By Wendy Brown

Last updated 11:42, Monday, 21 July 2008

IS there anyone out there – obviously younger and cooler than I am – who could explain to me the mystery of modern “singing?”

Admittedly, as a product of the 1940s, I was brought up on a diet of Dickie Valentine, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Guy Mitchell and Nat King Cole – together with songs from the musicals of the time.

Being (I hope) not totally biased, I have been open to new influences over the years. In the 60s I enjoyed The Beatles,Cliff Richard, The Beach Boys and Dusty Springfield – amongst others. In the 70s I listened to Queen, Status Quo, Abba and Slade. The 80s and 90s kind of passed me by but, more recently, I do enjoy McFly, The Feeling and G4 – probably because they still seem to sing in tune and I can hear the lyrics.

What I really don’t understand is the attraction of some of today’s so-called singers. And I have tried. Now, rappers I gave up on years ago – I mean, this really can’t be classified as music, can it? The ones who puzzle me most are the likes of Adele, Leona Lewis and Amy Winehouse. The latter is often described as “the greatest musical talent of today.” Why exactly? After years of breathy, hiccupping pop stars – as in the Spice Girls – we are now subjected to whiney, wailing warblers with no regard for the composer’s original notes. As long as it’s loud and wavering, it must be good.

And it’s not only the females. Can anyone honestly claim to enjoy the wimpish, simpering voice of James Blunt? Or the dismal, funereal dirges of Coldplay? Life would be very boring if we all liked the same type of music. Unlike most females of my generation, for example, I never really liked Elvis. But I accepted that many of my friends did. However, it’s music in general that has me worried. I would love to know how many of today’s songs will still be played in 40 to 50 years time, as are Sinatra and friends and – from the 60s – The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Bring back the Andrews Sisters (only joking).