Is Rock N Roll Dead?

[david henman]

...seriously.

where is today's elvis presley? gene vincent? stones? jimi? led zep? sex pistols? curt cobain? guns n roses?

-dh

[Scott Miller]

Many geezers think it was killed off by the Beatles.

[banjoze]

given how much my kids dig it via their exposure in Rock Band and Guitar Hero, it would certainly be a pre-mature death....

[Cotton]

Not dead....

But today's great ones, just break up too soon.... GNR

If you ask me, Slash brought the Les Paul back into fav... at a time when whammy wonders ruled the scene...

There will never be another Elvis...

Cotton

[Lance]

No. Just getting some sleep.

[katuna]

...seriously.

where is today's elvis presley? gene vincent? stones? jimi? led zep? sex pistols? curt cobain? guns n roses?

-dh

www.myspace.com/dasmenace (http://www.myspace.com/dasmenace)

www.myspace.com/thegoodnightloving (http://www.myspace.com/thegoodnightloving)

www.myspace.com/thegoldenboys (http://www.myspace.com/thegoldenboys)

www.myspace.com/jayreatard (http://www.myspace.com/jayreatard)

There's a million rock and roll bands around right now.

[The Golden Boy]

www.myspace.com/thegoldenboys (http://www.myspace.com/thegoldenboys)


Hey....

[david henman]

There's a million rock and roll bands around right now.

..yup. and there have been a million rock and roll bands around for decades.

but the rebellious spirit of rock, who embodies that in the new millenium?

-dh

[BIGGERSTAFF]

...seriously.

where is today's elvis presley? gene vincent? stones? jimi? led zep? sex pistols? curt cobain? guns n roses?

-dh

Dave,

If possible you should check out Little Steven's Underground Garage, though I'm not sure if any of the Canadian stations carry the show. There's a lot of cool stuff on there both new and old, that you don't hear anywhere else.

[Stratofuzz]

If you look at the times when rock was dead (Early Pat Boone 60's, disco 70's for example), something rock HAD to come out. It's just that primal teenage angst that needs to be expressed. We will hear some wild, sexually driven music in the next few years. Good old fashion scares the parents rawknroll. Then the record companies will be looking in every college town for clones.

[iggs]

..yup. and there have been a million rock and roll bands around for decades.

but the rebellious spirit of rock, who embodies that in the new millenium?

-dh

Probably some guy in some band that play their hearts out to an half-empty club you never heard of and never will.

[The Guy]

i know some rock n roll rebels. . . problem is, theyll never see a record deal, so no one will ever know they even exist.

i hear nickelback is doing well, though:D

[Dog Boy]

Probably some guy in some band that play their hearts out to an half-empty club you never heard of and never will.

+1

i think a better question is "Is Protest Rock popular?"..... Do I even have to say it?

[katuna]

..yup. and there have been a million rock and roll bands around for decades.

but the rebellious spirit of rock, who embodies that in the new millenium?

-dh

With all due respect and this is for conversation's sake, not to be rude or dismissive at all, but it seems more like you're asking why is there no mainstream focus on some person or band or whatever that embodies that spirit.

Because, again, I think tons of people embody that spirit right now, but no one is paying any attention to them. Unfortunately, people seem to be more interested in High School Musical part 12 and American Idol (or whatever the crap the mainstream audience is into these days).

Rock and Roll is rebel folk music to me, so the rebellious spirit is always contained therein.

[seiko]

Its a mistake to look for the exact analog of bands that have gone before, the new whatever, when looking for what is vital in rock or any music. If its going to be new then it should have at least some WTF factor even if it builds on what happened before.

[Noah]

http://www.angelfire.com/az/deroule/

Check out my newest song / download it free... I think it fits the type of rock and roll you are describing.
If you hate it no prob at least you got it free! (but I hope some folks like it) oh yeah...we haven't mixed it yet so the levels are probably all over the place but you'll get the idea

[MBreinin]

As long as AC/DC and ZZ Top are still recording and touring, Rock and Roll is alive.

Mike

[The Golden Boy]

If "rock and roll" is about the music that makes your parents cringe when they hear it- Junior's been listening to it far too often...

http://www.1037kissfm.com/

*shudder*

[Cotton]

It turns out my 12 year old is a closet Jordan Sparks fan!!!! :NUTS

ARGH!!!!! :(

I'm Bleeding Love here!!! :confused:

Fortunately, my 14 year old blasted some Alice Cooper in their room for some re-education....:RoCkIn

Then my 9 year old clues me into why his brother likes Jordan Sparks ..:huh

It turns out all the GIRLS in school like Jordan Sparks!

