OPINION

When Is It Time To Let The Music Go?

Written by Glen Boyd
Published August 12, 2006
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I do confess, somewhat at least, to being somewhat guilty of the "old guy syndrome" though. I confess to looking a lot more forward to the releases of a guy like say, Bob Dylan (I'm stoked about this Modern Times record), than I do about what, for instance, Beyonce and Jay-Z are up to these days.

At least I'm not following the latest tour plans of Lynyrd Skynyrd (like a lot of guys my age are), what with all of the main guys being dead and buried. Or queuing up for tickets to the "New Cars" with Todd "Hello It's Me" Rundgren all of recreating Ric Ocasek's parts. I wont even go into Boston and Styx. They play Sheds on double bills in the summer. They play Indian Casinos and the like in the winter. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Do I have problems with the state of music right now? Well, yes I do. I have a huge problem. For example, I have a problem with the emphasis on "delivery systems" these days. At least as opposed to the more artist driven music of the past. On the one hand, the choices offered in terms of selection by things like cell phones and MP3 players do offer freedom to anyone choosing a specific track to play. On the other hand, what motivation is there for an artist to create a work like "Pet Sounds" or "Born To Run," for instance, in a "track specific" environment? Especially one played on some tinny cell phone speaker?

I saw this really good band tonight. They're called Glass Republic. Shitty name? But they'll figure things out as times go on. And I did see something in them.


Question is: When Is It Time To Let The Music Go?

In my particular case, maybe the answer is now. Then again...

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GlenSoprano

You'll find Blogcritics assistant music editor Glen Boyd sharing his Thoughtmares on his personal blogs The World Wide Glen, and The Rockologist. In a previous life, Glen was a music professional and journalist whose work has appeared in The Rocket, SPIN, Pulse!, and The Source. Glen is also seeking an active full-time writing gig. Will somebody please hire this man?
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When Is It Time To Let The Music Go?
Published: August 12, 2006
Type: Opinion
Section: Culture
Filed Under: Culture: Personal History
Writer: Glen Boyd
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Comments

#1 — August 12, 2006 @ 17:42PM — Glen Boyd [URL]

So maybe it is time to let the music go.

Then again...

(Thanx for publishing this Erin. I imagine this one was a bit of a challenge...so double thanks.)

-Glen

#2 — August 12, 2006 @ 21:05PM — Trent

Well I think i've got a little better understanding now of the article you wrote about that Beatles and the Bible book.

Can you say mid-life crisis Glen?

maybe some career counseling .... ?

Good luck mate.

#3 — August 12, 2006 @ 21:08PM — Christopher Rose [URL]

Glen, please don't ever let the music go.

#4 — August 12, 2006 @ 22:19PM — Glen Boyd [URL]

I hear ya Trent.

So I basically give myself personal therapy by writing these little pep talks to myself and publishing them for you and all the world to see on the internet.

Thanx for the comment.

-Glen

#5 — August 12, 2006 @ 22:21PM — Glen Boyd [URL]

I probably couldn't if i wanted to Chris. So ya know where I can put all of this useless information of mine to work for somebody?

Thanx for the comment.

-Glen

#6 — August 12, 2006 @ 23:47PM — Scott Barkley

Hey Glenn.....When the Music's over.... Turn out the lights! We can NEVER let it go or all will be dark for us!!
Hang in there brother and keep searching for the opportunity to get paid for doing what you love.
We may be rapidly becoming historians in the genre....but the genre needs its links to the past. After all, how would my 15 year old know where all the stuff he listens to was born if I wasn't here to expose him to it! Besides bud..like ya said...you are a bridge between the origins of the current and the current and still have the talent and ability to bring it! Keep your shoulders square and your eyes forward...and don't give up the fight!

Still reading and writing

Barkley

#7 — August 13, 2006 @ 00:19AM — Michael J. West [URL]

Glen, it may just be time you sniffed out the indie scene. The mainstream scene is a lost cause. That, though, has been inevitable from day one. The times when great, cutting-edge, and yet still universal, music ruled the charts and the media? Those were all flukes.

#8 — August 13, 2006 @ 00:33AM — Glen Boyd [URL]

Thanks for the kind words Scott and Micheal.

Micheal, I actually sent Razor & Tie my resume...they're looking for a publicist which I'd more than qualify for. The problem is...with all these places...is they take one look at me and basically say "you've gotta be kidding".

I'm an old fuck and I just have to face facts as far as that goes I guess. At least I'm not running around looking like some ridiculous David Lee Roth sort of caricature (I actually know people my age doing exactly that).

Thank God I can write my way through this midlife crisis by publically crying in my beer here on Blogcritics though right?

By the way Micheal, did that dude ever send you those Radiohead outtakes? He took forever but I finally got mine from him last week.

Scott, all I can add to your thoughts is the epithet "Music is your only friend...until, the end." That Jimbo sure had a way with the words didn't he? LOL...

-Glen

#9 — August 13, 2006 @ 00:38AM — Michael J. West [URL]

I give you props, Glen. You may be undergoing the basic process of the aging music lover, but nobody will ever call you a stick-in-the-mud.

And as for the Radiohead...he never even wrote me back.

#10 — August 13, 2006 @ 00:44AM — Glen Boyd [URL]

LOL Micheal...

