Well Ive been watching CBS's answer to American Idol, called Rock Star NXS or something. The show has different singers sing classic rock hits with the same band backing them and the winner gets money or something(first time ive watched it).

This got me thinking and Ive come to the conclusion that emphasis on vocals above music, or instrumentation, is ruining modern music.

It seems today that singers are much more important to record companies than the accompanying music they sing to. Whether its Jessica Simpson, or the various popular rap artists, instrumentation has become generic and devalued.

To me the great thing about the 60s and 70s rock was that the guitarists, drummers, and even many times bassists were just as important to the music as the vocalist. Things were more balanced, and in my opinion this resulted in awesome music.

And there is hope! Metal bands like Metallica and Nirvana were and are huge sellers. People still respond to music that is strong with or without vocals.

Why is it that the record companies only seem to support artists whose music is primarily generated on a computer? Is there anything left to be said for instrumental skill?

I guess im just mad I wasnt around when my favorite music was made, but there does seem to be an industry-shift towards vocals, imo.