I am continuing to view live performances on HDTV. The performances are mediocre and the material is usually uninspiring. The performers, whether they are new or famous do not deliver dynamic performances. The exception is that there are famous and competent musicians and performances are created which are very good and entertaining. The old and famous musicians were once young and exciting, new, awe inspiring. I have viewed a lot of performances of new musicians. I feel that when musical groups are nationally televised, when they appear on popular programs as musical guests, I would imagine that these groups are the best of the new musicians.
Considering the offerings of new musical groups through the use of video sharing networks such as Youtube, once again I haven’t found any amazing music. Where, I wonder are the fabulous performances happening, where is that new awe inspiring music. I remember the musical wasteland I lived in as a child. At the age of twelve I was moved to Moncton New Brunswick, where all of the radio stations played non stop down east music. This music is even more country bumpkin than the only other music which was the most country, country music monotonous in its uniformity the music ponderously moaned and whined. Occasionally radio reception was obtained from the United States, where 1950’s and 1960’s Rock and Roll was broadcast.
I really think that we are living in another musical wasteland of modern bands. Some long time performers are really good and some are not. I can’t think of a band that is new that I really like. I didn’t like Lady Gaga and a few days ago her French audience booed her and demanded refunds. I think this indicates that Lady Gaga was not awe inspiring. Don’t forget that this is not just someone singing with an instrument or even a bunch of people singing and playing instruments. Gaga’s performance is backed by sequencers and effects, lights action and a huge staff. Still the performance is not satisfactory, I booed and so did the French.
There are far worse performances to view than Gaga’s. I mentioned a few of them in my “Trash Bin” reviews. Coincidentally the last performance I viewed was on Steven Colbert’s Report on July 17th 2012. The performance by “Nas” was beyond belief. You could access the performance on Colbert’s Website. “Nas”, probably the name of the lead rapper, rapped in standard fashion. The lack of diversity in rap phrasing and metre is as crushingly boring as the down east music on the radio during my childhood. All the rappers seem to be stuck in the same groove. The most unbelievable aspect of the televised performance was that the bassist and the guitar player both faked playing. I saw them jumping around and bouncing up and down and playing no riffs, forming no chords, doing no picking, just faking it.
I guess that is what it comes down to and why I don’t find anything I like. They are just faking it.
PS: Check "Nas & Stephen Colbert Live Rock Critic Extra" video on Youtube
