Why does most new music suck?

Actusreus I made a comment in the original post about the poor recordings being put out today. 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. I'm still waiting for anyone's list of new, well recorded, written and played music...not just one song but an entire CD of good music. I have been listening to Radio Paradise and there is a lot of new stuff, but usually the groups are only good for a song or two.

Does anyone own the Eddie Vedder Ekulele album? I think it's sounds fantastic and the music I like even more. I was actually very hesitant to order it but since my wife has the hots for him, I placed my order. IMHO it's an instant classic.

Goose,

Thank you for putting the record straight. I guess after nearly two months and nine pages' worth of posts, the full content of your original post got lost in the discussion. I'm still surprised nobody put their finger on it earlier though. Looks like you answered your own question then, at least partially :)

Actusreus I have been searching for some great new popular music (rock, pop) and as I stated in my earlier post I am wating for the list....last 5 or 10 years anyone? Thanks for your posts!

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.