Your mom busted in and said, “What’s that noise?”

July 21, 2012

So, it’s official…I have become my father when it comes to current music. There was a time in my life, and likely everyone’s lives, when I knew every current pop hit. Granted, this was back in the 80s and 90s but still…I was aware of all musical artists, their songs, their stories, etc. Maybe there’s a personal 20-year expiration date on “caring” what the kids are listening to. Maybe it’s the advent of Satellite Radio. Maybe I’m stuck in the 80s and am sinking deeper into the abyss with each passing year. Maybe it’s a combination of all- or none-of-the-above? If I’m being honest with myself, it’s because I don’t want to learn about nor listen to what’s part of current pop-music culture. On any given day you’re more likely to find me listening to sports talk radio, tuned into 80s and Classic Rock on Sirius Satellite Radio, following Podcasts or (God help me) simply driving or sitting in silence. How did it come to this? When did I lose touch with the mainstream? Where is my indie-cred, if I ever had it? And more importantly, why don’t I give a sh*t? Let’s take a look at “This week’s hottest pop songs, ranked by mainstream top 40 radio airplay detections as measured by Nielsen BDS.” Payphone - Maroon 5 I listened to Songs About Jane back in 2002. Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen Who? Where Have You Been - Rihanna Know who she is but more for getting beat-up by Chris Brown, another artist I don’t listen to. Wide Awake - Katy Perry Married and divorced Russell Brand. Has big t*ts and wears latex outfits. Lights - Ellie Goulding I have her album. Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye Who HASN’T heard this song? Scream - Usher I know he is an R&B singer but recognize him moreso as a 90s “actor” - Moesha, The Faculty and She’s All That. Titanium - David Guetta I have some of his albums and really like this song, mainly because I love Sia, who sings on this track. What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction No. Just, no. Starships - Nicki Minaj Wears really loud clothing and makeup, sang with Madonna at last year’s Super Bowl and has a really large booty. I think the above list and my subsequent comments are a proper sampling of my knowledge and understanding of current music artists. Should I be shocked? Proud? Indifferent? I wonder if this development is unique to me or does it effect other people my age and demographic? As previously stated, I’m comfortable with my ignorance but curious as to when this development started, cultivated and ultimately ravaged my musical knowledge database. Ah, well…in the end, what does it matter? Perhaps it’sinevitable to become our parents, or in my case my father and if that’s the worse thing that happens in my musical life, consider me satsfied. Now where did I put my Tears for Fears album…