Pardon me if I'm splitting hairs here, but is it okay to link language and music together? I would agree that there is an acceptable or approved manner of making words into sentences, sentences into paragraphs, and paragraphs into stories. But once mastered, these "rules" can be broken to great effect (I think of Ogden Nash or e.e. cummings). But does music have the same rules? Even as much as I dislike certain forms of music, it appears to me that those artists use the same basic rules as the artists I do like, just in a different style or meter or at a volume that is felt more than heard. To say that language degrades to me is to say that people are becoming insensitive to the basic fundamentals of speech and writing. (aside, something the British have accused us Yanks of doing for years and years). But how does music degrade in the same manner? I must admit I was unable to open the link as well, maybe he makes that point very clear. If so, I apologise. My observation with the general, overall music scene is that individuality and true creativity are being smothered in the name of commercialism. This is not the case in the smaller arenas where creativity is fostered, but once you "make it big" you have to become just like everyone else. There just are not that many Johnny Cash's out there who are willing to stand up to the mega-super-monolithic companies.

Cheers to the many Mudcatters who make Kat's comments correct: those who care deeply about the language of music, and the flowing music of both written and vocalized language.

Freightdawg