"World Music"-Are there two words more likely 2 piss me off than this catch-all description? Take some bongos and a sitar, and shove them on any kinda music U desire-and-hey presto-Uve got a band that qualifies 4 this title, instantly allowing its practitioners unlimited critical freedom and conferring on the listeners the badge of tolerance and general yeah! right-on-ness.
Me, criticising world music is boring and unfashionable. But, what I mean is, by 'world music', I do not mean the authentic musical traditions from around the world. They have their own terms, and 2 lump them all 2gether is arbitrary and plain fucking RUDE! Im talking about the result of adding music from the western classical, jazz or pop genres 2 music from places without those forms. which generally mean poorer, less materially developed countries. Bcuz of this, saying U dont like world music, or, even saying U think it doesnt have anything 2 offer and wont last, is like attacking Amnesty International or Friends of the Earth-only wankers with an unhealthy taste 4 controversy dare challenge the orthodoxy that it is self-evidently worthy.
Sure, I like listening 2 music from different cultures and feel its beneficial 2 some Xtent, but I feel U must judge music on its merit. And the suggestion that a jazz quartet, or 4 that matter, a classical string quartet, is automatically improved by the addition of some ethnic instrument is unjustified bollocks in my opinion.
Underlying the idea that something 'different' is produced by what can B juxtaposed, and that the 'difference' must B good, is a patronising and fucking shitty attitude, bordering on racism and xenophobia-either of the 'Rnt the natives quaint' variety; or 1 related 2 backpackers' desire 2 escape their own cultural home, in so doing unquestionably embracing anything 'other' and elevating it above the boring traditions they hope 2 leave behind, a process customarily aided by toking on a fucking spliff!
This makes me cringe so much and has led a whole raft of ten penny bands being greeted with wide acclaim just becuz, for instance, they dress up as eskimos while playing the electric guitar. All 2 often, this is what 'world music' is: bland semi-electric bollocks masquerading as important and cool becuz it has a sprinkling of exotic flavour.
I think this is incredibly insulting 2 such countries and cultures. Do we think we're doing anyone any favours if we reduce Japanese and Indian music 2 the equivalent of say, Panpipe Moods vol.4?! Is the music of the Andes really best represented by those pan-pipe players playing Michael Jackson's 'Earth Song' or whenever or those on the UK's Fast Show who R busking?!
So OK, there R of cause, successful fusions-and even those of lesser depth may tempt the listener 2 discover the glory of the constitutional parts. But I feel its the same with cooking, it takes a master 2 infuse 1 tradition with elements of another. i.e. the gammon steak garnished by a fucking pineapple ring!
There's far 2 much emphasis on 'straddling' or 'overcoming' boundaries, as though that was some great end 2 itself. If jazz, for example, or any other form of music, has any confidence in its past and its ability 2 move 4ward, it has no need of gimmicks. Listen 2 'world music' if U like, just as U might dance 2 Housequake or Sexy MF if Ur at a club. But don't pretend it's serious music!

JD, how do you really feel?

You have to have an open mind for world music. My view is, without a well rounded musical outlook, you might as well be deaf and blind, as even many Prince fans are. Some fans like Prince just because he has a tight ass. lol.

World music, especially afro-pop is amazing. A lot of American music would suffer, without the influence of the talking drum. Holla.