Music Just Recreation

There, of course. I have put my finger on the most overworked objection to popular music. "It has nothing intellectual," the critics say. "The words seldom mean anything—it is pure rhythm, and appeals only to the animal in us." They ait back with a smile as [unclear: in] they had completely deflated those who took the opposite view. But those people miss the point completely. Classical music likes to think of itself as an inspiration to the soul, moving men to great deeds, and playing an important role in our very existence. But the popular tradition sees music as something to amuse us, to be played with and then put aside. After all, what is music if it is not just recreation? As for appealing to the animal In us, well, there is nothing morally wrong with modern music so why not enjoy it and let our passions have full sway. Escapism, yes, but only in four-minute doses.

I have tried to show that modern music exists in its own right. It makes no attempt to replace classical music completely, but merely wants to exist side by side with that older form of culture. Since it has won an overwhelming victory in the arena of popular acclaim, it seems a pretty fair request to me.

—R. Poison.