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In my travels, I occasionally meet and know a few people who don’t like Bruce’s music. To each his/her own of course. But I find that those who don’t like his stuff haven’t heard what he’s done since the late 80s. He was known primarily as a pop musician then. And if those who haven’t kept up with his career write him off as an 80s lite rock player with a few hits, and put him in the same league as those like John Waite or Survivor.
Many of these same individuals claim to only listen to hip music. You know, music that has to be “hip” enough for others to recognize it but still “alternative” enough so that it’s not top 40. Since Bruce doesn’t play by typical music rules, and doesn’t make his stuff for a certain demographic, those who want to be received by others as cool or trendy for what they put in their iPods will shun alleged “has beens” like Bruce for supposedly more “relevant” music.
I just think that if one is truly listening with an open ear and familiar with a general sampling of what Bruce has done over his career, one would be able to find at least something likeable. And as far as being “alternative” it’s harder to be more so in the music biz than Bruce, who truly seems to do what he wants and gain respect for it.
Curious to hear stories of others who shun Bruce’s stuff.
Speedsk8er wrote:Curious to hear stories of others who shun Bruce’s stuff.I try not to associate with heathen like that
I do agree with you that Bruce’s overall popularity is a victim of what is andn isn’t presented on radio. I guess that’s pretty much true all across the music business. To some people, he might be in the “Where Are They Now?” category, whereas there are those of us who are hooked on the music he makes and anxiously wait for the next release/tour like a bunch of crack addicts waiting for the next fix. (“Wow!”, he though to himself, “this is really quite disjointed. Get to the freaking point, man. That is, of course, assuming you actually have one! Jeez! And what’s with the crack analogy?”) I’ve long since come to terms with the fact that I am no longer a member of what is known in the radio biz as “the prime demographic.” The music business is no longer concerned with my tastes and preferences, and I’m actually quite good with that. I have the time and attention span to learn to appreciate good music, even if it isn’t the flavor of the month, and to seek out more good music. I’ve got all the stinky little pop tunes I could ever want in my MP3/CD/LP collection (Yes… I actually have an MP3 of Tin Tin’s one hit, “Toast And Marmalade For Tea”, so I do have a soft spot for stinky little pop tunes), so I don’t need any more of the formulaic garbage that sells product to the prime demographic. From Hornsby, I get something more than “songs” – I get intelligent and well-thought-out “music”, and I find it stimulating both intellectually and emotionally. And there’s plenty to “just tap your toes” to, as well. (“Yo, Rich,” said that voice in my head again, “Do you actually have a point, or are you just foaming at the keyboard?”) I guess it just boils down to where you are in your life, what you’re looking for from music, what your tastes happen to be, and what turns you on. Like I said earlier, I try not to associate with heathen who don’t dig Bruce’s music
I much prefer the heathen that DO dig his music!– Rich
rdiakun wrote:whereas there are those of us who are hooked on the music he makes and anxiously wait for the next release/tour like a bunch of crack addicts waiting for the next fix. (“Wow!”, he though to himself, “this is really quite disjointed. Get to the freaking point, man. That is, of course, assuming you actually have one! Jeez! And what’s with the crack analogy?”) Like I said earlier, I try not to associate with heathen who don’t dig Bruce’s music I much prefer the heathen that DO dig his music!Crack addicts?! Heathen?! I’ve never been so offended in my life!“But he’s right.” says that little voice in my head. “That addict thing is a perfect description of you!”
All joking aside: Well said,Rich! I’d be proud to be associated with the Hornsby addicts/heathen any day!
I haven’t really met any detractors of Bruce’s music-I meet (and get frustrated by) the people who say,”Bruce who?” when I mention my favorite musician.
I guess this happens in all generations though. I remember Bruce asking the audience at one paticular show how many of them had heard of Keith Jarrett or Joe Henderson. Needless to say,not many had. It seems many great musicians are not appreciated by what’s called “popular culture.”
I think I remember Bruce saying something like, “It’s a shame in this world more people don’t know who they (Jarrett and Henderson) are.” The same could be said for the name Bruce Hornsby in 2008.
Jackie
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