Post by richard on Jul 21, 2024 11:22:06 GMT
I'm sure we've all thought to ourselves, now and then, that this or that artist or recording is truly something special that transcends, somehow, the genre.
Yet no doubt quite a few classical music lovers, for example, think that applying the term ' genius', in any way, to pop music is a misuse of the word, and that it should be reserved for the likes of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and other classical composers/musicians. And I remember seeing a clip of the great jazz drummer, Buddy Rich, tapping out some casually brilliant rhythms (I thought) on the table and water jug on the Michael Parkinson Show, and then saying "And that, for your usual rock drummer, is the apex". Despite such dismissive attitudes, I do think transcendent musical ability can be found in pop/rock too. And although we may not always agree as to which artists or recordings have it (apart from ABBA, of course!), I'm assuming that, for this thread, genius/artistry/brilliance in pop music - call it what you will - is not an alien or absurd idea.
Until three or four years ago, I had very little interest in Billy Joel. There were one or two of his songs I liked, but that was about it. Then, for some reason, I got listening to more of his stuff - and with more attention - and it was then that I found myself thinking "He's a genius!" Great singer and pianist, and I find his songwriting - music and lyrics - diverse and brilliant, and of an altogether higher order than most.
For me, this track epitomises Billy Joel's genius:
What artists/songs/recordings exemplify for you genius/brilliance/exceptional ability in pop? We don't have to agree about our choices, of course. I just find it fascinating to discover what those choices are.
Yet no doubt quite a few classical music lovers, for example, think that applying the term ' genius', in any way, to pop music is a misuse of the word, and that it should be reserved for the likes of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and other classical composers/musicians. And I remember seeing a clip of the great jazz drummer, Buddy Rich, tapping out some casually brilliant rhythms (I thought) on the table and water jug on the Michael Parkinson Show, and then saying "And that, for your usual rock drummer, is the apex". Despite such dismissive attitudes, I do think transcendent musical ability can be found in pop/rock too. And although we may not always agree as to which artists or recordings have it (apart from ABBA, of course!), I'm assuming that, for this thread, genius/artistry/brilliance in pop music - call it what you will - is not an alien or absurd idea.
Until three or four years ago, I had very little interest in Billy Joel. There were one or two of his songs I liked, but that was about it. Then, for some reason, I got listening to more of his stuff - and with more attention - and it was then that I found myself thinking "He's a genius!" Great singer and pianist, and I find his songwriting - music and lyrics - diverse and brilliant, and of an altogether higher order than most.
For me, this track epitomises Billy Joel's genius:
What artists/songs/recordings exemplify for you genius/brilliance/exceptional ability in pop? We don't have to agree about our choices, of course. I just find it fascinating to discover what those choices are.
