Generic vs Classic
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moojakptorei
- #1
- Posted: 07/16/2013 19:52
- Post subject: Generic vs Classic
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On the Doors song Soul Kitchen, JMan wrote this:
"It's catchy and all, but it's generic Doors music, and I'm a guy who likes new surprises. That's why I watched all four seasons of Heroes."
However, when thinking about it, I wouldn't call this generic but instead classic Doors which got me thinking.
When does a song cross the line from classic to generic? Or are they the same thing?
EDIT: On the same song Jason wrote:
"So much soul in this soul kitchen.. lol but on a serious note, an instant Doors classic."
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mickilennial
The Most Trusted Name in News
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Location: Detroit 
- #2
- Posted: 07/16/2013 19:58
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Generic is not bad. Generic is just commonplace, atypical cliche's established by conventional music. Just because some people view it as a negative catchall doesn't mean it is. Generic means General, not mediocre or bad or whatever.
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RockyRaccoon
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- #3
- Posted: 07/16/2013 20:00
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That's a really tough question, and I think it can come down to your opinion of the band. For example, another band that gets the "generic" criticism a lot is Mumford & Sons. I happen to really like them. Are they somewhat formulaic? Yes. Do they basically write the same song over and over? Yea. Do I love that one song? Absolutely. Boston is another band like that. Every song of theirs is either a variation of "More Than A Feeling" or "Peace Of Mind" but I like those songs.
This can typically stem from a band whose debut album is fantastic, unlike much you've ever heard before, an then they release 5 more albums exactly like it and all of a sudden they're an uninspired, generic band.
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AlexZangari
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Location: gone
- #4
- Posted: 07/16/2013 20:04
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Generic and classic are different things, but generic can be classic. Generic isn't always bad.
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Kiki
- #5
- Posted: 07/16/2013 20:05
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Generic music is good music.
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ColumnatedRuins
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- #6
- Posted: 07/16/2013 20:16
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I don't understand this thread or how a song makes the move from "classic" to "generic" or the relationship between these two terms
🙁
Are we referring to the phenomenon when a "classic" song like Stairway to Heaven becomes overplayed and boring to some? (Generic?)
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meccalecca
Voice of Reason
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Location: The Land of Enchantment
- #7
- Posted: 07/16/2013 20:29
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I think this is caused by a misunderstanding of what generic means.
From my understanding, Generic refers to a version of something that is not the name brand. For instance, many stores make generic versions of Cheerios cereal. It's usual incredibly similar, but unoriginal and often just not quite as good.
When it comes to music, I would use the term generic to describe a band that is more or less an cheap imitation of another band.
For example when a certain trend occurs in music, labels will find as many similar bands as possible to capitalize on that trend. These artists tend to have qualities to make them distinct.
I remember back when ska and pop punk got big in the 90s, there were hundreds of bands that all sounded pretty much the same.
Same thing is happening now with civil war wave.
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AlexZangari
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Location: gone
- #8
- Posted: 07/16/2013 20:53
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What the hell is "civil war wave?" Is that what we're calling the indie folk fad these days?
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meccalecca
Voice of Reason
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Location: The Land of Enchantment
- #9
- Posted: 07/16/2013 20:57
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| AlexZangari wrote: | | What the hell is "civil war wave?" Is that what we're calling the indie folk fad these days? |
There's a load of indie folk bands who sing about the dust bowl and civil war, while dressing in clothes characteristic of that time period. I kid you not. This is a thing.
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EyeKanFly
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Location: Gotham
- #10
- Posted: 07/16/2013 20:58
- Post subject:
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I just want to point out that there was only one good season of Heroes (and I watched all four seasons).
| meccalecca wrote: |
When it comes to music, I would use the term generic to describe a band that is more or less an cheap imitation of another band.
For example when a certain trend occurs in music, labels will find as many similar bands as possible to capitalize on that trend. These artists tend to have qualities to make them distinct.
I remember back when ska and pop punk got big in the 90s, there were hundreds of bands that all sounded pretty much the same. |
Yes yes yes. I agree with this completely. However, I will say that sometimes the imitator trumps the imitated (though usually not without some innovation of their own).
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