Yep, times have certainly changed. The classic rock we love was created in an era when the music mattered because it was distributed via radio only. Heck, the only way anybody even saw the artist was at a concert, the album cover (when they were big enough to mean something), or in a magazine. So the music had to matter and consequently the good rose to the top.
Now a days, music is a multi-media distribution platform. So the artists "looks" come first. Make a "hot" video and the music comes second because the visual has taken priority over the audio. That is why medium talent has done so well in the last decade or so. Look at Brittany Spears. Medium talent at best but I still remember the first time I saw her first video in that school girl outfit. Caught my VISUAL attention. Never bought the album or downloaded the song or any of her songs. But I sure remember the LOOK of that video.
My nephew is into rock and likes some of the modern stuff, but also heavily into classic rock since the old artists understand the importance of a great guitar riff, etc.
Another thing is the current music scene is so fractured that I don't even know if there is a radio station that would play anything modern that I would like to listen too. Can't stand modern R&B/Hip Hop (like Beastie Boys "License to Ill") and will jam in the car to Sir Mix-a-lot's "Baby got Back" if it comes on the satellite radio. But modern stuff? Nope. Haven't found anything worth spending money on in quite awhile.
Side note: I also laugh about the sampling of "every Breather you Take" by the Police. I actually listen to the lyrics so I get it. Amazing how so many people don't pay attention to lyrics.
Anyone ever listen to Alan Jackson and get the line "...No thank you Ma'am, where I come from we like ladies that sing soprano"???