:banana:p:D:AOK:AOK:dude:dude:):banana


Cotton

[cvansickle]

..yup. and there have been a million rock and roll bands around for decades.

but the rebellious spirit of rock, who embodies that in the new millenium?

-dh
Rock n' Roll stopped being about rebellion when it actually became a business.

[Dr Git]

I ask myself too sometimes if rock is dead. My kids are in their 20's now and still into newer R&B and Rap type stuff... I could be doing Vai, Johnson, Satch etc and its like nothing with them..I do believe though there are a lot of followers in music. Sadly not many kids want to risk saying "I like that, when the rest of the kids are like NO WAY"... Rock will be back big as ever, its just a cycle in music history

[paulg]

Having been into music since the Monkees in 1965, I often feel nostalgic and believe "it just ain't the same". I think for rock fans, especially guitar heads, there is alot to miss about the good old days. Look at 1970 and the hot rock bands and players: James Gang, Who, Dead, Cactus, Ten Years After, JTull, need I go on; Fleetwood Mac, Allman Bros, Humble Pie more? Hendrix, Derek and the Dominos. You get it. It's hard for me to name many cutting edge players these days. I guess it's been pretty well covered. Did I mention Johnny Winter and Rick Derringer?

[The Golden Boy]

I ask myself too sometimes if rock is dead. My kids are in their 20's now and still into newer R&B and Rap type stuff... I could be doing Vai, Johnson, Satch etc and its like nothing with them..I do believe though there are a lot of followers in music. Sadly not many kids want to risk saying "I like that, when the rest of the kids are like NO WAY"... Rock will be back big as ever, its just a cycle in music history

Our son is 17. For a while I thought he was on the right path. He was pulling out all my old Ozzy and Van Halen vinyl and asking all kinds of rock and roll questions. Learning to play guitar, learning to play bass, attempting to play drums...

I don't think he was embarrassed about his choice in music- and I don't believe I or my wife forced him into any musical direction, I just think he started drifting into liking what his friends like. It sucks. If it's worth anything, he likes to claim that the chicks dig that music.

My new mission in life is to sit down with a Casio keyboard and record something with AutoTune overengaged and sing in falsetto. That'll be huge.

[BIGGERSTAFF]

Having been into music since the Monkees in 1965, I often feel nostalgic and believe "it just ain't the same". I think for rock fans, especially guitar heads, there is alot to miss about the good old days. Look at 1970 and the hot rock bands and players: James Gang, Who, Dead, Cactus, Ten Years After, JTull, need I go on; Fleetwood Mac, Allman Bros, Humble Pie more? Hendrix, Derek and the Dominos. You get it. It's hard for me to name many cutting edge players these days. I guess it's been pretty well covered. Did I mention Johnny Winter and Rick Derringer?

Not to mention Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Frank Zappa, Yes, ELP, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, David Bowie, Elton John, Jeff Beck Group, Spirit, Uriah Heep, Chicago, Procul Harem, ZZ Top, etc...

[MBreinin]

My son plays guitar. All he knows how to play are ZZ Top, Stray Cats, AC/DC, Joe Walsh and Billy Squier songs. That is also all he is into, old rock and roll.

He is 10.

Although I know it would further expose him to good rock and roll, I refuse to buy guitar hero or rock band for his X-Box. I will not let him play fake rock and roll...he plays the real deal, on a real instrument or nothing.

Mike

[david henman]

Not to mention Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Frank Zappa, Yes, ELP, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, David Bowie, Elton John, Jeff Beck Group, Spirit, Uriah Heep, Chicago, Procul Harem, ZZ Top, etc...


...nostalgia? is that all that's left?

-dh
(chicago...genesis...yes...elp...??? stabs self with fork...)

[pickaguitar]

Lenny Kravitz told us it was dead!

[sickboy79]

IMO - no. You've got great new albums out from bands like AC/DC, Buckcherry, Oasis, etc in the last few months - not to mention other great artists that I would put in the rock genre over the past few years. Rock is far from dead, IMO. It may not be what's all over MTV/VH1 (not that they play music anymore) or popular radio stations but, I think rock is as strong as ever.

