This thread reminds me of a Literary Critical Theory course I took in graduate school. The whole semester was devoted to looking at how people have tried to define "good" literature (and by extention, art) through the ages. The answer seems to be that one's definition of "good art" depends on what criteria you're using. Examples?

Well, you could see it through some sort of moral lens. "Does this work edify the heart and mind? Does it appeal to our 'higher nature', our reason and sense of beauty? Or does it appeal to our 'baser instincts' -- sex and aggression, etc." That may sound kind of quaint and old-fasioned but lots of folks on the Mudcat can remember the objections to rock 'n roll in the '50s. "Look at those kids, they're gyrating their pelvises in PUBLIC!" Or think of the feminists of today who decry rap because the endless references to "bitches" and "'ho's" are demeaning to woman.

Or you could look at it as a matter of the structural properties of the work. "Does this work show the presence of an artist who has carefully worked the parts into a beautiful and organic whole?" There are a whole lot of people who would argue that a Bach fugue is far superior to any folk song you wish to name because the musical structure if far more sophisticated. In a fugue, there are themes and motifs developed in a tightly organized framework while most folk songs are simple, repetitive chord progressions.

Or there's a sort of Romantic way of seeing it. "Does this work stir the emotions? Was the artist passionate and emotionally honest in the creation of this work?" A lot of people will readily admit that Bob Dylan is neither the greatest singer nor guitarist but say that there is an incredibly brutal honesty in all of his work that transcends his lack of a beautiful voice and virtuoso guitar playing ability. (A fair number would take the moral approach to looking at Dylan's music too)

Sorry to get so philosophical but the point is that if we're going to discuss "why bad music sells" we ought to get our terms straight.

Personally, I'm pretty firmly in the Romantic camp when it comes to music. I like stuff presented with passion, conviction, and sincerity and sets off that little chill in my spine. Bach will do that but so do the Grateful Dead. Go figure.

Bryant