Introduction
In "Retromania," music critic Simon Reynolds takes a deep dive into the state of popular music in the 21st century, exploring why innovation seems to have stalled and why we're so obsessed with the past. The book examines how technology, nostalgia, and cultural shifts have contributed to a music scene that's more focused on recycling old ideas than creating new ones.
Reynolds argues that the first decade of the 2000s marked a turning point in music history, where instead of pushing boundaries and creating new genres, musicians began to rely heavily on the past for inspiration. This retrospective approach has led to a culture of remixes, revivals, and reimaginings, rather than genuine innovation.
The Stagnation of Innovation in Modern Music
Experimental Music's Struggle
Reynolds points out that even in the realm of experimental music, which is supposed to be at the forefront of innovation, there's a noticeable lack of new ideas. Musicians in this space are struggling to come up with something truly groundbreaking, often falling back on methods and techniques that have been around for decades.
This is in stark contrast to the 1990s, when music fans were constantly surprised by innovative artists and movements. The techno and rave scenes, for example, exploded onto the cultural landscape, bringing with them new sounds, experiences, and ways of consuming music.
Mainstream Music's Facade of Innovation
In the mainstream, artists are putting on a show of innovation without actually breaking new ground. Reynolds uses the example of the Black Eyed Peas, who rely heavily on futuristic imagery and sci-fi themes in their videos to appear cutting-edge. However, their music itself draws heavily from styles and techniques that were already established in the late 1990s, such as Missy Elliott's beats and the use of Auto-Tune, which was popularized by Cher in 1998.
The Golden Age of Pop Music Innovation
To understand the current state of music, Reynolds takes us on a journey through the major innovative shifts that occurred from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The 1960s: The Birth of Modern Pop
The 1960s saw an explosion of new genres and styles:
- British beat groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
- Folk rock
- Psychedelic music
- Soul
- Jamaican ska
This decade set the stage for the rapid evolution of popular music in the following years.
The 1970s: Diversification and Experimentation
The 1970s built on the foundation of the 60s and introduced even more variety:
- Glam rock (Led Zeppelin, David Bowie)
- Funk
- Heavy metal (Black Sabbath)
- Disco
- Punk rock
- Reggae
The 1980s: The MTV Era
The 1980s brought visual spectacle to music and saw the rise of several iconic artists:
- David Bowie
- Madonna
- Prince
- Michael Jackson
New genres also emerged:
- Rap
- House music
- Goth
- Synth pop (e.g., Depeche Mode)
The 1990s: The Last Wave of Innovation?
The 1990s continued the trend of innovation with:
- Rave music
- Grunge
- Experimental rock (e.g., Talk Talk)
However, Reynolds argues that this was the last truly innovative decade in popular music.
The 2000s: A Decade of Recycling
When examining the music of the 2000s, Reynolds finds that most new genres are simply slight variations on pre-existing styles. For example, emo music is essentially a repackaging of 1980s punk rock with minor changes to melody, style, and presentation.
The author does acknowledge some potential exceptions, such as grime and dubstep, two sub-genres of electronic dance music (EDM). While these styles do build on earlier genres like jungle and garage, they manage to create a somewhat new sound. However, their impact on mainstream music has been limited.
The Enduring Influence of the 1960s
Reynolds dedicates significant attention to the lasting impact of the 1960s on modern music. He argues that many contemporary artists are still heavily influenced by this "golden age" of music, even if they weren't alive to experience it firsthand.
The Return to Roots
In the late 1960s, many artists moved away from psychedelic rock and returned to their roots in folk and country music. This trend has been echoed in the 2000s with the emergence of freak folk and new Americana movements. Bands like Fleet Foxes exemplify this trend, blending country and folk music in a way that strongly evokes the 1960s sound.
Nostalgia for a Time of Purpose
Reynolds suggests that the 1960s remain influential because they symbolize a time when people believed in something. Many young people today feel a sense of nostalgia for this era, viewing it as a time when music was connected to independence and had a meaningful impact on society.
This sentiment is captured in songs like Sandi Thom's 2006 hit "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair)," which expresses a longing for a time of greater authenticity and purpose in music.
The Challenge of Letting Go of the Past
One of the key issues Reynolds identifies is the reluctance of young artists to let go of music's glorious past. With the advent of streaming services and digital archives, the entire history of recorded music is now available at our fingertips. While this is great for music fans, it presents a challenge for new artists trying to create something original.
The Absence of Musical Rebellion
In previous generations, young musicians often rebelled against their parents' music or created entirely new movements. Reynolds cites the rise of hip-hop in the 1980s as an example of a genre that drew on elements from the past but ultimately created something entirely new.
In contrast, the music of the 2000s tends to focus more on recycling and remixing past styles rather than introducing genuinely new ideas. Artists seem content to combine old styles or revive specific eras without pushing music in new directions.
The Cycle of Revivals
Reynolds notes that the 2000s have seen a series of revival phases, with different decades and genres coming in and out of fashion. For example, there have been periods of 1980s electro-pop revival, post-punk resurgence, and neo-psychedelic trends. However, none of these movements have led to a clear new direction in music.
Technology's Impact on Music Creation and Consumption
A significant portion of "Retromania" is dedicated to examining how technology has changed the way we create, consume, and think about music.
Technological Innovation vs. Musical Innovation
Reynolds argues that the 2000s will likely be remembered more for technological innovations in music rather than musical innovations themselves. While previous decades saw groundbreaking artists like The Beatles, David Bowie, and The Sex Pistols pushing musical boundaries, the major innovations of the 2000s have been technological:
- iPod
- YouTube
- Spotify
- Pandora
These innovations have changed how we access and consume music, creating a global musical network that allows instant access to virtually any song ever recorded.