[Jet Age Eric]

There are tons of great rock bands right now. Listen to the Constantines or the Hold Steady. If all you're interested in is grown men engaging in high school shenanigans while wearing Les Pauls then, yeah, there's less to choose from but, if you want great music played on loud guitars, it's everywhere. My favorite band is the Who, but (probably) every other band in my top whatever has been active since the '90s. -E

[david henman]

...oasis and guns'n'roses were, i think the last bands that embodied the spirit. but, they have been around for...how long?

still great artists, of course, as are little richard, the beatles, etc.

-dh

[doctorx]

According to Don McClean, rock died on February 3, 1959.

[Sparky6string]

Wow are we old or what? This thread reads like the thoughts of a wistful septuagenarian. Rock in the 60's was different from rock in the 50's, and the 70's version was far different from what the 60's gave us. The genre has been evolving and diversifying. If you think it should have stagnated though you can still find something to tickle your fancy. Like someone said in a similar thread not long ago rock may have gone back underground. It isn't being focused on by record companies so they aren't getting the press and promotion.

I believed rock was dead also not long ago but now I realize I was wrong. What did it for me was bands like The Strokes, Pavement, The Hives, The New Pornographers, The National, Spoon, The Shins and many many many more. I've never been more excited about rock.

"Its the next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways Its still rock and roll to me."

[EndOfSystem]

You'd think this stupid selfish violent corrupt world would fuel some serious angst.
Yet, (the door bell rings)... hold on,.. (yelling) "HEY, WOULD SOMEONE GET THAT?!?!?"
Man I hate getting up when I'm at my computer. Whow, snap! That might be my new pedal!!!

Wait, what were we talking about?

Whatever, oh yea they all suck. :Spank

- EOS

[TieDyedDevil]

Rock `n roll is the phoenix.

[teleman1]

Rock has been pretty much dead since the 80's THe cat has been skinned. THere aren't any new horizons. The majority of horizons have been conquered.

Truthfully, when I hear mention of any new bands. I look and listened. All I hear is something that has been done a lot with no new life or oiginality. Everything I hear new, I have heard before. If something comes up new by todays standadrds, there has been a band of renown or obscurity that has done the same thing.

If it is alive, its nostalgia, but really something more. Its used but still new. I can always go back to Beatles, Stones, Doors, Zep, etc and it all seems fresh.

BUt new, its all been done.

I break all standards. AS a child in the late 50's and early 60's, I was already listening to old Rocknroll, Chuck, Everly bros, Elvis. Gene Vincent, Little Richard. I had a bro & Sis that were 13 & 15 years older. SO I got the Rocknroll revolution Early, Like superman in the first superman movie; I was programed.

I was 9 years old when the Bealtes hit and I was an instant fan. I would argue anyone trying to tell me the Beach Boys were better, and I had the arguement. BUt thats another story.

I didn't like to read to occupy my time. TV???? Ha there were like5-7 channels in L.A., most of America had three or four channels. There were no computer activities, your friend wasn't calling you on your cell phone. You played and did sports or you listened to music. ANd we had a shitload of music and it was all freakin good and accelerating in quality, Quickly.. In the late 60's LA had like 5-6 decent to underground FM stations, it took awhile for people to accept FM, over AM, everything was AM to that point. BY 1970 if it rained in LA, you could quite possibly experience every FM station playing , Riders on the storm if it rained. Or split it with Rain, by the fab four and Riders. They weren't playing "raindrops keep falling on my head". Everything was heavily wraped around the music scene, at least it was for me. It was funny how the Beatles could still dominate the scene after they broke up. People were always going, wheres the next Beatles? WEll, they are still saying that! It hasn't come, It won't come. The well is dry. It's all been done before

Honestly, there has to be some untapped music medium that we just can't conceive at the moment. If it ever does come, I don't think guitars will be involved.

WE don't ache for music either like when I was a kid. Its gotta be cause of computers. Its almost like we need something better than a good song!

[heavysoul]

Hip Hop killed Rock and Roll. But Hip Hop is getting old too...

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

Rock died in the mid 90s. :cry:

[Joe324]

A very good rock band..quite Led Zep ish..

http://www.myspace.com/wolfmother

[JazzHessian]

How many times is someone going to have to post this topic like this and then have to be proved wrong?

Short answer: Yes; there is a lot of good, innovative new music is out there. No, it doesn't sound like anything you're used to - that's the point. No, you won't find it on the radio or television.

[HurricaneJesus]

Nope. There's plenty of good new music out there, you just have to actively search for it instead of digesting what ClearChannel/MTV feel like cramming down our collective throat.

[Bearded]

The problem is that there's SO MUCH more music now than there was then.

