Alan Cross’s 10 predictions for the world of music in 2024

Global News ^ | December 31, 2023 | Alan Cross

[Squawk 8888]

As we get closer to the one-quarter mark of the 21st century, it may seem that things are changing faster than ever before, especially in the areas of culture and media. I deal with music for a living and even I can’t keep up with everything that’s going on. But I think I can see things clearly enough to make some predictions and observations for music in 2024.

[DoodleBob]

I will next time he’s around.

Years ago, I was flipping thru the radio and heard a cover of an incredibly obscure, deep cut by Led Zeppelin called “Tea for One.” It’s been said that Zeppelin ripped themselves off on that tune, likening it to “Since I’ve Been Loving You.” Personally. Tea for One is waaaay better. But it’s a long blues song at the end of what many people consider Zeppelin’s weakest album (Presence), and I thought I was the only fan of that tune.

Turns out, it was Joe Bonamassa. Not only do I give the man props for his playing, but for his taste in covers.

[Yardstick]

Pretty good list. Something they mention is fragmentation and how there’s no such thing as a “consensus hit” anymore. Back in the day, the record companies and the radio stations acted as gatekeepers who channeled only the best artists and music (yes that’s debatable) to our ears. But now it’s an atomized wild west with no gatekeeping except by algorithms if you choose to submit to them.

[HIDEK6]

Music died in 1963.

[HIDEK6]

Good to know.

[fidelis]

That was great. Nothing like the Blues.

[DoodleBob]

Ok…it’s a New Year and we need to resolve to NOT sound like our parents, and give up on new music.

We are all about individualism and against collectivism. We can’t let the Musical-Industrial Complex tell us what’s good and what’s not.

Free. Your. Mind. Go to Bandcamp, an independent music portal where (generally) unsigned bands can post their music for listening, and purchase.

For those of you who still believe in capitalism, don't like to be told what is good music, and who believe that music isn't a free good and should be purchased, check it out.

To get you started, here is a curated list I compiled of Earth, Wind, and Fire-like new bands.

Stand up for Love by The Haggis Horns, released 2020.

Chamelonious Monk by Organ Fairchild, released 2023.

Hot Sauce by BossMagnet, released 2018.

Puzzled by JJ Whitefield, released 2023.

Here are some recent harder rock tunes:

Absolute Power by Max Boras- instrumental hard prog, lots of guitar and melody that will get you 2pts on your license.

Devil At My Back by Scotty Saints and the True Believers - Punk with swagger. Another 2pts on your license.

Finally, here is a list I compiled two years ago - it’s still good. Enjoy.

Album: Arise
Artist: Dan Sartain
Song: People Throwing Stones At Glass Houses

Trippy old school rock and roll that's contemporary.

Album: Delusions Of Grandeur
Artist: Delusions Of Grandeur
Song: Drinking My Life Away

Power punk guitar-driven rocker with no hope for tomorrow, the way it used to be.

Album: Beyond the Dome
Artist: Sigma Ori
Song: Beyond the Dome

Thoughtful instrumental progressive rock - a lava lamp could enhance your listening.

Album: Intra-I
Artist: Theon Cross
Song: We Go Again

Experimental electronic new jazz from London featuring THE TUBA!

Album: Kites
Artist: This Winter Machine
Song: Pleasure & Purpose

Melodic, lyrical, neo-progressive rock out of the UK.

Album: Imprints
Artist: Simeon Walker
Song: Gleam

New Classical Music! Minimalist yet tasteful piano that demonstrates that the rests are as important as the notes.

Album: Gary Bartz JID006
Artist: Gary Bartz, Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed Muhammad
Song: The Message

Jazz saxaphonist for 60+ years Gary Bartz teams up with younger players for a contemporary yet traditionalist jazz tune.

Album: From The Basement (full album)
Artist: Delco Detention
Song: The Joy Of Homeschooling (w/ Neil Fallon of Clutch)

Straight-ahead guitar-driven rock from a 9-year old homeschooled guitarist and 49-year old father/drummer, with vox provided by a modern singer who WANTED to be on the track.

Album: Cannonball Run (full album)
Artist: The Gasölines
Song: Autobahn Outlaws

A repeat from last time, punkabilly guitar-driven rocker from Norway. Watch how fast you drive when you play this in your car. And one of the best album covers in ages.

Artist: Cosmic Order Band
Song: Let's Go Brandon

An original from FReeper Rocco DiPippo and the Cosmic Order Band. The Bidet paper mask is spectacular

[odawg]

I listened to her sing, never heard of her; she will have trouble advancing because she can actually sing. No screeching, wailing, etc.

[Magic Fingers]

Bkmk

[TChad]

If you get a chance to see Joe Bonamassa in concert, take it. You'll not be disappointed . . .

Hard to be disappointed by Joe Bonamasssa.

I can't think of him without being reminded of this Royal Albert Hall concert with Eric Clapton:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kOl0Ac2k2U

[Some Fat Guy in L.A.]

The people who made good music will continue to pass on in large numbers.

[sheana]

I’ve seen Joe Bonamassa 4 times. Never disappointed. I was at his The Greek concert. Twice in Bakersfield and once in Vegas. He’ll never out do his concert at The Greek. It was fantastic.

[1Old Pro]

If you want to know just how bad the music is now compared to the 50’s - 70’s, watch some American Idol. The show scours the country for the best talent and they compete until there is a number 1. I’m not too impressed with the talent.

Compare that to American Bandstand or Soul train or the Ed Sullivan show that highlighted “new” talent.

[jkrecker416]

There’s lots of good new music. Try listening to www.xpn.org WXPN radio in Philly

[The Great RJ]

A Taylor Swift concert will suck so much it will create a black hole

[jkrecker416]

Here’s the WXPN link:

https://xpn.org/

[chajin]

"I teach about Mitski in my college music course"
What other artists do you include in your course?

Three names off the top of my head would be Tash Sultana, John Petrucci, and Yvette Young.

[minnesota_bound]

Please no more Taylor Swift off note records or sports coverage.
Or phony country guys with plastic cowboy hats and fake southern drawls.

Grand Funk Railroad, Homer’s Favorite Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXKmsvRXE4A

Rock attained perfection in 1974
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLqfXlIq6RE

It’ll Happen To You! (The Simpsons)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGrfhsxxmdE

Simpsons Boston Reference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjiyq25crAQ