A friend of mine told me she liked reading my blogs if they had a topic she cared about. I told her to pick any topic and I would blog about it so she could read something she cared about. Well, the topic she picked was Justin Bieber. I told her I accepted the challenge but that she probably wouldnt like my response.
I did a quick Google of the kid, just to get a few basic facts straight. He was born in Canada in 1994. He actually does play some instruments which I have to admit raises the bar on the guy for me a little. apparently he plays guitar, piano, percussion, and trumpet. It doesnt say how well he plays them though so I am reserved a bit on those.
Bieber marks the beginning of an entire new Genre of musician, the youtube sensation. First we had the performers that played live and were "discovered" by agents. Then we had the American Idol types of artist that duked it out in contest for a chance to be the next big thing. Now The Beeb is here, a product of being discovered on YouTube and molded into an entertainment powerhouse by professionals. Make no mistake about it, Bieber is a big deal. Platinum albums are already present in his resume'. His net worth in 2011 was 110 million. Then why is it that someone that is so popular and recognized sends shivers up my back worse than when Quint scraped his nails down the chalkboard in the city council meeting in the movie Jaws? I guess because its just wrapped up in such a neat little package and crammed down our throats as if this is the future of music in the world today. I feel there is a difference between music and entertainment. All music is entertainment, but all entertainment is not music. You either love him or hate him. I dont think he will stay around long, but I may be wrong.
I love music, all kinds of music. I can usually find something good in any tune, and his sounds arent any different. I sometimes catch myself tapping a foot or humming the lyrics "Baby..Baby...Baby..OHHH. Admit it, you have too. But there is something left to be desired in computer generated music and beat boxes. Listen, I think I just heard Jimi Hendrix roll over in his grave. I guess it is just normal for each generation to look down on the music of the next, but I think i am close to right on this one. My daughter, that is about to turn 14 has always despised the Beeb, and so does my oldest son. So I know there is hope in their musical taste.
So as for this corporation produced, cookie cutter recipe entertainer, I wish him the best. He has already exceeded my net worth by a few dollars so he doesnt really need my endorsements. I hope that in his progressing age, Justin realizes the need to change and keep fresh, and to rely on his talents (if they do exist) instead of white collar excutives following the greenbacks. To be his own...gulp!...man.. and take care of business will allow him to have a productive, long lasting career. Just remember to add some guitars to your music and MORE COW BELL!!!
So that is my blog on Justin Bieber. Not as bad as I thought it would be, maybe I realized a few things as I wrote this, maybe I am just unattached. There is a demand for what he does for sure, I am just glad that 10 to 18 year old girls dont vote yet. So I return my brain now to distortion pedals, double bass drum rolls, and wicked guitar licks that leave me begging for more...Van Halen is now in control of my mind again, fasten your seatbelts.
You actually found "straight" facts about him? :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the same things were said about Justin Timber lake and he actually turned out quite well with a wide variety of talent and skills under his belt. He'll be around for a while. Several of the boy and stars have done well. If Justin keeps his nose clean and learns from the masters then we'll be seeing him around in the next 20+ years.