the olde Socratic Discourse (was: Warez, Arf Bungin' Magnets, etc.)

[KB305@aol.com]

In a message dated 09/09/2000 12:07:55 PM Central Daylight Time, 
switters@earthlink.net writes:

<< As much as you might claim that the listening audience has changed you 
should consider this- In his own day would more of the general listening 
public have
 gone to see Coltrane or Ricky Nelson? >>

Survey says: Ricky Nelson, that crack-smoking oldies-touring plane-burner.

I never suggested the listening audience has changed... it's just that 
quality, once defined, was and is very often an elitist thing.  There are 
exceptions, but they are usually just exceptions.  (Frank Sinatra, in the 
era 
referenced above, leapt to mind.  For a time, he was both 'good' by most 
definitions, and popular.)  

Instead of Trane, I could have spoken of someone alive today, but that 
brings 
up judgments about current artists.  (Can we all agree on someone alive 
today 
that is unquestionably 'good'?  I bet it would be tough.)

Otherwise, logic suggests that the Big Mac is haute cuisine based on its 
'figures'.  We all know better.  As Pat Metheny ranted recently, 'We 
ignore 
this at our own peril.'

And to be sure, my earlier rant was not anti-technology.  My current rig 
includes an EDP and a brand-new TC Electronic G-Force.  But I don't think 
it's wise to learn how to run Photoshop without learning to draw first, 
nor 
to compose via MIDI and Mac without learning how to play well with the 
drummer, or spell chords, or direct the audience by using silence, for 
instance.

kb