Sir Elton John - and Homespun Music - Why Less-Than-Perfect recordings matter

I'm a massive and HUGE of Sir Elton John's music. I have enjoyed his music since the 70s, and will always have a place in my heart for the wonderful music gifts he has given us.

From "Friends" to the glory days, to the present, Sir Elton has been a consummate entertainer, arranger, and force in popular music. His impact on the musical landscape is inescapable, indelible, and truly wonderful. Thank you, Sir Elton: your music makes joy in so many lives.

On a side-trip of things, Sir Elton made some interesting comments and shared some provocative thoughts with The SUN in the UK recently (opens new window).

I agree with some of what Sir Elton said - there are lots of albums coming out that aren't very good these days (hasn't it always been that way?)... Access to non-studio recording equipment and access to the internet has blossomed the amount of music being created and shared - many times over what it used to be. Sometimes easier access lowers barriers - whether or not the artist behind the technology has something that others want to hear.

On the other hand, I don't agree that very little good music is being created. I also don't agree that good music is exclusively the domain of (decidedly and absolutely superior) professional recording studios.

As for the first part, there is a blue ton of good music being created and shared - you just have to dig to get to it because there are lots of regurgitation bands and carbon-copy artists out there who are making music hunting difficult.

More importantly, the second part: is good music only created in wonderful studios?

No. Good Music/Great Music is created and recorded via the soul of an artist. The means by which it is recorded and shared is secondary.