Old Farts

In preparation for a clear-out of undesirable members of the forum in the new year, it has become necessary to define the "old farts".  As I there are a number of possible definitions, I propose a vote on a selection of them.

Paul

I would say "remembers Frank Sinatra and hasn't heard of the Beatles yet".

How about "gives grandkids gift certificates from the music store because, not only has he not heard the names of the songs they are into, but does not know the names of the bands, and in fact does not even know what their kind of music is called or what instruments it is played on."

Since I qualify for all but two of the above definitions (actually 1 1/2, since I did work for the BBC as an outside contractor) it looks as though I'm definitely for the chop in the New Year.

Hardly seems worth voting, does it?

I qualify for only 5 out of 10. So I still have a bit margin.

BTW, What do they have in common?

7 out of 10... (no BBC, still under 45.. barely).  Now, do I really have to wear the moniker of "old fart"?  I heartedly subscribe to the old adage... "your only as old as you feel".  I have a 12 year old (that thinks he's 18 ) and take an active part in all his interest (namely music).  FWIW, he's a bass player and Santa scored him a nice, new Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 4 string for X-Mas!!  To get an idea of how supportive I am of his endeavors... that now makes 5 basses that the young lad has to go with 2 amps (with another on the way for his B-day in March).

 

BTW, What do they have in common?

They're all 'manufactured' bands/groups - your margin has just narrowed!

Weren't they all British?  I know that Holly &  Frankie Goes, as well as the Spice lasses were Brit.  I do remember the Monkeys (covered quite a few of their tunes over the years), but can't recall if they were "all" British.  I feel pretty sure that Davey Jones was, but don't know about Peter and the others....

 

Weren't they all British?  I know that Holly &  Frankie Goes, as well as the Spice lasses were Brit.  I do remember the Monkeys (covered quite a few of their tunes over the years), but can't recall if they were "all" British.  I feel pretty sure that Davey Jones was, but don't know about Peter and the others....

 

I'm pretty sure that it was only Davey Jones who was British. My sister (classically trained musician, ex-member of BBC symphony chorus, etc.) was a big fan of the Monkies when she was much younger - but this was primarily because of the awful TV series. I think I shall remind her of this on Sunday... (hehe!)

But in a sense, you're right about linking Britain to 'manufactured' bands. We have a long and thoroughly dishonourable tradition of doing this - recently immortalised by all those ridiculous 'make a band' reality TV shows with Simon Cowell, etc. But you have to remember that this isn't music we're talking about here, it's about marketing product to 13-16yr old girls.

And as far as Pop Idol, etc goes, there's a whole cultural problem that's been highlighted by it. It seems that we've bred a generation of kids who think that they're good enough to do anything if they try hard enough - and all of those televised auditions have shown just how wrong that idea really is, and quite frankly just how right Simon Cowell is most of the time. When these kids' families and friends tell them that they're wonderful, and he tells them how bloody awful they really are, it makes for very depressing TV, complete with temper tantrums, etc...

'Old' is a state of mind, and 'fart' is the result of a state of one's bowels. I'm refusing to vote in this poll (and I can see the results anyway!), because although I realise exactly what it's about, I'm not trying to encourage it. And since I would have a very similar score, for similar reasons, to Graeme, I agree entirely with his first post, and am accordingly acting on the last sentence!

'Old' is a state of mind, and 'fart' is the result of a state of one's bowels. I'm refusing to vote in this poll, because although I realise exactly what it's about, I'm not trying to encourage it.

Quite right.  I apologise if my reaction to a remark elsewhere is felt to be inappropriate - especially as there was a handsome explanation given later.  It was only intended as fun, of course.

Paul

(PS:  Graeme's explanation of the commonality was the one I had in mind).

reality TV shows

An oxymorn if there ever was one...

A question, Mr JWHodges: are you intent upon clearing out us old farts, or clearing out all who are not?

I wasn't necessarily "linking" British and Manufactured... In fact, while I might call the Monkeys and the Spice Girls manufactured, I thought that Frankie Goes to Hollywood was just a good band that enjoy (albeit short-lived) success.  Giving credit where credit is/was due... IMO, Holly had a great voice.

 

While I remember Frankie, I fail to emember any of the songs. Maybe the old fart status is only around the corner.

Their "big" hit was Relax.  But they did some other nice originals and some covers as well.  The singer (Holly Johnson I think) had a very strong voice.  I saw them a year (or so) ago on a VH1 special where they were trying to "re-unite" them.  It didn't work out.  Bummer.....