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What is the test of time?

The followint quote is from an interesting post in another thread:
I don't think it will stand the test of time. Most music doesn't.
What exactly is the proverbial test of time though? Critics spout that phrase all the time. But what exactly qualifies something to have stood the test of time? Critics said that rap wouldn't last over twenty years ago. Critics said that pop wouldn't last over forty years ago. Critics said that r&b wouldn't last over fifty years ago. Critics said that swing wouldn’t last over seventy years ago...

Interesting subject. Since the dawn of recording technology and especially now, people everywhere are scrambling to archive recordings of the past into whatever is the latest, greatest medium and format. In light of this, just about everything ever recorded will survive time. But still the question remains, what is the "test" of time. If anyone on earth listens to something long forgotten, does that mean it has stood the test of time?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic. What is the “test of time” to you?
creeper
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Side note: Devo is touring and playing huge venues
this summer. I know, I was surprised too. Cult classics.blockquote>

I heard just today that that entire tour had been canceled. No explanation
given. Regardless, as much as I got a kick out of them in collage, I doubt
their music would stand the "test of time". I would think their
music would already sound quite dated. It's difficult to take musicians
wearing upside-down flower pots on their heads very seriously. Somehow I
don't think that it was their intention either.

Marco
honest1
586 posts
 
I think it's a good post. Some music seems to remain poular over the years, and other doesn't. Maybe it's a question of widely accepted popularity. I think it's safe to say most of the Beatles' music has withstood the test of time, whereas the Captain and Tenille has not. Yet I am sure there are still many people who love the old Captain and Tenille recordings, and if you put all their fans together, you'd probably have a surprisingly large crowd. But you could also say that most people don't take their music seriously, and so it hasn't withstood the test of time.

The funny thing is that music comes and goes out of style. What has failed the test of time now might be rediscovered in 20 years and enjoy a big resurgence in popularity. I think when BeBop came out, traditional BigBand music was considered passe, but now has regained respectability. Abba music has also gained a surge in popularity over the past few years. The same thing could happen to the Captain and Tenille.

Just some quick thoughts while I'm trying to sober up before driving home. Feel free to agree, disagree, add, etc.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Yet I am sure there are still many people who love the old Captain and Tenille recordings, and if you put all their fans together, you'd probably have a surprisingly large crowd.

That's a very scary thought! What if the same crowd all broke out into a rousing chorus of "Muskrat Love"...televised worldwide?! Probably would cause the onset Armageadon! It's enough to drive you to drinking, drugs and suicidal thoughts. It's no wonder you need to " sober up" Honest1! Maybe you should get a cab home and have a friend come over and keep you company tonight.

Marco
honest1
586 posts
 
I don't know how I remembered Captain and Tenille, but you just reminded me of that song:
"...Nibbling on bacon, chewin' on cheese
Muskrat [boy's name] says to muskrat [girl's name]would you please
be my Mrs.?"

How did they come up with that stuff? And of all the useful things I wish I could remember, why is THAT taking up space in my brain? Oh, this is making me laugh!!! It's either laugh, or the suicidal thoughts thing, so I'm laughing!
pehare's avatar
pehare
838 posts
 
I much preferred Willis Alan Ramsey singing that number. His self-titled album is a classic, really. now it's stuck in my head, thanks.
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