NESP Forum

I just noticed a new pick of the week up ...

I'm not very observant - it may have been up for a day or two and I never noticed.

Neat album - - business AH really hopes he's getting some kind of quid pro quo out of these Amazon links

I'm one of the people that AI loves - after each week Taylor was on I would go out and buy an album by the artist featured that week. I acquired some Rod Stewart, Queen and of course, Stevie Wonder, during AI's Season 5. I didn't buy this particular album - always bought a "Best of" album. It made me realize how much I love these songs - and I never knew the artists that performed them.

Amy: Taylor has commented that a very positive contribution of AI is exposing the young viewing audience to classic, good pop music of the past. My cynical view is that it also sucks in the parents to buy the $75 concert tickets when most of the songs are boomer classics. (and another reason the season 6 tour didn't sell out?)

If only it translated into young people developing better musical tastes and demanding it on the radio and in their ITunes purchases.

Too much counter weight in the big $$$ spent by the major labels to keep kids buying the flavors of the month - -
in my cynical view that is

It is definitely not influencing young people to change their taste in music. Cassie has been influenced heavily by Taylor, and her purchases are running about 50-50, new/old right now. And even her new stuff tends to be a little more soulful, James Morrison, Ryan Shaw. I'm sure having a mother who is heavily into music has reinforced what she heard on AI and in concert. But, her friends think she's weird. She doesn't care, she reveals in her weirdness.

Good for Cassie. Of course she will like a lot of what her friends like, but if she develops a critical ear, it will serve her well in the long run.

Exposure is the key element.I say this from my experience and growing up my brother who is 10 years older was a HUGE influence
on my music exposure.I can remember being the odd one in my circle
of friends music wise because I was so much more rounded in my selections than most who just listen to so and so because so and so was listening to it.

This is a great CD!!

Saw him in concert; excellent show. Remember Taylor said how big thrill it was to meet him

Just got off the phone with someone and our philosophizing phriday rant seems to be carrying over here - - so be forewarned and move on if you want - -

I do believe what is playing and available for investigating in the home has an influence. My son and his friends always went through our stacks and listened to as much of "our" music as they did their own when they were growing up. The influences lasted - both ways -  we all developed pretty eclectic tastes in music and a willingness to at least try new things even if one style may have a stronger appeal in general.  Everyone has likes and dislikes but to me the most ridiculous kind of snobbery is of the musical variety.  

One of the best Taylor quotes is his simple statement a while back that  " A good song is a good song."

Plus I just plain rebel against being told to think or do anything by a bunch of "suits" only out for the $$$.  
Wish today's kids could see how badly they are manipulated but not sure they have the collective will to stand against anything if they did.  Conformity seems to be as strong a force as it has ever been at all levels of our society.  Could get into the reasons starting with the need to "teach to tests" leaving precious little time for "teach to think" but will spare you that particular rant

And then you have little rays of hope like the Cassidys.  Tricia,  I really do adore your daughter ! !

My son felt the same way when he was in school  - never wanted to be part of the "pack".  One of my favorite fun memories is of being at a regional play competition and someone telling my son he was "weird" - - his response - - Thank you for noticing - I work at it !   

That independent streak is paying off.  We have been turning over the business "community presence" type things to him the last couple of years and throughly enjoying the complimentary comments we get from people about his outside the box thinking and his willingness to tackle issues others shy away from so as not to make waves.  Always has made me chuckle that the very people who will agree to just about anything in a meeting - - the "go along to get along " types - - are the first ones to say they appreciate it when someone else calls "bull**** "