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“Music now sounds like sh!t.”

Modern “pop” and “rap” do, indeed. Same with most “country.” There is one “song” in each genre endlessly modified and pumped out to make money.

But there is a whole alternative universe of GREAT music on Spotify. Look for genres like:
Roots Rock - Combines rock with folk, blues, and country influences, often with an electric edge.

Americana - Blends elements of country, roots rock, folk, bluegrass, and R&B, characterized by acoustic instrumentation and a focus on American roots music traditions.

Indie Folk - A modern take on folk with introspective lyrics and minimalist arrangements, often overlapping with Americana.

Bluegrass and Progressive Bluegrass - Rooted in traditional American music, bluegrass emphasizes string instruments like banjo and mandolin, while progressive bluegrass incorporates modern influences.

Even modern takes on old classics. Check out Jerry Douglass playing “Little Martha.” It is SO good.

Or “Private Thoughts” by Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez.

Or “Harvest Moon” by Jeff Peterson.

Or “I Want it That Way” by Sitti (amazing story about the artist)

Or “Miles to Go” by Ellen Jewell

Or “Stopped My Horse” or “No Not Me” by Pieta Brown

Or “Jump for Joy” or “Three Ravens” by Jake Xerxes Fusselli

Or “He Calls Me River” by Raye Zaragoza

Or “Miles and Miles” by Franco Morone

Or “Firecracker” by Tony Furtado

Or “Summertime” by Sam Cooke (1957!)

Or “Little Sparrow” by Leyla McCalla

Or “Across the Great Divide” and “Like a River” by Kate Wolf (great song about life)

Or “Goldmine” by I Draw Slow

Or “Cherokee Shuffle” by Sally Van Meter

Or “Mountain Banjo” by Rhiannon Giddons (she has an amazing background with lots of classical training)

Or “Life Crisis” by River Whyless

I could go on and one here. The talent out there is just astounding. The great thing is you are not bound by what mainstream executives think will make them money..

Honestly, I have NEVER heard so much good music and songwriting in my entire life (I’m 73). This era far exceeds the 60s and 70s I loved so much.

But there is a whole alternative universe of GREAT music on Spotify. Look for genres like: Roots Rock - Combines rock with folk, blues, and country influences, often with an electric edge.

You are absolutely right. Around 1989 I discovered a radio station out of Tampa, WMNF, who is left of Stalin on the radio dial but played artists I did not know existed: Robert Earl Keen, Lucinda Williams, etc... Unfortunately, when they blamed America for 9/11, they ceased to exist for me.

Later, I started streaming stations on a now defunct music service and heard a whole new world of music. There was a streaming station out of Wheeling, WV that had a great playlist. Unfortunately, it changed to a sports format.

Great music is still out there. You just have to hunt for it.