A Sign of the Times

While trying to figure out this radio thing, I stumbled on the country station. Now, I kinda like country. There's usually a story and it's easy to follow, much better for new music.

One song got me thinking: Shuttin Detroit Down.

Lyrics:

And while their living up on Wall Street
In that New York City town
Here in the real world they're
Shutting Detroit down

What struck me was that it was relevant to today. This song only makes sense in view of the economic crisis, the bailouts, the Big Three, and the feelings people have towards it all. The lyrics capture the atmosphere of the times.

It may be a decent musically or not, but it'll be catchy when people think, "Yeah, that's it! They think they're so great up there in NYC, but that ain't the real world. No, in real life you gotta deal with your mistakes. Take it like a man." Popular songs are about putting into words what people really want to say.

John Rich's Shuttin' Detroit Down
(Song starts about :55)

Now I get the phrase, "the music of a generation". It's not the music that a generation produced, it's the music that embodies a generation.

Radio Silence

I've been trying to listen to these stations so I can become familiar with the current music. It's not happening. I hate the radio.

What's the issue? First, they talk. People babbling about the music, or commercials, or news. I either don't know or don't care what they're talking about. Second, sadly, is the music itself. I don't know the band or the lyrics and get annoyed real fast.

So I end up driving in silence. It's better than the radio.

Today's song is . . .
Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back
(in tribute to the most obnoxious KIIS)



Surprisingly, I get it. I mean, I get why it's popular. Not much for the lyrics, but it's catchy (good rhythm? I dunno, anyone care to enlighten me?) The best part is this video works in a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. First, I like the live vocals better than the official music video, and, well, it's just a perfect match.

Music 101.2: Intro to Radio

So, how does everyone else figure this stuff out? I mean, do you just keep turning the dial on the radio - skip the raving preachers, the dull news, the foreign languages - and find good music? Cuz man, that seems painfully annoying. And I've never done that. The few times I've tried to use the radio, I got frustrated with all those other things and turned it off.

But now, I have the List. Yes, along with 3 top bands yesterday, I got a list of 3 radio stations and a description of each!!! I think that's most important. Now I know one has more alternative rock, and another more pop (and I know what pop is after yesterday's talk - it's bright teeny bopper stuff).

I programmed them into my car stereo. Then did what I always do, unconsciously turned down the volume to zero because I didn't know the words. So my pattern on the drive home went something like this: listen intently for a minute, mind wanders, suddenly find myself sitting in silence, turn the volume up and repeat. THIS is why I have radio issues!

The List:

1. 98.7 Star
2. 102.7 KIIS
3. 106.7 KROQ
   

Today's song is . . .
Coldplay's "Yellow"



"Yellow" was their second single release in UK, first in US, and is considered the song that made them.

Opinion: I don't like it as much as yesterday's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (which was in my head when I awoke!). But it's mellow and . . . hmm, don't have the words for this. I tend to like lyrics, but these don't strike me. But maybe I like the music itself? It seems soothing. . . or annoying?