Legacy

I promised myself that I would never be the old crank who complained about "that crappy music that kids listen to today". I'd be the cool older guy who could at least identify if not necessarily appreciate the recording artist blaring out of the doorway as I walked past The Gap.

That lasted through the 80s thanks in large part to MTV. Music videos added choreography, costuming and sex making mediocre music memorable. Golden Earring's "When The Bullet Hits The Bone" wasn't exactly early Springsteen, but add dancing girls in skimpy leather Nazi-inspired outfits and you've got a hit.

Alas, MTV no longer shows music videos. Apparently, "Jersey Shore" and "Teen Moms" get higher ratings. MTV still sponsors the VMA Awards though which is like Chevrolet sponsoring the Annual Buggy Whip Award.

"This year's winner of the MTV Video Vanguard Award honoring her video legacy is (drum roll, please) Britney Spears!"

Apparently, Britney has established a "legacy" worthy of commemoration. Athletes have to be retired for five years before entering the Baseball or Football Halls of Fame. Statesmen and military heroes have to be dead before they can be honored on a postage stamp or a coin. But a 29 year old singer can win a Legacy Award?

This is why I have become that old modern music hating crank. For my generation, Chuck Berry provided a legacy as did the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Beach Boys. You don't see MTV giving them any awards. Fifty years from now, Chuck, the Fab Four, the Stones and the Beach Boys will still be known while Britney, Video Vanguard Award notwithstanding, will likely be an obscure footnote in some musicologist's PhD thesis.

And don't get me started on the clothes and tattoos on today's young whippersnappers.