Overheard in Shanghai

Chinese music is undoutably missing the harder edge of western music, Zat. That's just a fact. Hip-hop, rock and others in China would not even be allowed to express themselves lik lyrics in the west. Plus the musical quality of east to west - people and bands right at the top - is vastly different. However it doesn't mean that you can't prefer the Chinese variety.

"It seems like their knowledge of music is limited to what is shown on MTV."

Just like the vast majority of kids in Europe and America.

But I also agree with Martin... almost no one I know from China knows anything about the Beatles or the Rolling Stones. It seems like their knowledge of music is limited to what is shown on MTV.

I think it really depends, most Shanghainese people I know who are in their 20's definitely know and listen to music from 50 Cent, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, etc., in addition to the bubble gum pop you guys mentioned as well. I've seen a huge discrepncy in their knowledge of American culture between Chinese who are from Shanghai, Taiwan, and Hong Kong versus Chinese who are from other parts of China.

This is a common conversation between the East and West. The age difference, being more of a daily occurence.

Martin, I'm really interested in knowing how much do you know about Chinese music. Shed me some light, please.

You must be new to China.

Practically all the music in China is pop pop pop. They have hip-hop and the like too, but it's all tinged w/ a sugary veneer of pop. Obviously she's oblivious to "gangsta rap".

Although what's a 20 yr old doing w/ a 50 yr old, is my question.

most chinese people dont know anything about american music.. even beatles to most people is rare..