Music on Television

[METALPRIEST]

It really is a shame there isn't a video channel as videos today really look like cinematic masterpieces these days. Of course I buy DVD's that include videos, as well as metal compilation vids ect. Live DVD's with bonus vids by the band.

Watching them on a big 'ol HD system is better than youtube that is for sure...but yeah...videos today are much more elaborate in production. Very stunning.

MTV should take notice to this and bring back not only what once was, but all the special programming...120 Minutes, Headbangers Ball (and not just for Slipknot), a Rap show....get it rollin' already.

Shows on there now tend to be a......

 

[AboutAGirl]

I'm PRETTY sure (not 100%) there are still video channels out there in digital cable land. For example I have a VERY limited cable package and I don't get any of that cool stuff but we do get this weirdo channel called The Cool TV that plays 80s vids 24/7. And didn't MTV2 bring back Headbanger's Ball a handful of years ago? I remember catching it in college once or twice. Seemed decent, mostly metalcore as you would expect at the time but also stuff like Arch Enemy.

I really wish I could get more into music videos 'cause I would love to just get enthralled and watch these every morning. VH1's playlist is pretty cool. Every morning they play Skyscraper by Demi Lovato... which is weird because it's not THAT popular as far as I know, but I love it because it's like the best song of the year and I am insanely in love with it. And they ALWAYS slip in some random 90s track... really cool chizz, too. Soundgarden, Santana, weird stuff I don't even know. MTV's playlist is a lot more hit and miss with a lot of stuff I have to change the channel for, but they also play my favorites more often.

 

[annie]

I am listening to VH1 Classic (Europe) right now and have had quite a variety this evening. First an hour of 70s, then an hour of Vintage, and now We Are The 80s. I hate watching YouTube.

 

[Mr. Bob Dobolina]

I grew up in a real golden age of music on T.V., the seventies! There was Soul Train, American Bandstand, In Concert, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, and the Midnight Special. Here in L.A. we also had the Real Don Steele Show on Saturday nights. It was a local show on channel 9 KHJTV. Steele was a local AM DJ legend. He was working on 93 KHJ at the time. There were also the musical guests that would appear on SNL, SCTV, Fridays, and the Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder. IMO the only stuff that comes close nowadays is the stuff on PBS like Live From the Artist's Den, Soundstage and Austin City Limits.

 

[Dairenn]

1970s was a revolutionary period, that's for sure. We didn't have all the great 5.1 surround sound, 1080i HD picture we have today but we had bands that could rock, promoters who knew how to put together a show and LOTS of television programming that could present. YouTube is self-serve; you get the content, ultimately, but there's no curator. Not unless, of course, you count the one and only classicrockforums.com. ;-) I'd say if you have to find out about music through YouTube, definitely use this place.

 

[jcc]

I am listening to VH1 Classic (Europe) right now and have had quite a variety this evening. First an hour of 70s, then an hour of Vintage, and now We Are The 80s. I hate watching YouTube.

I wish I could watch VH1 Classic Europe online. They, unlike VH1 Classic (US) which I get since I'm there, play music videos all the time with no commercials. VH1 Classic (US) doesn't play music videos all time except when they have these 80s videos A-Z marathons. I know they used to play music videos all the time and they were commercial free. Unfortunately, I didn't have it at the time

 

[Khor1255]

Video truly killed the radio star. It's ironic that this is the first video ever played on MTV. The impact this approach to recording artist status has had is similar to what reality shows did to tv. Now it is all instant gratifacation or boring back stories even in shows about special forces operatives.

It's a real tragedy that to be a famous recording artist these days you either have to be pretty or have some 'interesting' back story. No wonder we are seeing the kinds of acts we are these days and more importantly why we don't seem to be seeing any artists like we once had when a performer first had to cut his teeth in front of a live audience then usually keep his concert attendance high in order to make even a pittance in the business. I'm so glad they are making quite a bit more money these days but the way we are going about making stars of no talents while ignoring and overregulating the club scene it is no wonder people like Beiber are making all the money.

 

[ILoveJimmyPage]

Khor, what do you mean by "interesting back story"? Just wondering.

 

[Khor1255]

Well, it seems the 'artists' with a colorful backstory are moved to the front of the line. I don't get why it is at all important what a musician's favorite color is, or his views on politics or how hard of a life he had before making it big. Apparently this is of paramount importence to people following the music business.

I hope that answered your question.

 

[ILoveJimmyPage]

I get it, but there have been musicians who have acquired a following for years through their political views. I think it dates way back to the 60's.