Why is it that singers, dancers and actors today generally dress and act like crap? It wasn’t like that in the past, so when did it become acceptable?
As evidence of how far we’ve slipped lets take a comparative look at the legendary Fred Astaire’s performance of Puttin’ on the Ritz as compared to it’s “modern” counterpart by Taco Ockerse. Yes… Taco.
Here is Fred Astaire Puttin’ on the Ritz (1946):
And now here is Taco Puttin’ on the Ritz (1982):
Gee, which one is actually more entertaining?
I think that in the “old” times actors, singers and dancers had to put way more effort into their performance.
Nowerdays (yes I know the 2nd clip is 20 years old) the show is in the centerview- not the person, band, actor.
even small club-band performing with videobeamer and fireworks on stage. In the movies are more computer- than ‘real’ scenes.
Thats why I think the “old” stuff has more character, even I love to watch good new stuff but with this huge ammount of productions there are too many faces and too much hype.
cheers
Rhoody
Yes Terry, I’m getting old. :-)
But dammit, you gotta admit Astair was a talented SOB, and I can’t name anyone I’d consider his equal in contemporary entertainment!
John
“Why is it that singers, dancers and actors today generally dress and act like crap? It wasn’t like that in the past, so when did it become acceptable?”
When you say this it is a clear sign you have gotten old. :) Seriously, I agree with you, but can’t help remember hearing those words from my parents a time or two.
Different strokes for different folks.
That which appeals to one (person or ‘era’) may not appeal to the other.
It reminds me of quotes from my parents saying “How can you listen to that new fangled music”, “back in my day we didn’t have crap like that, we had real music”
FYI: They also had to walk 50 miles to school, in snow hills as big as houses, and it was uphill…both ways ;-)
Peter,
My use of the word “modern” (in quotes) was meant to signify a loose translation. Fred’s version was from 1946 and he exhibits immense talent. Taco’s version from nearly 4 decades later is – by comparison – simply horrible. I mean, Fred must have been rolling over in his grave… and the friggin guy wasn’t even dead yet! ;-)
Don’t get me wrong, I know all the words because of Taco’s version… but after you hear Astaire do it the right way you end up feeling robbed of a little bit of your humanity.
Thanks for the reminder of Taco’s last name. I knew he wasn’t a band, although that other site did put him on a list of the “50 worst bands”. But if it’s any consolation there are quite a few other individual artists on the list as well. :-) Anyway, I added Taco’s last name along with a Wikipedia link – and I also added the dates of the performances for comparison’s sake.
John
Not sure what you’re trying to comment on here John. The Taco version dates from 1982 – not exactly modern. In fact, I vividly recall it being flogged to death on the radio (I listened to the radio back then).
To the above – Taco isn’t a “band” and never was. It’s a guy, Taco Ockerse. a Dutchman.
hahahaha i love how Taco is linked to the 50 worst bands of all time looool nice one! I definitely prefer Mr Fred Astaire, with the sax on the back, the music is much better (the dancing also without a doubt)! On the other hand, we got Taco, with a keyboard and clapping on the back, loool he looks like a magician who’s about the perform a trick with his white gloves.
I agree Brandon, but I’m part of the younger generation with a severely apparent lack of class in most cases ;)
Appreciating older films and actor/dancers is a part of that it seems. Astaire does put on a nice show for a solo act though!
I like them both, actually, though the first one with Fred Astaire obviously displays much more real talent. The first one is faster, glitterier and much more polished. But the second one is also fun in that Taco uses some interesting ideas, such as the robot movements.
I like seeing those old videos, but I’d have to say the 2nd is a bit more entertaining but that may just be from having more then one person dancing.