Where Have All the Artists Gone?

One of my many New Year's resolutions is to find out where all the talented artists have gone. It seems that I'm always looking to the past to find the best examples of talent, creativity, and self expression, whether it be in the realm of art, music, or literature. I got a new iPod for Christmas and I am hard-pressed to find any modern-day band that compares to the artists of yesteryear. Listen to Queen's Greatest Hits and you'll see what I mean. There is nothing that compares to the vocals, melodies, harmonies, pianos, or guitars. My wife's cousin is an unbelievably talented drummer, despite his 10-year bout with cancer. Even with his physical limitations I know he drums circles around the competition. He's done a lot of studio work for different artists, and the feedback he gets from his peer community is this -- "Nobody plays drums like you anymore." He's my age, so I think it's a generational thing. Yes, there are some new artists that look promising, but until the next musical renaissance comes along I will continue to seek perfection in the past.