Here's the lede:
Musicians who use rock, rap, reggae and trance influences will not receive rabbinic approval for their CDs, nor will they be allowed to play in wedding halls under haredi kosher food supervision, according to a new, detailed list of guidelines drafted with rabbinical backing that differentiates between "kosher" and "treif" music.Those damn 2/4 beats still here? Ban 'em, I says!!! And those
The guidelines, which are still being formulated, also ban "2-4 beats and other rock and disco beats;" the "improper" use of electric bass, guitars and saxophones; and singing words from holy sources in a disrespectful, frivolous manner.
Naturally, Ephraim Luft is behind this. I've addressed some of Luft's writings in the past.
Essentially, what all of this boils down to is Luft's delusion about the origins of much of the "Chassidic" music he idealizes. Also, I find his presentation incredibly racist and condescending. Plus, these banners are clearly ignorant about what they're trying to ban. 2/4 beats? Really? Do they really mean to ban freylakhs? Hard to believe, given the music they seem to approve of. Why are "leading rabbis" listening to ignorant "experts"? It's sad. And, although it might impact on a given concert here or there, ultimately it won't work. The end result? A diminution of respect for rabbinic leadership. Somehow, I suspect that's not what they're aiming for.
Update:
Here's a Vos Iz Neias thread on the article.
