You mean it's derivative of something without sounding exactly like it?

Well how about that.

But the TERM derivative, in the art world, based on the dictionary, means "imitative of something", not "Inspired by".

Or derived from it, which can be written down to influences. That's not to say that things that are similar to another artist are inherently bad. Would you rather live in the first mansion ever built or the best mansion ever built years later?

Here's the dictionary definition of derive, the word that derivative is derived from: base a concept on a logical extension or modification of (another concept).

I'd rather live in the best mansion because I don't give a **** if a mansion is derivative. I don't think analogy really follows through.

So to bring it back to music, if an artist makes the first album with one idea, and another one perfects it and makes the greatest example of that idea, have they "failed as an artist"?

Well I can't really answer that because "the greatest example" is highly subjective. To me, the greatest example of good music is something that is innovative and unique. I mean, I've never met a single artist that enjoys being compared to other artists personally.

If someone compared mt music to Whitehouse I'd be like "Damn man, really? Hell yeah, just made my day, Whitehouse rules".

And someone has.

Thanks, Machine.

Wouldn't you rather hear "Damn I've never heard anything like this. This is so original."

Obviously it would be in your opinion, please don't sidestep the question. Say that the introduction of the idea is poorly done and doesn't seem thought out whathaveyou and then a second artist comes along, takes that idea, and makes an album that really speaks to you, what would you make of the situation then?

And what about albums that you think are incredibly innovative but are actually imitations of works that you hadn't heard before? Would you stop listening to what you once enjoyed and considered innovative because it no longer meets your standard?

I listen to TOBC - Heart of Darkness pretty much for the sole purpose that it sounds exactly like Burzum's Hvis Lyset tar oss and Filosofem put together.

Derivative music is great. If it's derivative of music that I love, then it's just more music that I love. At least they're writing different songs amirite