Classic TV vs. Modern TV

Post by **Bruce the Duck** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 6:39 pm

Several years ago, Al said that he wanted to stop doing so many songs about food and classic TV shows so that he could focus on other topics and so he wouldn't be seen as "beating a dead horse." After that, he went on to write a few songs about TV, but all of them have been about modern television. While I like his new TV songs, I often wish Al would go back to writing about classic TV.

Here's my reasoning: Classic TV shows (The Brady Bunch, I Love Lucy, The Flintstones, Jeopardy, Gilligan's Island, Beverly Hillbillies) never get old or outdated. Because they repeat so often on television, even young children know these shows. Therefore, the songs inspired by those shows (The Brady Bunch, Ricky, Bedrock Anthem, I Lost On Jeopardy, Isle Thing, and MFN/BH) will never seem outdated because they pay tribute to classic television.

However, Al's songs about current TV shows do become outdated. Look at Here's Johnny and I Can't Watch This, for example. His newer TV songs like Syndicated Inc., Jerry Springer, and Couch Potato will seem very outdated and less humorous in 10 years.

Although current trends in television beg to be mocked, I think classic television provides better material simply because of its proven ability to hold up over time.

Please discuss....

ThewEiRdOne27 · Post by **ThewEiRdOne27** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 6:44 pm

I guess it depends on the memory of the listener... but I agree. In ten years, who will remember 'American Idol' (and the famous nobodies)?

However, we'll always remember the 'Brady Bunch' and 'Gilligan's Island.'

Post by **scottidog** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 6:52 pm

Classic TV shows come from somewhere, you know. And I think it will be interesting in 10 years to see how well Al picked songs that we would remember.

Let's face it, at the time, who thought that Gilligan's Island would be one of those classic shows? And The Brady Bunch? I remember that one in it's first run, before syndication. It wasn't all that special.

ThewEiRdOne27 · Post by **ThewEiRdOne27** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 6:59 pm

And Gilligan only ran for three seasons despite its popularity. But in syndication, it never grows old.

Manda · Post by **Manda** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 6:59 pm

I have never thought of The Brady Buch as being that popular to have a trubrite payed to it. I know its being repeated on TV Land. But personaly I dont like the old shows like Gillians Island or the new shows. So I think the songs that Al did are outdated (no matter how good the song is). But I do like Jeopardy.

Post by **Elvis** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 7:08 pm

I think it would be a walk down memory lane to listen to "Couch Potato" in, let's say 10 years.

An example, in "Ebay," when Dukes Of Hazard is mentioned, it brings a smile on my face for more than the comedic reason. I don't think about the DOH too often anymore, but I loved that show as a kid, so hearing Al bring it up 20 years later brought back memories.

Or Alf, wherever I was suddenly reminded of him recently...

People like being reminded of their favorite TV shows or toys as a child. So I think, while the shows in CP may be outdated in 10 years, the song still can be appreciated. The "UHF" video is still funny even though every reference in it is lost to those who grew with the MTV that never shows videos. It's funny because it reminds people of a certain aspect of their childhood or teen years and the videos they grew up with and were addicted to at the time.

Dave

Post by **Bruce the Duck** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 7:10 pm

Yes, I agree Scottidog. There may be some shows mentioned in CP that will stand the test of time. But most of them certainly will not. And it's highly unlikely that Jerry Springer Show will ever be considered a classic! Still there are several shows around today that will undoubtedly become classics, like the Simpsons, Friends, and Everybody Loves Raymond. Most, however, will be forgotten.

Post by **scottidog** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 7:12 pm

QUOTE There may be some shows mentioned in CP that will stand the test of time. But most of them certainly will not.

Which is kinda the point of the song, isn't it?

Another aspect that will be interesting to see in 10 years. Will Marshall be remembered much then? How about his "legacy" song, Lose Yourself?

It's a no brainer that AL will still be remembered in 10 years.

Aceb56 · Post by **Aceb56** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 10:06 pm

No doubt Al will be remembered in 10 years cuz Al will *hopefully* still be playing in 10+ years.

-Ace

ThewEiRdOne27 · Post by **ThewEiRdOne27** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 10:10 pm

QUOTE

Another aspect that will be interesting to see in 10 years. Will Marshall be remembered much then? How about his \"legacy\" song, Lose Yourself?

That reminds me of a VH1 show where they were basically going through the history of Eminem. It didn't mention Al, but did mention 'Lose Yourself.' One person was talking about how "stoked" Mekhi Phifer (co-star in '8-Mile') is because he's mentioned in one of the greatest pop songs of all time.

If so little people remember the songs in 'Purple Rain,' I doubt people will be talking about the songs in '8-Mile' 10 years from now.

But they'll still be discussing the songs on 'UHF.' :biggrin: