Neil Young has expressed his frustration with the sound quality of music recorded in the 21st century, stating that it makes him “angry”.
The Canadian singer-songwriter, who released his 33rd studio album ‘Le Noise’ in 2010, declared that the music quality we have now is the “worst sound we’ve ever had”.
He shared: “I’m finding it challenging to appreciate the quality of the sound in today’s music. I dislike it. It simply angers me. It’s not the music itself, but in this 21st century, we’re experiencing the worst sound ever. It’s even inferior to a 78 rpm record. Where are our geniuses? What has happened?”
Further, Young mentioned that he thought people have altered their listening habits to adjust to the declining quality of recorded music.
He noted: “I like to highlight this to artists. That’s why the way people listen to music has changed today. It’s primarily about the bass and the beat dominating everything, and that’s because, in the music’s resolution, there’s little else to hear. The warmth and depth in the high range have vanished.”
Young emphasized that, despite his disdain for how contemporary music is recorded, he does not harbor animosity towards the new bands creating it, specifically praising Mumford and Sons and My Morning Jacket as two of his favorite newer groups.
He remarked: “Mumford And Sons and My Morning Jacket are fantastic bands. I love them both and know them well. I’m proud to say that.”
by Wallace McTavish