Bands will never again get big like The Beatles or Zeppelin because music is so much more segmented and targeted at niche audiences. (you need only look at the 800 different "_____ metal" genres as an example)

That said, there's still great rock and roll.

Great simple rock riffs are still alive. Two of my favorite newer bands like this are Spoon and The Black Keys, but there are TONS more.

[Glide]

Is Rock N Roll Dead?

Not in my basement.

[frmorales52]

I think there's plenty of Rock & Roll around. It's just not on the radio much anymore - 'cept for Boomer stations (which tend to suck).

The other thinkg is it's sooo fragmented and diversified now. Rockabilly is still going on (Heavy Trash), The surf scene poped back up in the last decade (Los StraightJackets), Roots Blues Rock is still happening (Black Keys), Band oriented rock (the racantours), Art rock (Grinderman, Nick CAve & the BAd Seeds).

That's just a few - and I've stayed away from metal, country, honkey tonk, R & B and roots acts on purpose.

[Artimus82]

..yup. and there have been a million rock and roll bands around for decades.

but the rebellious spirit of rock, who embodies that in the new millenium?

-dh


the rebellious spirit of rock is present on Radiohead's latest album and pretty much every album before that.
in my opinion (and maybe it's just that; an opinion) they're the only band that's successfully one up'd themselves every time they've released an album.
every one of their records embodies that rebellious spirit in any literal sense, for damn sure.
Silverchair has done the same thing with their last 3 albums as well (again, in my opinion).

You still can't get enough of the Beatles today.
Zep blew everyone away when they did exactly what Radiohead and Silverchair are doing now.
U2, a band that consisted of four guys that pretty much drew straws to see who was gonna play what instrument because none of them knew how to play any of them, took simple subtleties and created cascading walls of sound to make everyone take another step back.

When musicians break the molds and offer up something that's not built around 4 chord progressions and doesn't fit into any sort of niche except for perhaps the one that they've made for themselves... than I truly believe that they embody the rebellious spirit of rock.

[EndOfSystem]

A very good rock band..quite Led Zep ish..

http://www.myspace.com/wolfmother

Yep. dead

[Artimus82]

"Rock has been pretty much dead since the 80's THe cat has been skinned. THere aren't any new horizons. The majority of horizons have been conquered.

Truthfully, when I hear mention of any new bands. I look and listened. All I hear is something that has been done a lot with no new life or oiginality. Everything I hear new, I have heard before. If something comes up new by todays standadrds, there has been a band of renown or obscurity that has done the same thing.

If it is alive, its nostalgia, but really something more. Its used but still new. I can always go back to Beatles, Stones, Doors, Zep, etc and it all seems fresh.

BUt new, its all been done."

Tele... where do you think the Stones/Beatles/Zep got the stuff they turned into their own?
It was ALL done before them. They just took that material and created something different with it. Not 'new'... different.

that's the point, I think. that's rock. that's creating...

It all came from somewhere. It'd all already been done.
It was just a matter of putting another twist to the music and serving it up again~

[twinrider1]

I think Rock changes. Every generation has their own Rock. There are parallel Rocks out there, moving through time, next to each other. And each Rock goes through a cycle, growing along with it's generation. I grew up on Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin. Their music spoke to me.
Now I see the new bands the kids like and I just don't connect. I see it as just a rehash of my Rock. But it's not a rehash for the kids. It's their Rock and they connect to it just like I connected to my Rock. They rock out at an Avenged Sevenfold concert just as hard as I rocked out at a Judas Priest show. I shake my head in disbelief towards the cookie-monster bands of today. But they are to today's youth what Metallica was for me.
And I can look back and see how my elders feel the same about me and my Rock.

Mother Rock never dies. But she gives birth to a new Rock to carry each generation though.

[prsnstrat]

No, it just takes on a new form every generation. It always cycles as it morphs though, I think. And the originals are still classics, and will continue to cycle through in popularity in parallel. Now days both AC/DC and AMR are popular in the rock scene, it's quite the paradigm, or whatever.

[prsnstrat]

I think Rock changes. Every generation has their own Rock. There are parallel Rocks out there, moving through time, next to each other. And each Rock goes through a cycle, growing along with it's generation. I grew up on Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin. Their music spoke to me.

Mother Rock never dies. But she gives birth to a new Rock to carry each generation though.

I agree. Funny...looks like we were both thinking similar thoughts on this. Mine...just...took...longer...to...articulate..:dr ink

[Jet Age Eric]

Trying to figure out how to convert this into a sig... :D -E

How many times is someone going to have to post this topic like this and then have to be proved wrong?

