Charlie wrote:In a conversation with radio promo man Gareth Davies about a year ago, I was explaining that I don't like any genre as such - "I don't like all reggae, rock 'n' roll, soul or world music indiscriminately. I just pick out the shiny things, like a jackdaw."
Does anyone like all reggae, rock'n'roll, etc. indiscriminately past the age of about 16 or 17? Well, except for promo people who are paid to like whatever they're paid to like. I'm not being fair — I've known a few who have admitted that their current project is not very good. I think part of the issue is linguistic and a matter of shorthanding. I say, "I like world music (or dub or jazz or whatever)" a fair amount, and to those who don't spend much time with music (most of the people in the world, poor them) it just goes over their heads. It's like saying, "I like MacDonalds" (which I would never do!). They simply haven't had the time or interest to develop much depth of knowledge about musical genres. To them music is some sort of a consumer product, not a cultural messenger or art form.
As regards the "jackdaw" programming, I think the idea is strong but it would work best if the music is really "framed" and explained, not just played. You know, quote people from here, get 'em to say something over the phone. Bring the culture and art right up to the front.
I'm very glad your health is improving. So is mine, by and large, and I never, never want to be ill again!