Weekend Guide: 01.07.2022
🎶 how can anyone listen to that stuff? 🎶
You can find me here, every week, banging on about capital L, Literature. That must get a bit boring for you all. So, to keep it fresh, let’s mix in something a bit more informative.
I always look askance at books with subtitles like “A History of” or “The Complete History” - who the fuck do you think you are!? How is it possible to write a history? Who even owns history? I’m talking to you Mr. Zinn!
When is comes to music, my first artform, I can be even a bit more defensive. But sometimes you need to let your guard down. I started to see Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres by Kelefa Sanneh in all of the places I tend to frequent on the web. Apology Podcast. How Long Gone. even WTF with the inimitable Marc Maron. This one was unavoidable. I had to give ‘er a whirl. Good news. It’s epic.
Every artist or band is hoping to transcend genre - to breakaway from the tropes and routines that define their respective lane.
No one likes to be told that they fit a mold. Even if they for sure do. Now I understand, this is a generalization, but it holds true throughout the history of popular music.
Is it even possible to transcend genre?
Does it even matter anymore?
Are we living in a post genre world?
Senneh would say, no. While it seems that this is the future we all want — the perfect democratization of music — it doesn’t play out in reality. It’s a utopian vista.
There have always been periods where all of these genres, at some time are another, feel like they are going away (Now?). It could be argued that this has always been the case.
Maybe everything will converge. Dance will become hardcore. Punk will become disco. Pop will become hip hop. Country will become pop. Maybe the singular mega-genre awaits us on that sunny utopian vista. Until then, understanding these genres and how they shape culture how we live and breath within culture is mission ciritical, my friends.
Major Labels is long, but it reads relatively quick. Especially if you, like me, devour this type of shit. Sanneh has an easy-going approach and is an expert at making a seemingly untellable story of seven music genres, quite enjoyable to read.
*Extra credit*
Top ten books about musical subcultures by Kelefa Sanneh
When I talk about popular music, i’m talking about music made for mass appeal. I think about music everyone loves, but may not feel comfortable aligning their taste with. I made a mix of ten pop songs I think about a lot. Have some fun!
How can anyone listen to that stuff?
Thanks for your patronage. I will see you around the bend. Peace and love! ❤️
Some certified pop-bops here. I think about "MMMBop" a lot. It fascinates me.