Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 12:31 am Post subject: Poor Sarah! What has she gotten herself into...CBC

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Poor Sarah! What has she gotten herself into? The CBC's National Playlist is not much more than an excuse for intellectual vanity and dim-witted criticism.


Although, Sarah herself, seems one of the more humble critics, some of her fellow panalists reek of insincere analysis which seems mostly as a sort of "intellectual self-promotion" than objective or critical reviews of the music.

Today, on Wednesday's show, it was apparant that Sarah had encountered some "intellectual bullying" on behalf of some of the other panalists- without naming any names- by one man in particular, whom I find the most insincere, and yet, whom due to his
"sophisticated tongue", is able to persuade and belittle any simple minded soul with his complex jargon-sounding musical description and terminology.

This is not meant as merely a criticism of him, nor is it a blind celebration of Sarah- both, as people, I am sure, have their strengths and weaknesses. The point I am trying to make here is this: Why, on earth, is Sarah even invloved with this show? She seems like such a sensitive soul, and some of her comments on the show indicate a frustration with the show's superficial tendency. For instance, one critic, she mentioned, was intellectually justifying the Beach Boys, but had perhaps missed her point. Her point was this: That the beach boys had perhaps sounded a bit fraudulant when singing about the profoundity of God in such a "pop-py" context- Did they really mean or understand the depth of their words? This, a profound statement, was simply overlooked by some of the other panalists who were quick to jump to a new topic. Conclusion: This show is not really interested in the promotion of profound contemplation- how could it be- it is a mere 30 minutes for 2 song analysis. Some people spend years meditating on the same song lyrics- only to learn more and more of them...hmmmm...

It is so clear to me that this show- although perhaps an interesting premise- is doomed from the very onset. None of the panalists have time to speak with any reflection- for they are forced to spit out quick pitched criticisms that, although perhaps " intellectually dazzling", reek of insincerity and vanity. In otherwords, the panalists seem more concerned with portraying their own SELF than the actual music they are discussing. If you listen carefully....the discussion is really mostly saying " I am smarter than you...No! I am smarter than you!...

It is all about the "I"- the EGO...but What about the MUSIC?

For instance, the aforementioned panalist I mentioned earlier in this text, undermined sarah's choice for RadioHead, and I quote, because " he could never understand why everyone was so into them"...

I think what this panalist was really saying was that he could not bear liking a band that was so popular...Simply, it is to uncool for him to do so. I bet, that if RadioHead had never been celebrated by the masses as popular music, and Sarah had introduced this song to the list, the man would have a different stance.

OK, I'll bite. I'm a sucker for a debate about music or anything related to music, so here's my two cents:

First off, Sarah Slean is a big girl with a pretty smart head on her shoulders. If she really didn't want to be part of this, she probably wouldn't be.

Ray, you're absolutely right that this show is far too short to achieve the level of musical discussion that it's probably aiming for. However, in the short time that they do have I think they actually do a pretty good job. How great to listen to so many different opinions about music. Of course there are some that you'll likely agree with, and others that you'll likely disagree with. That's the fun of it.

As for the "intellecual vanity" that you accuse the panelists of, I have to counter your point again. I agree that they can be over the top and there's lots of industry jargon being tossed around, but I think it's refreshing to listen to young people using our beautiful language in such dazzling ways. I'd much rather listen to these smart 50 second pitches that introduce these songs than some dumb radio dj who can't get much further than "this tune rocks, man!"

This program has introduced me to some great songs, albums, and musicians, and it's made me take a closer look at some classics. For example I really appreciated Sarah's comment about the chorus in the song "Let Down" that she pitched today. As a music fan, but not a real musician, I sometimes miss these little nuances that can really enrich the experience of listening to a particular song. I also really hated the Gorillaz song that was pitched on Monday, but at least now I've heard from one person who loves it and I have a better understanding of why people like this particular group. This is how we stay open minded and challenge our own views.

Music is such a personal thing and I find it fascinating to learn how different people react to different music. But mostly I just love hearing people speak so passionately and heatedly about pop music.

If you don't like it, don't listen, but I love this show and I'm already excited about tomorrow's debate......vanity and egos and all!

Cheers!

Megan =)

[quote:828335db1e="megan14"]For example I really appreciated Sarah's comment about the chorus in the song "Let Down" that she pitched today. As a music fan, but not a real musician, I sometimes miss these little nuances that can really enrich the experience of listening to a particular song.[/quote:828335db1e]

Same thing for me.

I think it's interesting hearing such varying opinions and am quite enjoying listening to the program.