to deal with) And then, Southern Rap came around and then Kanye West happened... And of course Lil Wayne, and Nikki Minaj. People went from baggy pants to skin tight jeans. Music has turned to garbage. All I listen to anymore is old school rap, funk, r&b, and classic rock.
sjordan2 Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 (edited) There's still some good stuff coming out. Even though "The Voice" is based on contestants doing covers, listen to Michelle and Danielle singing live tonight for distinctive, star-worthy vocals. As for this... How about this definition: Someone who actually sings every note we hear in the finished product. No auto-tune, no studio enhancement other than the usual arranging and mixing of the separate tracks. In other words... we're hearing the singer actually (really) singing, and they would sound pretty much the same singing in your living room. There have always been studio tricks, but these days the technology is to the point where anyone can be made to sound good. Talent is literally not necessary anymore, "personality" is. I ain't buying that. There's not a lot of difference in what can be done with the old methods and the new digital ones -- mostly, speed of editing and a few minor bells and whistles. I have spent long hours in 70s and 80s recording studios using up to 48 tracks and bumping over to 2-inch tape, changing pitch, adding echo and other types of reverb, multitracking, tightening phrasing, removing breaths and minor glitches, ad infinitum -- all on tape. And that's using talented studio musicians and singers. Sometimes, the singers and instrumentalists had nothing to go on but the arrangements and a click track in their headphones (still prevalent today) and never were together in the same session. Edited May 21, 2013 by sjordan2
JollySipper Posted May 21, 2013 Author Posted May 21, 2013 Something today's music is also lacking (besides real talent) is a message. Robert Plant's big thing was "here is what we think as far as philosophy goes, but we could be wrong." Tool's music also has the huge over-tone of thinking for ones-self.... What's being made now is just house music for the most part, meant to be danced to, no real message or meaning behind it.....
kalbert Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 How about this definition: Someone who actually sings every note we hear in the finished product. No auto-tune, no studio enhancement other than the usual arranging and mixing of the separate tracks. In other words... we're hearing the singer actually (really) singing, and they would sound pretty much the same singing in your living room. Well... but what about Peter Frampton then?
LoneWolf15 Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 I listen to a wide variety of music , Kathie says that she can tell the mood that I'm in by what's playing on the shop stereo on any given day ! I can't relate to a lot of the latest music being offered , I'm in agreement with the lack of talent being displayed these days . I have always loved the story tell writers , one if the finest around is Edwin McCain . Not a whole lot of top 40 air time but that boy can play , sing , and write with few peers ! Love Nora Jones , John Mayer , and Little Big Town ! I find myself leaning more towards country more and more , Zac Brown Band being the latest flavor . And yes , all the aforementioned classic bands mentioned , plus the Eagles , 38 Special , Skynard , Segar , Molly Hatchet , Blackfoot , etc ! I view music as I do model cars , one song , one vintage kit , can bring back memories of better times gone by , long ago and far away .
Harry P. Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 Well... but what about Peter Frampton then? Huh? I don't get it. What about Peter Frampton?
sjordan2 Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 Full disclosure: Even in my 60s, I like mindless pop and Eurodance with plenty of melodic hooks, in addition to the golden oldies. Lady Gaga, Katie Perry, Bruno Mars (that's a stretch), Coldplay, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, and the other women with heavy breathing. My all-time favorite remains US one-hit wonder ("I Will Love Again") and still worldwide superstar, Lara Fabian.
kalbert Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 Huh? I don't get it. What about Peter Frampton? I thought everybody knew about Peter Framtpon's talking guitar!
Harry P. Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 I thought everybody knew about Peter Framtpon's talking guitar! Well, yeah, I knew he uses a talkbox.
kalbert Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 You said "How about this definition: Someone who actually sings every note we hear in the finished product. No auto-tune, no studio enhancement other than the usual arranging and mixing of the separate tracks. In other words... we're hearing the singer actually (really) singing, and they would sound pretty much the same singing in your living room." So I said "What about Peter Frampton", referring to his use of the talkbox in a couple songs, meant as a humorous argument to how it might disqualify him based on your proposed definition. Not meant to call you out or cause trouble or stir the pot or to find fault with anyone, just meant to be a fun comment. Disregard the whole thing.
Quick GMC Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 I know I'll get a lot of hate for this, but Kiss is one of the most overrated, horrible bands that ever became popular. Gene Simmons is an amazing performer and business man, but their actual songs are just filler, IMO. I put them in the same category as Niki Minaj. One helluva show, great performance with no substance.
Harry P. Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 I know I'll get a lot of hate for this, but Kiss is one of the most overrated, horrible bands that ever became popular. Gene Simmons is an amazing performer and business man, but their actual songs are just filler, IMO. I put them in the same category as Niki Minaj. One helluva show, great performance with no substance. No argument here. I agree 100%. KISS is all show, all theatrics, zero content. I agree 200% on Nicki Minaj. She is the reason I stopped watching "American Idol." Can't stand her, not no way, not no how.
1930fordpickup Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 No argument here. I agree 100%. KISS is all show, all theatrics, zero content. I agree 200% on Nicki Minaj. She is the reason I stopped watching "American Idol." Can't stand her, not no way, not no how. Something is wrong I agree with Harry 100% .
CrazyGirl Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 good old fashion Rock and Roll is alive and well , don't sell the young kids short
Badluck 13 Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 good old fashion Rock and Roll is alive and well , don't sell the young kids short Yeap soooooooo right Baby Girl age six And Baby Girl with Dick Dale last year..............
Austin T Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 I don't know what it is, but something about Niki Minaj is absolutely revolting to me. I don't know if it's that gawd awful voice or those clown outfits, but anytime I hear or see here I have to look away. I wish I was around when the hits were real. With then new bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Skynyrd.
kalbert Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 I wish I was around when the hits were real. With then new bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Skynyrd. Me too, although when I think about it, my parents thought the music I liked as a teenager was just noise, their parents thought Sabbath, Deep Purple, and The Ventures were just noise, their parents thought boys and girls ought not listen to music together, and there wasn't music before that I don't think. So does that mean I'm old now too because I think these kids kids today are just listening to noise? !?!?
Harry P. Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 Something is wrong I agree with Harry 100% . No, something is very right!
Nxr Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 Now why can't hip hop like this be the popular stuff. No profanity in lyrics i promise!
Guest Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 I thought everybody knew about Peter Framtpon's talking guitar! Now that is a classic!
chevyfever2009 Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 (edited) I know I'll get a lot of hate for this, but Kiss is one of the most overrated, horrible bands that ever became popular. Gene Simmons is an amazing performer and business man, but their actual songs are just filler, IMO. I put them in the same category as Niki Minaj. One helluva show, great performance with no substance. Another few. Are the beetles, elvis ozzy fat joe ja rule jay z biggie smalls Edited May 22, 2013 by chevyfever2009
chevyfever2009 Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 Im in my mid 20's and i listen to rap and rock cant stand country some of the bands i listen too are queen whitesnake def leppard eagles eninem 50 cent gucci mane deep purple foreigner and others
Ognib Posted May 22, 2013 Posted May 22, 2013 Page, Rogers, Slade, Franklin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDjRFTIhxnA
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