Why does most new music suck?

Mapman,

I'm 40-years-old and "some of those who are currently down on most new music." Many of the bands and artists I listen to and like were no longer in existence when I was born. I might not be a typical advocate for the superiority of older music over current music, but the notion that the musical preference is dictated by what one grew up with, came of age listening to, did drugs to, or what was playing then in general is simply untrue. If it were, I'd be stuck on the '80s and big hair metal bands.

I have a 24-year-old female friend who grew up in Southern California. She too wholeheartedly agrees with me that new rock and pop music does not hold a candle to the music that came out of the '60, '70s, and perhaps some out of the '80s. So just because posters on this board are older on average doesn't mean that only they represent a certain point of view.

Something magical happened in those decades, and you should not have to be on drugs to recognize it.

Thank you.

Actusreus,

No argument, but consider the music prior to Elvis and The BEatles to that after. Big difference! I was born in 1959 (13 years older than you). Music changed in big ways over the next two decades from the time I was born. To some extent during the 80s and 90's and later as well, but to a much lesser degree in terms of music popular with kids and younger adults of the time. Many tend to like a lot of older rock/pop music just like classical lovers still listen to Bach and Mozart as well as newer composers. There is love for the genre of classical music, much like for rock music. But most new music out there today is no longer rock/pop, a lot of that has been done and yes hard to top, though it still happens. Its when one considers newer musical forms and genres that the argument for new music changes, much like rock and roll changed the argument for what comprised good music for many back in those days. Its hard to compare apples and oranges, but does not mean either sucks.

I suppose its a glass half full or glass half empty type of thing. I will chose the glass half full perspective. Would a full glass really be any better? I can only drink so much at a time. After that, its not as enjoyable. And there are plenty of old favorites out there to always fall back on as needed. If I'm around for another twenty years or so, there will surely be even more.

There will always be enough one-hit wonders to keep the airwaves interesting (if you can find the right stations).
I did prefer the time when all I seemed to need was one or two "top 40" stations, but I was young and naive and settled for some things I would not listen to now. For me I guess the great radio years were 1962-1973 though there's certainly tons of great stuff from before and after that period.