Why can't bands keep their level

Pink Floyd was mentioned, and for me that's a good example of a band that was very creative in their youth, and later on got too predictable and commercial for these ears. The music became more conservative, and studies do show that people generally become more conservative as they age since they are less likely to take risks and try new things. That said, the refinement that can come with age is not necessarily a bad thing at all. Experience matters, and a veteran can have a better sense of what works.

I definitely think that some artists/ composers (classical music has been mentioned) can continue to make great and influential music throughout their lives. Beethoven's glorious 9th wasn't composed until he was in his 50's as I recall (he died a few years later). Those who take composition very seriously and are well trained in it refine and learn as they get older -- the best art I think tends to come from not only those who continue to try new things, but are always learning, always seeking, and striving to improve. They are open-minded people, at least in their fields, who never completely lose the passion, the desire to be creative and to push themselves.   The music may be less innovative or edgy and more conventional as they become older, but experience is gained. There are many novelists who put out their greatest works when they were older -- some didn't get published until they were older. With many bands, I think the experience tends to leave these people more tired, in a rut, as well as less willing to take risks and experiment (music may become overly formulaic and they're just going though the motions). I find it sad when you get these old music artists who are just playing their old stuff -- reliving their "glory years" for nostalgic audience members who look back fondly on their youths, often at the cost of not growing and expanding one's tastes and enjoying the present to the the fullest potential. For a time I was living in an old age home. I was young, but it was because of my job, and I found the old-time music selection for old-timers quite depressing. Sure some very old people revert back to memories of their youth, but I felt that this was sad and not helping to keep these people living in the present moment and for today. I'm already at the point (I'm only in my 40s) of becoming too nostalgic and reverting to childhood passions.

First of all: It is all in the eye of the beholder, or rather the ear of the listener; the bands would probably not agree. De gustibus non est disputandum.

I am also passionate music lover, this place is great when there are others too (at the moment I haven´t got any really close friend that is as passionate with music as I).

^It seems we really have totally different music taste (specially I love the early Pink Floyd and Momentary is the weakest for me, although not totally bad album), but I agree you with solos. But on the other hand there can be also over side long, enjoyable solos, for example I have always loved the Grateful Dead Dark Star in their first live double. But if solos meaning is just to show players skills, it´s really crap.

As The Who sang in their famous song, the "Music Must Change".

Edited by presdoug - September 07 2018 at 17:46

I'm not sure it ever was. Progarchives has certainly taught me just how much brilliant and highly innovative music that was created during those classic 70s years...but folks never heard of em back then because of a million different things and some times just sheer bad luck..for everyone involved. I much prefer the obscurities to the usual suspects these days.

The internet is also a master genius at "rewriting" history ie Talk Talk were never as popular during their lifespan yet nowadays have millions of fans that believe they pioneered the post-rock genre. The same story can be told about Nick Drake and to a much lesser extent Gentle Giant...bar the post-rock accolade of course.
Maybe in 50 years people will marvel at the magnificence that is Franco Battiato like I do right now. His most interesting albums to this forum are the first 4 albums whilst his most successful work without a doubt was made during the 80s. Again with the yardstick.

Edited by Guldbamsen - September 07 2018 at 10:56

If popularity and succes is the yardstick here then we can finally herald Genesis 80s output as their objective finest and the exact same time they reached "the level"

ForestFriend wrote: I wonder if a lot of musicians just "mature" and get more confident in their songwriting as they get older. Maybe they start to think "Hey! This song is good enough as it is that I don't need a 10 minute keyboard solo in 11/8 to make it good!". This is problematic in prog because I think that youthful attitude of not being afraid to be a little (or a lot in some cases) excessive is what makes prog exciting.

I think that goes for all rock music. When you go mature you ultimately lose the cohones and the music ends up geriatric and far too clean. Bear in mind the very same musicians probably still blast The Who's Live at Leeds at home often wondering why music doesn't sound like in the good old days. Hmmm