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.hack//SIGN vol. 2 - Outcast

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There's a thought I have fairly often. I am prone to appreciate and gravitate towards the new, the current. Mostly in regards to music. I don't know a lot of the old standards, the classics, the roots where most of popular - or not as popular - music comes from today. And honestly, I don't know that I care to explore the past. (I'm speaking mostly of rock and other modern music styles.) I really like the current sounds, the recording techniques, and other things about the music that are there because it was made in this time. People mildly criticize me for not knowing all the classic music. For one, I didn't grow up with it, and haven't had much exposure, so it's not exactly my fault. I have heard some, and honestly, I'd probably rather go looking for something released in the last 3-4 years. I don't know why. I don't think it has to do with past vs. present and which one holds more value for me. I guess the big underlying thought is, "So I have a different approach. I like a different soundscape. I like it there, and it's where I want to be." Hopefully, I'm not whining. I'd like to think this is somehow deeply indicative of my character ... *chuckle* ... but who cares.

I like being different in this respect, actually. Seems to me that most people who want to be different culturally get into all the indie bands they can't get their hands on and such, but how about this? I met the frontman for a band in the area called Madison Fair. He described their creative effort as seeking to make good pop music. I was surprised. Pleasantly. How cool is that? Everyone rags on pop music about how shallow and cookie-cutter it is. But here's a band who thinks pop music is legit and are trying to be strong in the genre. I say, "Serious props!" I think pop music as a genre is really important because, vapid or not, it gets to people. That's why it pop(ular). As a musician, I'm interested in making music that people are going to be easily attracted to, for the most part, but I want to do it well. I want it to be deep, complex, well-crafted, and intelligent, but accesible, all at the same time. I also want to create something new. Maybe that's part of the reason I don't pour myself into old sounds just because they're standards. I look for music that will build my musical color pallette with things that intrigue me and with musical concepts that hold more potential for exploration and discovery. A musical safari! ... or not. *grin*

I guess that whole train of thought is an example of what I was first trying to say. Hope it helps me make sense. Pardon me if I have tread on your sensibilities and tastes. Nothing personal. Comment if you will. In the end, though, I hope you would like and appreciate my music if you were to hear it.

Have a great labor day, by the way! (Stinks for Erskine, having to start today, but that's how it's always been anyway.) I spent the morning sleeping and doing lawn maintenance. Apparently Labor Day = work + the possibility of barbeque pig. For now I'm back to ripping Nichole's cds down to mp3 for her trip to France. So back to the stack and .hack//SIGN disc 2.