Tuesday, February 2, 1999
Letters
‘Crap’ groups like N’Sync not so bad
This letter is written in response to Trinh Bui’s column "Music
of N’Sync, Backstreet Boys stirs longing for good ol’ days" (Arts
& Entertainment, Jan. 21).
I can’t believe I’m actually writing this but, well, it’s late
and I’m slightly delirious, and that’s my excuse. I wanted to
respond to Bui’s comments regarding "crap" music groups. I believe
I speak on behalf of all those "closet" N’Sync fans out there. You
know who you are – the students who wait until their roommates
leave for the shower and then whip out "Tearin’ Up My Heart" for a
few precious, stolen minutes. Not that I’d know anything about
that.
I feel the need to put myself up for public ridicule by
confessing: I like N’Sync. Now, as a former New Kids on the Block
groupie, my opinion may count for very little when I say that I
really enjoy listening to some mainstream "teeny bopper" music.
Don’t misunderstand me – I’m the first person to change the
station when the Spice Girls or Hanson start to croon but play a
song by Backstreet Boys or N’Sync and I can (and will) bust out the
lyrics.
I realized last week that I am not alone in this. I went to
Wooden Center with someone who recently forced me to listen to
Korn’s angry music. But while we biked together, I started singing
"Everybody … rock your body … Backstreet’s back.. alright!" and
to my surprise, she knew every word and happily sang along!
Today, she told me that she gave a ride home to one of our
friends, a frat boy who shall remain nameless, and during the ride
she and that frat boy got into a tiff because he stated that N’Sync
was "way cooler" than the Backstreet Boys! (Much to my glee).
The point is, N’Sync fans are out there on campus, and they may
be the people you’d least expect. When they encounter one another
and discover their common interests, it’s like finding a kindred
spirit … sharing shameful secrets can really bring people
together, you know.
The bottom line is N’Sync is upbeat, fun and harmless. I call
their music my "happy music," which is why when a friend offered me
free tickets to an upcoming concert, I jumped at the chance to see
those little boys dance.
I know I’ll be the oldest one there (save the fathers who’ve
accompanied their 12-year-old daughters) but I guess I can be
reassured that I won’t see anyone I know there … maybe. It’d be
like running into one of your friends while you’re shopping at
K-Mart or Pic-N-Save … you’re both embarrassed (for no reason) to
be there, and yet relieved to know you’re not the only one!
Anyway, I guess I don’t really have a point but like my
disclaimer at the beginning states, I’m tired and slightly
delirious. (Geez, I’m such a wimp!)
Standing up for the Backstreet Boys and N’Sync,
Nova Pleman
First-year
Undeclared
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