Ohnwy61, thank you for the link.
I am trying, really trying; trying to find meat in a lot of this music. It's just not there. I listened to #1-10, and, frankly, almost couldn't stand it. That list is important to this discussion because it goes to the core of the OP's question re popular new music. The "best" 150 tracks of the last 15 years; according to NME.com. I confess that I have no idea what/who NME.com is; but after listening to #'s 1-10, I frankly don't care to know.
Conceptual value is subjective to a much greater extent than sheer musical skill. There are certain things about musical skill that are simply not up for debate. The fact that drummer A can play a groove so hard that it can make one forget about how good the beer tastes, only makes drummer B sound that much more like a garage band drummer; even if he is part of a conceptually "artsy" band. So, we can disagree about what is good conceptually, but in my book there is not much room for disagreement about musical skill. One can disagree about wether Hendrix was a better (or preferred) guitarist than Clapton, but not about the fact that they both deserve to be in "the best" category.
I like the Amy Winehouse cut, and I admit that it is the only tune that I had heard previously. She had a soulful, if very one-dimensional, voice. I find that pop singers like her garner a lot of attention, at least in part, because it is such a relief, in the overall scheme of pop music, to hear a singer with some real grease.
I liked The Libertines cut. Pretty interesting voice and concept, but unmemorable instrumental playing.
The Strokes held my attention with their concept and a pretty good singer, but the playing is embarrassing. Listen to that drummer; nothing going on.
This one just blew me away. That bullshit such as the cut by "Hot Chip" should garner the # 7 slot in a "best 150" list leaves me at a loss for words.
It has been said many times; that music is a reflection of the times. I believe it is really true. I find a lot of this music to have a common thread that mirrors what I think is a sociological force that is much more prevalent today than in the past. To me, when I listen (and watching videos makes that much more obvious) to a lot of this music there is a sense of narcissism evident. "I am good because I say I am good". I don't think so! Please notice that I said "a lot", not all. The music appeals to a younger generation (duh!), and likewise reflects something prevalent in today's younger generation. I am the father of two boys; I know.
Maybe there are some gems in the other 140, but I need some time time to recover for the first 10.
Thanks again; sincerely.
