Why does most new music suck?

Actually, I think that there have been some good recommendations (particularly from Toddnkaya; IMO). You can compile your own list from these.

Now, sound quality. I think you may be looking for the impossible. Personally, I don't think it is possible to expect sound quality that is anywhere near up to audiophile standards from an "artist" such as Pink. This is not meant to offend, but, artistically, there simply is not that much "there" there. While not every truly good artist has been recorded with stellar sound (duh!), I think it is much more common to have a good sounding recording of good music than of mediocre music. This should not be surprising since an artist who is discerning will insist on better production values. Additionally, we run up against the "aesthetics gap". Music (artist) that relies more on attitude vs substance will tend to have a certain aesthetic re sound quality that doesn't jibe with audiophile tastes. IOW, those cymbals that will saw our ears off is exactly what the producer wanted. Remember, the expectation is that most Pink fans don't have audiophile quality gear.

Goose, you start a thread called why most new music sucks, and you want someone to write you a comprehensive list of awesome albums from the past ten years?? Why would someone do that for you? (Um, I actually did this for you and others, and for myself ,when I was had some free time)
I have spent years and many countless hours discovering and researching to find this music.
Are you really going to listen to this music?
I have actually mentioned a few stellar albums here. Did you check em out?
My list has over a hundred albums so far.
I am happy to share great music with people.
So Goose, I challenge you to listen to these albums first before I print my whole list. And please respond with your feedback to the music.
Alt J, An Awesome Wave ( try Breezeblocks, Something Good,Fitzpleasure, then continue to listen to the whole album if your intrigued and blown away)
Jim James new album is pure genius!! Called Regions of Light and Sound of God, I recommend listening all the way through.
Grizzly Bear, album is Shields. Wow!! I love it!, do you?
Modern Vampires new one,called Modern Vampires of the City is a classic.
Fleet Foxes, Helplessness Blues is sooooo good!
Phosphorescents new album called Muchacho is flawless!! It's mellow and melodic though. Perfect I say !
The Shins, Port of Morrow is so solid.
Do you like singer songwriters? Damien Jurado's Maraqopa , floored me!
Want dark and foreboding ? But equally awesome, try the Antlers , Burst Apart and Hospice.
There is 9 albums that I would be happy to enjoy on a desert island.
Let me know what you think of these Gems. I am happy to share so many more if your taking the time to listen with an open mind.
Enjoy, Todd

Goose,
I guess i grew up in a different era because I don't list the Beatles, Who, Rolling Stones, or Led Zeppelin as artist I want to listen to. Now this isn't to say there is anything wrong with them but they just aren't my cup of tea. I would bet if they have any good recorded music it was remastered at a later date.

Goose,
Your comment "As an example I was listening to the new Pink CD and the cymbals just about sawed off my ears with a compressed, distorted sound. The engineer and producer should be fired" reminds me of why I took a break from audio.

I use to own a system that was very detail and when the recording was good it was awesome. Well with this system I could only listen to about 5% of my entire collection. Now why in the world would I want to only listen to 5% of my collection? I took a break and built a new systems that just sounded good. I now enjoy my entire collection. Sure some recordings sound better than others but I find much more enjoyment listening than every before.

I find it laughable that sound quality is a mitigating factor in a decision to listen to otherwise substandard compositions of what music should actually be defined by. This is clearly not about the music but all about the expenditure. The joke's on you guys:)