A few weeks ago, I lent my car to my daughter. Of course, when I got it back the gas tank was empty, the side mirrors were aimed at the ground and my radio stations had been re-programmed.
When I turned on the radio, there was some Top 40 Countdown show on. As a teenager, I never missed Casey Kasem's weekly American Top 40 show - but the last time was in 1968. I suspected I might be a little out of touch, so I decided to listen to the countdown and see what the kids are listening to these days.
As expected, much of it was hard to listen to. Then a song came on that was tasteful, clever, well-produced and featured a singer who was obviously young but with a surprisingly mature, controlled and nuanced voice. "Maybe there's hope for future generations after all", I thought. Well, I'm sure you've guessed the punchline already; it was indeed Mr. Bieber.
Needless to say, that caused a disturbance in the force that deeply troubled me all the way through the next commercial. Then I switched to NPR and forgot all about it until just now.