Rap; add 10 years at least to that. I was listening to old-school rap in the 1980's, when alot of it was fairly innocent. There's still great rap that isn't misogynistic and what not. You have to look for it, but it's there.

Some clean rap that really has great sonic stuff going on in production and just as clever vocal rhythms:

Mars Ill
Deepspace 5
Playdough
Da' Truth

Have you heard the incredibly excellent Matisyahu? Hassidic Jew doing reggae/rap combo that is very sonically entertaining.

Keith's post was spot-on.

Jazzmammals post about music to tick off the parents is spot-on. As a parent, I try to listen to what the kids like and appreciate what is going on musically.

My 17 year old is a speed metal / metal core fan. Can't stand the screaming of the vocalists, but the drumming and guitar playing are ridiculously complex. One might even call it Baroque with the themes under-running in the bass, the counter point, etc. Way cool stuff if you can wrap your head around what is going on to produce the sound.

You don't have to listen to the Bieber, but the masses of girls who find him all dreamy-eyed are going to; just like they did for Perry Como and Sinatra, for Elvis, just like they did for Frankie Valli and Ricky Nelson, just like they did for the Beatles and the Monkees, and for Roger Daltrey, and the Jackson 5 and Michael after that, like for Rick Springfield, like for, well, you get the point. Disdain rained upon each and every one of these artists - those that are legit and those that were manufactured.

There is nothing new under the sun, but what is called new - might as well try to appreciate it and learn from it rather than let it frustrate you.

I sure with Jimi didn't smash up all those guitars, or Pete for that matter - they would be worth lots of money right now!

Let's use an example here: How many of you listened to the Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff? I did. Most called it fluff back in the late 80's. It was fluff. But it was popular and it launched the career of one of the highest paid Hollywood actors in none other than Will Smith. Anyone who says he can't act hasn't seen "The Pursuit of Happyness (sic.)" I am a better person because of the thoughts that movie has put through my mind as I consider my place in this world. Thank you Fresh Prince and those that opened doors for you along the way.

So, give the Bieber a break. Let's hope that he can keep his head screwed on straight, and who knows, down the road, we might find him in a role of true gravitas musically, visually, lyrically, etc.

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