The Rise of the Super-Hybrid Musician
The vast availability of music from all eras and genres has given rise to what Reynolds calls "super-hybrid" musicians. These artists draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, creating music that blends elements from various times and places.
Reynolds uses the example of Gonjasufi, a Los Angeles musician whose work combines influences from Mexico, Ethiopia, and America. His music incorporates elements of hip-hop, 1960s punk, psychedelic music, and rave culture, creating a sound that's difficult to classify within traditional genre boundaries.
The Shift from Production to Post-Production
One of the most significant changes Reynolds identifies in modern music is the shift in focus from production to post-production.
The DJ as the Epitome of Post-Production
In today's music scene, the DJ has become a central figure. Rather than creating new music from scratch, DJs take existing tracks and reassemble them in clever or surprising ways. They manipulate tempo, volume, and other elements to create new experiences from pre-existing material.
Reynolds sees this as a form of post-production, where the emphasis is on reworking and remixing rather than original composition. He notes that much of the material DJs work with comes from the creative output of black musicians who made soul, funk, disco, and R&B music in the decades following World War II.
Music as a Reflection of Economic Shifts
Reynolds draws an interesting parallel between the shift from production to post-production in music and the broader economic changes in Western societies. He points out that many great eras in musical production coincided with periods of industrial production:
- Motown music emerged during the automobile boom in Detroit
- Heavy metal was born in the industrial West Midlands of the UK
In contrast, the dominance of post-production in modern music reflects our current post-industrial, white-collar workforce. Just as many workers now spend their days scrolling, clicking, and designing rather than manufacturing, musicians are increasingly focused on manipulating existing sounds rather than creating entirely new ones.
The Role of Nostalgia in Modern Music
Throughout "Retromania," Reynolds explores the powerful role that nostalgia plays in shaping contemporary music.
The Comfort of Familiarity
One reason for the persistent influence of past musical styles is the comfort they provide. In an uncertain world, familiar sounds can offer a sense of security and connection to a perceived simpler time. This nostalgia factor helps explain the enduring popularity of revival movements and "retro" styles.
Nostalgia as a Marketing Tool
Reynolds also examines how the music industry has capitalized on nostalgia. Reunion tours, anniversary reissues, and "classic" album performances have become big business. This commercialization of nostalgia further reinforces the music industry's focus on the past rather than nurturing new talent and sounds.
The Internet's Double-Edged Sword
The internet plays a crucial role in Reynolds' analysis of modern music culture. While it has democratized access to music and provided platforms for new artists to reach audiences, it has also contributed to the retromania phenomenon.
Infinite Archives and Information Overload
The internet has turned the entire history of recorded music into an instantly accessible archive. While this is in many ways a music lover's dream, it also presents challenges. With so much music available, it can be overwhelming for listeners to discover truly new sounds. It's often easier to fall back on familiar styles or to explore the well-documented music of the past.
The Flattening of History
Reynolds argues that the internet has created a "flattening" of music history. In the digital realm, a song from the 1960s can sit alongside a track released yesterday, with no clear indication of their historical context. This flattening makes it easier for current artists to borrow from any era, but it also makes it harder for new movements to develop their own distinct identity.
The Challenge for New Artists
Given the retromania phenomenon, Reynolds considers the challenges facing new artists trying to make their mark in the music world.
Breaking Through the Noise
With so much music available and so many artists vying for attention, it's increasingly difficult for new acts to break through and capture an audience. This challenge can lead to a reliance on familiar sounds or gimmicks to stand out, rather than genuine innovation.
The Pressure of History
New artists also face the daunting task of creating something original in the shadow of decades of musical history. The weight of this history can be paralyzing, leading some musicians to retreat into pastiche or ironic appropriation rather than striving for true innovation.
Looking to the Future
While much of "Retromania" paints a somewhat pessimistic picture of the current state of music, Reynolds does offer some thoughts on how we might move forward.
Embracing Technology
Rather than seeing technology as a hindrance to musical innovation, Reynolds suggests that truly forward-thinking artists might find ways to use new tools and platforms to create genuinely new sounds and experiences.
Rediscovering the Value of the New
Reynolds argues that we need to rediscover the value of novelty and risk-taking in music. This might involve a conscious effort to break away from nostalgic tendencies and to seek out and support artists who are pushing boundaries.
The Potential for a New Revolution
Despite the challenges, Reynolds leaves open the possibility that we're on the cusp of a new musical revolution. Just as past innovations often came from unexpected places, the next big shift in music could emerge from a currently overlooked corner of the musical world.
Conclusion
"Retromania" offers a thought-provoking analysis of the state of popular music in the 21st century. Simon Reynolds makes a compelling case that we're living in an era unusually fixated on the past, where genuine musical innovation has become increasingly rare.
The book challenges us to consider why this retromania has taken hold and what it means for the future of music. It raises important questions about creativity, cultural progress, and the role of technology in shaping our musical landscape.
While the outlook might seem bleak at times, "Retromania" also serves as a call to action. It encourages us to be more critical consumers of music, to seek out truly innovative sounds, and to support artists who are taking risks and pushing boundaries.
Ultimately, Reynolds leaves us with the hope that by understanding the forces driving our obsession with the past, we might find ways to break free from retromania and usher in a new era of musical creativity. The challenge for the next generation of musicians and music lovers is to find a way to honor the rich history of popular music while still moving boldly into uncharted territory.