It's probably an age thing. However...

...mass consumerism of music only really started about 40 years ago, so it is natural that a lot of the innovation would have happened earlier in that cycle than later, as more and more would-be musicians tapped into the demand.

And of course our generation grew up with the ones who are now at the age where their clogs are starting to pop. Much more emotional investment than in newer artists. And also we consumed music in a much more involved way (much like any other media pre-internet). These days it's all a little passive as it is so easy to just flick through the massive amount of cheaply, quickly available music. How many kids lock themselves in their bedrooms with a set of headphones and an album or ten these days ? More likely to be gaming.

There has been plenty of innovation and influence around after the 70s to be fair. The Police, Metallica, Nirvana, REM, Pearl Jam, AC/DC, ambient bands like Air, Massive Attack, even G 'n' R to be fair to them. All in their own ways. Hip hop, Winehouse. I'm sure you can come up with a longer list.

I suppose even what they called R'n'B these days was innovation at some point, as s**t and directionless as I might find it.

But since we don't get as immersed as consumers anymore, the musicians are quickly forgotten and don't take on the legendary status they once did. Unless they act up and die young of course.

Posted By: Steve in Holland, Jan 11, 13:42:21