Generic vs Classic

[moojakptorei]

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."

[mickilennial]

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.

[RockyRaccoon]

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]

Generic and classic are different things, but generic can be classic. Generic isn't always bad.
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[Kiki]

Generic music is good music.

[ColumnatedRuins]

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?)

[meccalecca]

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]

What the hell is "civil war wave?" Is that what we're calling the indie folk fad these days?
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[meccalecca]

[EyeKanFly]

I just want to point out that there was only one good season of Heroes (and I watched all four seasons).