Who selects the classics and by which criteria?
Music fans, musicians (who are influenced by some previous musicians) and critics from different age groups.
Why is "Kind of Blue" a timeless classic? Because there is so wide consensus that it has the musical and artistic merit. Plus it transcends the jazz genre and generations of listeners.
Ok, I think I get it. I try and draw some logical consequences, but please stop me any time you feel I'm mirepresenting your reasoning:
A) GOAT lists = fans', musicians', critics' personal tastes
B) Top 20's = majority buyers' tastes.
I follow A, I develop my personal taste, I am an actual music fan
I follow B, I don't develop my personal taste, I am just a music fan
Questions:
Am I not letting my personal taste be dictated (which negates development) by someone else's personal taste in both instances?
Are we sure I am not limiting my taste's development if I'm neglecting B?
Are we sure the fans/musicians/critics group and the majority buyers group don't overlap somewhere?
What happens to the system when the kid has grown listening to all the right classics and still likes Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga?