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What is the test of time?

The followint quote is from an interesting post in another thread:
I don't think it will stand the test of time. Most music doesn't.
What exactly is the proverbial test of time though? Critics spout that phrase all the time. But what exactly qualifies something to have stood the test of time? Critics said that rap wouldn't last over twenty years ago. Critics said that pop wouldn't last over forty years ago. Critics said that r&b wouldn't last over fifty years ago. Critics said that swing wouldn’t last over seventy years ago...

Interesting subject. Since the dawn of recording technology and especially now, people everywhere are scrambling to archive recordings of the past into whatever is the latest, greatest medium and format. In light of this, just about everything ever recorded will survive time. But still the question remains, what is the "test" of time. If anyone on earth listens to something long forgotten, does that mean it has stood the test of time?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic. What is the “test of time” to you?
creeper
honest1
572 posts
 
I don't know how I remembered Captain and Tenille, but you just reminded me of that song:
"...Nibbling on bacon, chewin' on cheese
Muskrat [boy's name] says to muskrat [girl's name]would you please
be my Mrs.?"

How did they come up with that stuff? And of all the useful things I wish I could remember, why is THAT taking up space in my brain? Oh, this is making me laugh!!! It's either laugh, or the suicidal thoughts thing, so I'm laughing!
pehare's avatar
pehare
639 posts
 
I much preferred Willis Alan Ramsey singing that number. His self-titled album is a classic, really. now it's stuck in my head, thanks.
creeper OP
251 posts
 
I'm glad to see this thread didn't turn out to be purely academic. Fun stuff ‘goners!

One thing to keep in mind about Devo is that it was originally assembled for performance art, putting a high priority on shock value. In the cult realm, I'd say they passed the test so far.

Did Captain and Tenille perform "Muskrat Love" in an episode of The Muppet Show? I have a long faded memory of something like that, wondering if it was real now. Yep, stuck in my head too.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
"The Last Time" - Rolling Stones
"Time On My Hands" - the jazz standard
"By the Time I Get to Phoenix" - Glen Campbell/Isaac Hayes
"The Time Has Come Today" - Chambers Brothers
"Good Times" - Chic
"My Time After A While" - Buddy Guy
"Now's the Time" - Charlie Parker
The Time - R&B supergroup
"Twine Time" - Alvin Cash & the Crawlers, have all stood the test

whereas,

"Time & Tides" - Basia
"Good Times" - 70s sitcom
"Time Waits For No One" - Rolling Stones
"Pony Time" - Chubby Checker
"Time In A Bottle" - Jim Croce, have not
steelhead
288 posts
 
The four B's

Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, & Beatles
More to discover