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[–] wahala ago 

Good point on LIVE. I loved that album when it came out. Thanks for the reminder on that.

I was also being a bit facetious when it comes to auto-tune. I completely agree synths and other electronic means of music can be amazing if used musically and not as a substitute for music. For example, when Jerry Garcia would break out the MU-TRON, aww yeah.

I disagree that modern pop music is too expensive for ads. Right now, Fitz & The Tantrums 'Hand-Clap' is being used in a Fiat ad. A Phoenix song is being used in a Calvin Klein ad. Honda is using Empire of the Sun's 'The Dreamer: Fantasy' in their current ads. I could go on, but I think you see where I'm going with this. They cross-promo on purpose.

When it comes to formulaic music, just give me a nice I-V-vi-IV and I'm good. Please tell me you've seen this - Axis of Awesome, 4 Chord Song

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[–] Whitemail [S] 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

I have heard Steve Lukather talking about a song another member of Toto wrote being in the loathsome I V IV vi progression. He said he was trying to disguise it. I haven't seen that one, but I've seen a similar type one. You can take it to mean that a chord progression is used too much, or you can listen to what makes all of these bands and songs different. There's more to music than just chord progressions. If Journey or the Red Hot Chili Peppers were playing that chord progression without singing, I'm sure you'd have no trouble telling which band was which. There is also so much jazz, pop, and blues all based around the 1, 4, 5 based progressions or sometimes just 1 and 4.

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[–] wahala ago 

Yes! You are totally spot on about the chord progressions. While, yes, they are formulaic, if used well they can be part of very unique and creative music.

So what is it about so many modern pop songs that make them so awful and truly grating on the ear?

I think you may be onto something with levels. Bass should be felt but it doesn't need to rattle screws out of your car to be effective. The mids and highs don't need to be buried into one mushy level either. Sound engineers don't get enough credit for the work they do.