Klarinet Archive - Posting 000827.txt from 1997/08

From: "Andrew Scholberg" <ascholbe@-----.com>
Subj: Re: my opinion on an already discussed topic
Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 17:42:28 -0400

I don't think Elaine is talking about the same kind of music I referred t=
o.
If played at a reasonable volume, some popular music is innocuous, and on=
ce
in a while one hears a cleverly written song. But popular music in genera=
l
is little more than chewing gum for the ears. By and large, it lacks
"nutritional" value as music.=20

It would be foolish to condemn all lyrics of all popular music. (Eric
Clapton and the Yardbirds used Sacred Scripture for the lyrics of one of
their songs: "A time to love, and a time to hate=85") But even a pleasant
song with acceptable lyrics becomes gross, vulgar, and damaging when play=
ed
at an excessive volume.=20

The most abrasive forms of popular music =96 hard rock and gangsta rap =96
promote illegal drugs, cop-killing, suicide, Satan worship, fornication,
sexual perversion, and other enormities. The subject matter and language
are vile. Lyrics are liberally peppered with the "F" word, used in variou=
s
forms as a verb, noun, and practically every other part of speech =96 and
indication that the lyricists lack a basic working vocabulary. It would b=
e
practically impossible to make a habit of listening to this kind of sleaz=
y
music without damaging one's soul.=20

A few years ago I heard a fascinating presentation entitled "What the Dev=
il
Is Wrong with Rock Music?" A newer videotape exposing the sordid underwor=
ld
of the rock industry is entitled "Hell's Bells." I haven't seen it, but
someone whose judgment I trust bought it and after viewing it told me it'=
s
shocking and appalling beyond belief.

Junk music is to the soul what junk food is to the body. Habitual
indulgence makes it less likely the person will be able to appreciate a
subtle masterpiece =96 whether its a delicately seasoned salmon steak, a
memorable glass of wine, or a late Beethoven string quartet.=20

Andy Scholberg
ascholbe@-----.com

----------
> From: Corey Hume <cdhume@-----.Net>
> To: klarinet@-----.us
> Subject: my opinion on an already discussed topic
> Date: Monday, August 18, 1997 1:36 PM
>=20
> Andy Scholberg wrote:
> > > > > "Hard rock and gangsta rap isn't music. It's racket. It'=
s
> > > abrasive,
> > > > >strident, and grotesque. The volume is routinely cranked up well
beyond
> > > the
> > > > >sound of a jumbo jet at takeoff. I feel sorry for people who mak=
e
it a
> > > > >normal part of their environment. Besides the damage to hearing,
think
> > > of
> > > > >the damage to the soul. The "lyrics" are beyond disgusting.
>=20
> > > > > Rock "music," like the sound of a powerful lawn mower, i=
s
noise,
> > > > >and it's
> > > > >wise to protect your hearing from it."
>=20
>=20
> While some people who listen to "rock" may suffer from hearing loss, I
> don't think it's fair to totally bash a genre of music because of their
> choice to listen to music at unusually loud volumes. Mr. Scholberg sai=
d
> that rock is damaging to the soul as well as to the hearing. Since whe=
n
> are songs about the trials and triumphs of love, trying to get ahead in
> a beat world, warning people of the addiction of drugs and alcohol, and
> sometimes just trying to enjoy life damaging? With all respect to your
> personal preference in music, have you ever actually listened to the
> lyrics? I mean, thought about them, and what message they are trying t=
o
> convey? I will admit that not all the lyrics are inspiring or
> comforting, but most have a "message" or "idea" to spread. Are you
> fairly judging this genre, or are you just absorbing the sound of the
> music and dismissing the lyrics? I know that some people turn up the
> volume and may damage their hearing, but have you paid any attention to
> what these symphany and band memebers are saying? Even playing music b=
y
> Mozart has lessened their hearing. I hope I have not offended anyone,
> but I felt that my feelings needed to be heard. Oh, and I am
> tremendously sorry for taking the thread in another direction.
> ANyone agreeing or disagreeing with me is welcome to e-mail me.
>=20
> Elaine