I guess it depends who you talk to. There is still a vibrant UK Soul
scene which isn't about to die any time soon. As for music with the
highest profile, acid jazz hasn't been the biggest for a long time.
What is more interesting is the move away from dance/pop music to the more
sophisticated rhythms of jungle etc (IMHO). Big name clubs like the Hacienda,
Creme, and the Ministry all of which specialise in house/dance/techno have
had the most coverage for years. Pick up a copy of The Face and you can
read about how Creme is getting James Lavalle to spin trip hop in an effort
to increase their appeal. The emergence of Drum and Bass/Jungle and Trip Hop
at these places can only be a good thing.
(There is always the argument that popularity drives down quality
which is not what I want to get into. My point is simple: The more
places spinning music I like, the better.)
New types of music seem to move faster in the UK compared to the US (true?)- the
popularity of "classic rock" here baffles me. I'm not sure if it is due
to the size of the American market (ie inertia) or what. But I definitely
feel that the UK scene is more with it musically.
I have a complicated thought in my head but I'm trying to keep my point
simple. I hope I haven't mangled it too much in the process.
Any comments?
bijan
pesaran@bell-labs.com