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ivan@stellysee.de
| From | Ken Kase <kenkase@nighttimes.com> |
| Subject | Re: New R & R HoFers |
| Date | Tue, 14 Dec 2004 06:04:11 -0600 |
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> Just as an interesting experiment, I'd like to see someone stand on a street
> corner and poll passersby (who would, presumably, mostly consist of casual
> music fans) as to their views about the R&RHoF. I'd also like to find out
> how many of them could identify who is in the Hall and who isn't.
I agree. Who but the most rabid sports fans remembers who won the Super Bowl
in 1980-something? Can anyone name me the American Gold Medal winners (or
the winners of your country of origin) at the Olympics? I can't. Induction
does not necessarily mean validation of artistic contribution but leans more
towards what some feel to be relevant cultural impact.
The institutionalization of rock and roll is contrary to the "spirit" of
rock and roll. For example, the average everyday person isn't likely to go
to a museum to see great works of art or go to a symphony or jazz concert
because it has been elevated above people's perception of what is accessible
to them. Thus, "high culture" has no real personal meaning to most people. I
think this is what is happening to rock and roll. When you take something
and put it in a museum, however well intended, it enters the realm of "old
stuff". That's the death knell for a vibrant, active artform. So I find it
difficult to care who the arbiters of relevance deem worthy of who's in and
who's out.
-- Ken Kase
Editor
www.nighttimes.com / Night Times, LLC
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