Bump.
I'm willing to bet every person bitching about 'pop music and all other music is terrible recently!!!1!' is under the age of 15.
I'm willing to bet you are wrong. Maybe music is getting more accesible, but what about your "classics"?
The ideas of music nowadays is all "lovey", "midless abuse of dangerous drugs" and "F**K YOU ALL"
My perception is about the impression the music gives, not the tune (though that does play a role and I have to admit that as far as that, music has improved dramatically). If we all listen to, let's say music about... violence, it does affect how agressive people are for the worse.
True, it is getting more accesible, and catchy, and even more talented. But what about the affects on someone's mind?

By the way, these are mug shots.