Rick Beato on why music is getting worse

[Ron Resnick]

I love classic rock from the late 60s early 70s: Cream Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple. Does that make me a sad

no

old man

yes

stuck in the past?

maybe

 

[Tuckers]

One of Rick Beato's commentary is how streaming music has become completely passive, whereas in the past you needed to buy a record or cassette, or get a copy of a cassette from someone, then decide to put it on, with intention. This disposes you to hear music differently than having Spotify et al decide what your next track will be. Spotify is actively trying to make users be more passive, and make less choices. When a user is not choosing what to listen to Spotify can play tracks where they don't have to pay any royalties. In a way actively chosen music is a loss leader for Spotify.

Spotify: droppin' them fake beats​

Spotify is putting out playlists full of AI-generated music without saying it’s AI-generated music (mmm money)​

 

[wil]

One of Rick Beato's commentary is how streaming music has become completely passive, whereas in the past you needed to buy a record or cassette, or get a copy of a cassette from someone, then decide to put it on, with intention. This disposes you to hear music differently than having Spotify et al decide what your next track will be. Spotify is actively trying to make users be more passive, and make less choices. When a user is not choosing what to listen to Spotify can play tracks where they don't have to pay any royalties. In a way actively chosen music is a loss leader for Spotify.

Spotify: droppin' them fake beats​

Spotify is putting out playlists full of AI-generated music without saying it’s AI-generated music (mmm money)​

My experience could not be more different from what you describe above. It’s all about intention. The media itself should not determine one’s intention in listening to music.

If someone listens passively, then they also have a superficial relationship to music.

 

[Al M.]

My experience could not be more different from what you describe above. It’s all about intention. The media itself should not determine one’s intention in listening to music.

If someone listens passively, then they also have a superficial relationship to music.

Many people listen passively, few listen actively.

 

[Robh3606]

I don't stream and actually don't like Spotify. I am a hard file hard media guy. I look at Spotify as the new Top 40 station. Never was Top 40 not going to start now.

Rob

 

[hopkins]

I watched some other videos by Rick Beato. His interviews are really interesting. He does give a lot of technical comments, which is good, but I do think there is some form of bias. Here's an example. He calls this the greatest solo ever:

It is technically impressive, but I'm not sure I would want to listen to it twice.

In his videos about the top Spotify songs, he often complains about their lack of sophistication (few chords, ect...), and he's right, in those cases. But there's more to music than just technique.

My comments may be irrelevant to the question at hand - thought I would share them anyway.

 

[Robh3606]

In his videos about the top Spotify songs, he often complains about their lack of sophistication (few chords, ect...), and he's right, in those cases. But there's more to music than just technique.

Wonder how the Beatles would have faired?

Rob

 

[hopkins]

Wonder how the Beatles would have faired?

Rob

He's got a few videos about the Beatles, in fact. They are interesting.

 

[Al M.]

I watched some other videos by Rick Beato. His interviews are really interesting. He does give a lot of technical comments, which is good, but I do think there is some form of bias. Here's an example. He calls this the greatest solo ever:

It is technically impressive, but I'm not sure I would want to listen to it twice.

In his videos about the top Spotify songs, he often complains about their lack of sophistication (few chords, ect...), and he's right, in those cases. But there's more to music than just technique.

My comments may be irrelevant to the question at hand - thought I would share them anyway.

You need to watch more Rick Beato before you pass judgment. He also has a video about the 10 greatest guitar solos, and if I remember correctly, he ranks Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd the highest. Hardly the most technically challenging guitar solos in that song, but I understand why he likes them so much musically.

He also swoons over the singing abilities of Adele, so he's hardly just into the old stuff.

 

[hopkins]

You need to watch more Rick Beato before you pass judgment. He also has a video about the 10 greatest guitar solos, and if I remember correctly, he ranks Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd the highest. Hardly the most technically challenging guitar solos in that song, but I understand why he likes them so much musically.

He also swoons over the singing abilities of Adele, so he's hardly just into the old stuff.

Yes, I did not watch everything!

 

[PYP]

You need to watch more Rick Beato before you pass judgment. He also has a video about the 10 greatest guitar solos, and if I remember correctly, he ranks Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd the highest. Hardly the most technically challenging guitar solos in that song, but I understand why he likes them so much musically.

He also swoons over the singing abilities of Adele, so he's hardly just into the old stuff.

To me, he is best when interviewing a musician - Sting, Dominic Miller, Sting + Dominic Miller, Julian Lage, etc. You realize how closely Rick has listened to their work and is a most natural and gifted interviewer. A story unfolds.

 

[tima]

Those disco synthesizers
And those daily tranquilizers
Those body building prizes
Those bedroom alibis

All this but no surprises for this year's girl

 

[wil]

Elvis Costello: definitely another lyricist worth paying attention to.

 

[hopkins]

You need to watch more Rick Beato before you pass judgment. He also has a video about the 10 greatest guitar solos, and if I remember correctly, he ranks Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd the highest. Hardly the most technically challenging guitar solos in that song, but I understand why he likes them so much musically.

He also swoons over the singing abilities of Adele, so he's hardly just into the old stuff.

I gave this some more thought as I watched more of Rick Beatos' videos. I really respect what he's doing and how he does it, but I can't say I am really aligned with his musical tastes (even when it comes to pop music...). When it comes to pop, he's very "mainstream"...so I don't know to what extent I'd be turning to him for advice on exciting current artists to listen to.