> Funk de-emphasises melody in favor of rhythm. Melody calls for "active" listening.
I disagree with the assessment that if melody calls for active listening that rhythm somehow does not. It really depends on the listener and what they value.
There was a time when I might have agreed with you. That was before I learned to play drums.
It may be just me, but the tracks that distract me the most are the ones with a solid melody line. Such as Willow's Song, easily the most beautiful song about milking a bull:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UOtscTCJBk
Out of curiosity, could you recommend some bands with very good drums ? One that springs to mind is Guru Guru. When I stop to think about it it seems it's the drums that seal the deal for me, in many tracks. And Embryo, especially on Embryo's Rache.
I disagree with the assessment that if melody calls for active listening that rhythm somehow does not. It really depends on the listener and what they value.
There was a time when I might have agreed with you. That was before I learned to play drums.