Retro stylin'
January 12, 2011
The usage of the word "retro" is a little strange. Wikipedia is appropriately vague about it. In general, of course, it means anything that is outdated or passe, especially new creations in imitation of or tribute to an older style. But in some fields, including music, the term has become somewhat fixed on a particular set of such creations - for music, this is a genre of music that came about in the 80s and 90s, building on styles from the decades immediately prior. I'm curious as to how this could have come about - why this genre in particular. Any ideas?
The usage of the word "retro" is a little strange. Wikipedia is appropriately vague about it. In general, of course, it means anything that is outdated or passe, especially new creations in imitation of or tribute to an older style. But in some fields, including music, the term has become somewhat fixed on a particular set of such creations - for music, this is a genre of music that came about in the 80s and 90s, building on styles from the decades immediately prior. I'm curious as to how this could have come about - why this genre in particular. Any ideas?