As for the Radiohead, like I said the guy took forever but I did finally get them. If you want his email address, shoot me an email and I can get it for you. I'd burn you a copy myself except my burner is in the fritz (it won't recognize the drive it's on), and I don't have the bucks to fix it right now. Which brings us back to my story here, right? LOL...

But you are correct sir. No muddy sticks to be found here. Thanx for the comments Micheal...I feel better already. LOL..

-Glen

#11 — August 13, 2006 @ 01:29AM — SVIEN GLASS

thanks for the sharp eye!
you should catch us on a better night .
there was no real sound system...we had to share that little fisher price mic.
-glass REPUBLIC

#12 — August 13, 2006 @ 01:54AM — Glen Boyd [URL]

So you guys actually kept that crumpled up little piece of paper I gave ya huh? Good. At least now you know that I am for real and wasn't just feeding you a line of drunken bullshit.

Anyway...

You guys really oughtta shoot me an e-mail so we can talk a little more. If you click on the URL in one of my comments here, this will take you to my personal blog (where I also posted this story). If you go to my profile, you should be able to find my e-mail address there.

You guys really surprised me...I mean "The Poog" is a place I go to have a beer, not one where I expect to some band more suited to the clubs downtown.

Very impressive guys.

Shoot me an email and maybe we can put our heads together and figure out how to get your band a bit further...

Change the name for starters though...how about just "Republic"?

Trust me, I know about these things.

-Glen

#13 — August 13, 2006 @ 07:37AM — Snarkattack [URL]

As a younger music freak, I have to say I find it inspiring that someone of my parents' generation never let go of the music. Truly!

My music hasn't amounted to anything yet but dammit I just can't let go of the dream! I tried, I even injured myself on my first instrument but that dream will be mine!

So please don't let go of the music! Sounds like it hasn't let go of you :D Don't stop inspiring us!

#14 — August 13, 2006 @ 07:51AM — Glen Boyd [URL]

Thanx Snarx. And by all means, please don't injure youtself okay?

-Glrn

#15 — August 13, 2006 @ 10:35AM — Snarkattack [URL]

Oh sorry Glen - didn't mean to alarm you, I meant by practising too much when I was a flute player at music school - overuse/RSI type injuries. The pressure to practise is pretty full-on so that you kind of ignore the pain you feel to the point where it - sadly - causes injury in nerves or muscles.

I'm pleased to report my practice habits are a good deal healthier. Thanks for the concern.

#16 — August 13, 2006 @ 16:24PM — Scott Barkley

Yes Glen...he certainly did.
Just a thought. I have always looked MUCH younger than I am, but have had a rather deep voice since puberty (I am still often told I should be a DJ...shame there is no money in it as I would be if there was. Anyway, I worked for a legal service in my early twenties, when I still looked like I was 15 or so...lol, and I often telemarketed appointments. I was often met at the door with a look of surprise from my perspective clients, but within a few minutes around the table that look went away because they realized that although I may look young, I knew my shit and was more than competent. Had an 85% closing ratio, so I guess they were right..lol. When I became a Sales Manager after moving to Alaska a few years later, I actually grew a beard to add a few years to my face. I firmly believe the reverse is true as well. You may look older, but your talent and knowledge will show through during any interview. Hey, adopt my old saying to perspective employers..."I'm your man, Take the sign out of the window and give me thirty days. If your not impressed after that, I'll take half pay and be on my way." It never failed, and neither did I.
Confidence my brother...you are the man! Know that and carry yourself that way when the opportunities arise and look out industry...Boyd is back!!

It is the summer of my smiles...Flee from me keepers of the gloom

#17 — August 13, 2006 @ 20:10PM — Glen Boyd [URL]

Thanx for the tip there Scott.

An 85% close rate huh? Sweet. I've done my share of sales gigs over the years and was actually pretty good at it...but it's a very stressy gig and to be honest I'm getting too old for that shit. At my last job, a sales gig, I think I went prematurely gray (well OK, maybe not prematurely but the stress quickened the process quite a bit I think).

By the way I just put up a review of a Neil Young bootleg a buddy dropped by my house yesterday.

Do we dare to tread there?

LOL...

Thanx Scott.

-Glen

#18 — August 15, 2006 @ 12:13PM — simeon [URL]

it's time to let the music go when the music lets go of you. TS Elliot writes, 'you are the music while the music lasts'. He also writes that 'acceptance is more important than belief'. meaning that believing you are a talented writer in the music industry and accepting that you are a talented writer in the music industry are seperate concepts. in other words, 'don't stop till you get enough' - MJ (the gloved one). i'm going to check out glass republic now.

#19 — August 15, 2006 @ 12:36PM — Mark Saleski [URL]

i (not surprisingly) don't think you should ever let go. heck, i could no more do that than stop eating or breathing.

#20 — August 15, 2006 @ 23:51PM — Glen Boyd [URL]

thanx Simeon and Mr. Saleski --

Not sure I get the MJ reference Simeon refers to. But the part Saleski writes about not being able to let go any more than giving up eating or breathing...that part I know all too well. I may end up starving at this rate anyway but I do appreciate the words of encouragement.

Thanx Guys!

-Glen

#21 — August 18, 2006 @ 05:13AM — simian
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