Why is modern pop music today so terrible?

In 1962 if you were in America you probably had not heard or heard of the Beatles at all.

Also, the Beatles played their own guitars all the time, except for Clapton's solo on the White Album.  And they played their instruments every bit as well as the Stones.  Eventually, far better.  The Stones were for people who thought they had to be a little bit cooler, less mainstream.  Both great bands, BTW.

czarivey: great list of bands!  A friend off mine recorded the EWF album that is without doubt iconic.  It was an extremely controversial "sound" at the time, very clean and clear, no distortion or lack of dynamics. Not at all the Motown/Stax sound and he was NOT hired to do the subsequent albums.  Yet, that record (September, groove tonight, etc) still sounds contemporary and current.  This is a GREAT example of sound of pop changing over time with great moments.
Brad     

Jimmie Lunceford  Big Band 
Best swing band ever !

EWF is too complex for pop. It's funk-jazz-rock-soul talented blend.
Check out 11-piece band Phillip Johnston's Big Trouble. It's modern swing/free jazz.