Not that any more is necessary. I hadn't heard any of Sasha Frere Jones' "Best of 2005" list until it reached the forty-somethings. Kids today, sheesh.
If you're in search of a great read, full of heart and in love with the way language can sing, Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys is the book you've been looking for.
I almost didn't link to this essay, but the points it makes have been churning around my brain for days now. I suspect you'll find it thought provoking, too.