What's with music today... today?

(You get a prize if you caught the pop culture reference in the title)

I turned on the radio in my car the other day, listened for about 2 minutes, and turned it off in disgust. Really, Jason Derulo?  Was that necessary? Must you announce your name before every song you sing? And who "sings" the one that stole samples Modest Mouse's "Float On?"  I'm going to throw myself off the High-5 overpass if I hear it again.  Come up with your own material. You're getting paid boat loads of cash to talk really fast rap over an 80's beat? Seriously?

This reminded me why I don't listen to the radio anymore. Hey Miley Cyrus, you are not a badass because you smoked salvia and wear ripped up fishnet stockings. And just how did Rebecca Black land a recording deal? I don't understand the fascination with Justin Bieber. I die a little inside everytime I hear a Nickleback/Hinder/3 Doors Down mainstream "rock" song.  Surprise! You all sound the same.

Sure, there are a handful of on-air pop tunes that are quite catchy.  I'm embarrassed to admit I love the Katy Perry song about last Friday night and that "Tonight, Tonight" makes me dance in my car; but for the most part, an overwhelming amount of the crap that comes through my speakers is just flat out terrible - unoriginal, soulless, and annoying.

One day, my friend Jen told me that a song reminded her of our friend Michelle. I want to play! What song reminds you of me, Jen? "Any dumb 80's song," she replied.  YES! Some might have been offended by her inference that 80's music is dumb, but I was quite honored. I have a whole genre to myself.

No one really understands my love of 80's music, except my mom and my friend Pat from college because he is equally obsessed. I'll take old school Bon Jovi, Chicago, or Air Supply over Ke$ha, Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift any day of the week. Bonus - One of my favorite shows is Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Dennis is obsessed with Rick Astley. Marry me?

My kind of man.

"Power of Love" by the incomparable Huey Lewis and the News (shout out, American Psycho) is my go-to karaoke song. One Friday night in particular I was juiced up, on stage,  and ready to sing at my favorite McKinney Avenue karaoke bar, The MAT,  when the first two beats came through the speakers. Halfway through I stared out into the crowd - I was shocked and offended that no one was singing along with me. Seriously, people? Its from Back to the Future! Marty McFly, anyone? Le sigh.

A few conclusions:

1. Autotune is ruining everything.
2. Give me my "Keep on Loving You" by REO Speedwagon. Keep your "Kiss Me Through the Phone" by Soulja Boy.
3. I'm old.

SM