Music changes depending on whether Democrats or Republicans are in office?

[natedoppler]

I have a theory that music is more guitar-driven and genuine during Democratic presidential rule. Oppositely, Republican presidents bring more superficial and studio-rich music.

Now, I've only noticed it during the Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Bush administrations because these were the only ones I was alive for.

First, during the Reagan and Bush years: Flock of Seagulls, Hairbands, Culture Club, and other types of keyboard or synthesizer studio over-processing took place. In the case of hair bands, their music took alot of studio magic to come out clean, and their music had a very superficial message.

Second, during the Clinton years (1992): Tool releases their first album, Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden arrive. Hairbands and synthesizers die and give way to the resurgence of legends like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (Wildflowers). Weezer releases the Blue album. Woodstock makes its first appearance since the 60's! Overall, music takes more of a guitar-driven, acoustic stance that can be performed without the aid of studio effects.

Third, during the new Bush era: Emo takes hold, but not before modern rock turns into a mush of Rap-Rock, Staind, Nickelback, and Lincoln Park. Now modern rockers are whining about their childhoods and dissing their friends. Little did we know that Emo would become larger than we could ever imagine, making Sugar Ray's bubblegum drivel seem like a legitimate successor to Led Zeppelin.

Finally, Today: A new decision awaits our country and,maybe,record executives. I may be wrong about this political/musical correlation, but only time will tell if we elect a democrat. Sure, there are exceptions to all of these time periods, but I think there's no denying the general trends of the day. If Obama/Biden win and Emo dies within a year of two, more credibility will be lent to this theory. Until the musical climate changes, I cannot play the type of music I respect and expect a warm reception.


Please do not crucify me... This is only a theory and I'm curious to know if anyone else has had these same kinds of thoughts or agrees/disagrees.

I just want music to go back to how it used to be in 60s/70s, when even the pop stars wrote good songs and musicians were the ones writing these good songs. I know that day will come again and I would do anything to help it happen.



TJ of Doppler
www.dopplerband.com
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"I know when I started I would have been happy to sound like the Beatles or Joe Tex or whoever. You want to sound like most bands, you want to sound like their records and that's how you learn your chops."

- Jon Anderson of Yes

[Stahlbrand]

Take it to off topic.

Also you're not considering the difference between cause and correlation here.

Perhaps there are other factors at work that influence both conditions.

[Flawless]

If you want good music to reign supreme again stop buying crappy music.

[The above statement is a generalization and in no way is directed at any one individual unless of course that person has some sort of complex... in which case, I was talking about YOU.]

[SpiderLocMTGO]

Wow, talk about selective information.

[a21schizoidman]

then what would happen if Nader wins?

[afterstasis]

then what would happen if Nader wins?

a sudden interest in minimalism and ambient music.

[a21schizoidman]

a sudden interest in minimalism and ambient music.

Unsafe at Any Speed - THE FOLK ALBUM!! #1 in AMERICA! lol

#2 Unsafe At Any Speed - the elevator music album

#3 I'm Green, Daba Dee Daba Die - the ambient noise album

lol

[Hungryfreak]

If Nader wins, I think the apocalypse will arrive before we see any new music, haha.

[Onslaught_fei]

During the Reagan and Bush years the metal underground produced Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Death, Bathory, Destruction, etc... and saw a golden era of extreme metal with many new bands pushing new boundries. During the Clinton era we saw the rise of the groove metal sound and the influence in the creation of numetal while melodic death metal was birthed and black metal bands were burning churches. With the return of a Republican president we've seen the rise and fall of numetal, the restoration of thrash, and more metal than you can shake a stick at.

I see no correlation whatsoever. Your information is ridiculously selective.

[afterstasis]

During the Reagan and Bush years the metal underground produced Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Death, Bathory, Destruction, etc... and saw a golden era of extreme metal with many new bands pushing new boundries. During the Clinton era we saw the rise of the groove metal sound and the influence in the creation of numetal while melodic death metal was birthed and black metal bands were burning churches. With the return of a Republican president we've seen the rise and fall of numetal, the restoration of thrash, and more metal than you can shake a stick at.

I see no correlation whatsoever. Your information is ridiculously selective.

agreed. look at punk rock.
music based on genuine frustration and anger flourishes during times of political disgust.

[OmegaVader]

As far as pop music goes (which is to say, ignore Onslaught, metal will always be niche music, albeit an immortal niche), your theory is quite amusing. I think it's just a coincidence at best, though. After all, the 70's rocked...even if the presidents didn't. It would be nice if the election of Obama signaled the end of all the ridiculously crappy pop rock that's been hitting the air waves the past 8 years...but I doubt it. If it is, though, guess I'm voting dem the rest of my life.

[defenestrater]

Like others have said, the information you're basing this off of is way too selective. Its an interesting thought, but I think the second you start looking at any decade's music in any real detail you'll see this idea fall apart pretty quickly.