What's so Funny About Peace, Love, and New Age Piano?

You know, I'm getting sick and tired of peopleappeared on mainstream radio. "What was this," I
putting down New Age music. Especially whenasked myself? It was music like I had never
most of the people who say they don't like itheard before. It was piano, yes, but it was more
secretly have an Enya or other "soothing" CD inthan that. It was George Winston and the CD
their music collection.The term "new age" haswas called December.So poignant was this music,
gotten mixed up with music in such a way thatso full of longing and beauty, I had to have it. I
normally well meaning and intelligent people thinkpurchased the CD shortly thereafter and am still
there's something amiss with it. They believe thatamazed by it!Here's the thing. I know that most
it's not OK to like a music that is peaceful andof you have heard of George Winston and know
beautiful - especially when the connotation is thatwhat New Age piano is. It's just not "hip" to like it
it's somehow "evil" or bad.It all began back in theand admit it out loud to your friends. I understand.
early 1980's. You remember don't you?We all want to be cool and share those things
Twelve-step groups, Reagan, etc. Most of usabout us that will impress our friends. Who wants
were listening to the pop stylings of Madonna andto admit that they secretly like "elevator music"
Wham.Then one day, a new sound actuallyas it is so frequently called?I'll admit it.