Come back Simon Reynolds all is forgiven

[awesomewells.livejournal.com]

Come the 21st century, however, and the mainstream began to congeal into a certain beige perma-blandness, neither soulful or soulless, semi-tasteful, efficient pop fare made by capable, acceptable sorts, a music rich in everything but inspiration.

Oh good grief...

Comments

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

David Stubbs has never liked pop, he's just pretending that he used to like it. The 1982 example is a massive giveaway - none more safe :)

[awesomewells.livejournal.com]

I have borrowed that very argument for the comments box below.

That article would appear to be a masterclass in the art of leaving out the inconvenient bits that don't fit the argument.

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's not that 1982 is a bad example for pop being awesome - pop was awesome in 1982! But it's sort of like talking about the best football team ever and saying "ah yes, Brazil in 1970". It might be that you've seen a lot of football and have no hesitation in choosing 1970's Brazil outfit as the greatest side. Or it might be that you don't really care about football but are aware that this is an example people won't really quibble with.

[chezghost.livejournal.com]

interesting analogy (altho i say that about pretty much every football/pop comparison). maybe pop now is too "G14"? i can see the BPI lot in their suit and tie genuinely convinced that they operate "the best league in the world". But I suppose that was ever so.

[celentari.livejournal.com]

Same thing:
Best film? The Godfather