Re: [microsound] mp3 redux

[<tom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Tom, obviously one's idea of what they consider to be "challenging" or
> "progressive" music is a matter of their own opinion, social
> conditioning, taste, etc (i.e. Steve Albini?),

totally..

> so what's your point?

Not sure really.
Some genres of music often claim to be based very strongly around
innovation/progression e.t.c.
This is nearly always the case with electronic music.. less so with other
forms..
Electronic music is quite often intellectualised as part of this ambition...
hence this list...
I feel therefore that it is ok to have an opinion on whether a peice or
(less specifically) a genre acheives those aims..
(I guess i should have been more specific)

> Is
> it necessary for music to always be challenging and ground breaking in
> order to be enjoyed? And what in the world do you mean by "worthiness"?

No, not at all, of course music doesn't have to be challenging and ground
breaking to be enjoyed,
no art form does, its the old eye of the belistner e.t.c.
By worthiness I refer to the expression of some people that their work is
highly advanced,specialist, progressive e.t.c
but is not being attributed the recognition it deserves (either monetary or
otherwise)....
 In fact in some cases. the less recognition the more the sense of
exclusivity/worth is enhanced..

> IMHO, all music is "worthy" or has some kind of value, as long as at
> least one person in the world derives some kind of enjoyment and/or
> constructive use from it. So show me a universal yardstick for this
> "worthiness" that you refer to. Sales? Please....

I'm not arguing with you here.. you are completely right...
I just feel that in some cases there is an inverted snobbery, where
the less sales/exposure/public consumption a music has the more progressive
it must be
(by alienation/going over the head of the public at large perhaps)

And my personal opinion is that much elctronic music that claims to be
progressive, advanced e.t.c. actually isn't.
But perhaps that opinion is attached to my belief that for many people the
practice/culture of electronic music is a
lifestyle or fashion choice, where the 'progression' is just a factor
connoted by the genre.. (probably another point entirely:)
Its like some of my friends, claim to play 'the sound of jazz' rather than
actually playing 'jazz'... anyway i'm rambling now..

TOm

> Best, Dale
>

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