Where exactly did the music go?

Oh yeah, it went in the late night/early morning slot.

Before the late 90’s, an equilibrium of satirical shows and good music actually existed.

I miss the clever antics of “Daria” and the stupid fart jokes of “Beavis and Butt-Head.”

These shows satirize pop culture, while the shows today only focus on the shallowness of teen life and the rich and famous.

Plus, 90’s shows were more clever.

An episode of The Hills doesn’t compare to Courtney Love being mauled to death by a bear that Brandy brought on an episode of “Celebrity Deathmatch.”

Other than the pop cultural shows, mainstream, underground and indie artists had the opportunity to express themselves on MTV.

Artists such as TLC, Beck and Bjork had various backgrounds and musical styles.

Now it’s just the same artists repeated over and over again.

In the 90’s, MTV showcased unique sub-genres such as grunge, alternative rock, techno and underground hip hop.

Now it’s just rap, R&B and pop.

With the exception of Lady Gaga, there aren’t a lot of artists that stand out in their own unique forms.

And even Lady Gaga isn’t showcased on MTV that much. She’s mostly heard on the radio.

It’s also harder to find good bands by simply watching TV today.

Nowadays, you have to hear about bands through your friends, or just listen to the same mainstream bubblegum artists that the radio plays.

The next best thing would be Pandora radio, but that would be a challenge for anyone who doesn’t have Internet, let alone a computer.

Music videos can be shown over the Internet, but nothing compares to seeing the creative mixtures of talented artists conveniently over the TV.

Videos are extremely difficult to watch since they only appear during the hours where college students are either sleeping or getting drunk.

For me, it’s mostly difficult to watch videos because of the lack of creativity and diversity shown on MTV.

There are gifted artists and interesting genres out there, but MTV refuses to display the rebellious side of music and pop culture.

Musical diversity shown on TV creates a well-rounded pop cultural experience.

But when the M is taken out or reduced, all you have is TV.

How exciting.

Alesha Bailey can be reached at 581-7942 or at ambailey2@eiu.edu.