Short answer: Yes; there is a lot of good, innovative new music is out there. No, it doesn't sound like anything you're used to - that's the point. No, you won't find it on the radio or television.

[LPSlinger]

The Black Keys rock pretty hard. So do Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, Gov't Mule, Porcupine Tree, and The Verve. Of course different people like different things so maybe those bands aren't your cup of tea. But personally I think we're in the most exciting time for music since the 70s.

[Jahn]

I thought Arcade Fire's "Funeral" was truly an epic rock album, I'd put it up there with the best in 10 years. Rock isn't dead, it just smells funny.

[Jimmydeez]

Bands you need to listen to if you think Rock is dead:

My Morning Jacket
Gov't Mule
Dr. Dog
The Gaslight Anthem
The White Stripes
Josh Ritter

[prsnstrat]

It's evolved. Period. It's like anything else: it evolves, or it evenually dies.

[mikem]

...seriously.

where is today's elvis presley? gene vincent? stones? jimi? led zep? sex pistols? curt cobain? guns n roses?

-dh

Nope- it's having a mid-life crisis. Where's Elvis?-dead Where's Curt Cobain?-dead Guns N Roses? Putting out Chinese Democracy on November 23 if I believe my tv.

Mike

[pir8matt]

The Hellacopters think so -

http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/9206/miniit7.jpg

[wingwalker]

Rock N Roll is not dead, it just smells funny...

Remember...real music is out there, and real people are makin' it...

[Ulysses]

I'm 54 and a career player that spent 32 consecutive years on the road. I truly believe rock and roll is in good hands. I've seen what has come and gone for the past three decades and I think rock and roll now is the absolute best it has been since 1972. You will NOT, however, find it on the radio, mainstream corporate record labels, etc. The spirit of rock and roll goes where it needs to in order to thrive. If you search for it in earnest, I guarantee you will find some of the best rock and roll music we've ever seen.

[DC1]

but the rebellious spirit of rock, who embodies that in the new millenium?

-dh

Rebellion is boring.

Today it is possible to be a part of many lifestyles and communities, and the bourgeoisie is pretty damn shock-proof. The old paradigm of calculated outrageousness has run its course artistically, I'm afraid.

What made it work in the past were clear cultural dividing lines and some real substance to go along with the rebellion. Boomers can cackle all we wish about Elvis being a rebel, but he is remembered because of the music, not the outrage.

Today, if you have terrific music, and some real luck, you can sell rock to people, but you can no longer get noticed by waggling your hips, jock, codpiece, sticking things up the bum, insulting someone, smashing a guitar, or taking off one's clothes.

:knitting




Make great music. Period. Buddy Holly did it, we can too.

DC

[The Last Rebel]

If all you listened to or watched was modern pop/rock radio and MTV, then yes, you would believe rock is dead. But since when has radio been the defining factor as to when a genre was dead or alive? When the bands decide rock n' roll is dead is when it truely dies. But, with bands like The Black Keys, The Raconteurs, Gov't Mule, and The White Stripes I do believe rock is in as good of hands as it's ever been in.

[Kaviler]

Two things come to mind.
1 - I went to a Kenny Chesney concert this summer and the fan base was completely insane. Same with Rascal Flats
2 - I also went to some local rock gigs this summer of up comming rock bands and most normal bar goers wouldnt stay longer then a set.
The pop culture is just not into rock and roll right now. Alot of it probably has to do with the the fact that the only rock superstar on mainstream radio is kid rock. If this is all "pop" culture is hearing people are gonna look elsewhere for entertianment.

[cr8z4life]

Should be interesting to see where the music goes now.......the best music has been written in angst. When people where not happy with the world.....think 60s. Well there should be plenty of angst about now so if the younger generation cares and is hurting there should be some interesting music and lyrics coming our way!

[DocLovett]

The argument has been made that rock 'n' roll is dead. Well, if it is the Mojo Gurus are refusing to attend the funeral. These four guys from the Tampa Bay area of Florida play as if the burden of saving the genre lay square upon their shoulders. It's bourbon soaked, gut bucket, glam meets twang, the Stones pick up Hank Williams hitchhikin' down the Lost Highway. What's that? Do I feel a pulse?

Led by singer songwriter Kevin Steele, the Gurus come off as determined to remind us of something too many people have forgotten... the spirit in which rock 'n' roll was originally intended. Shake 'em on down! Backed by Doc Lovett's rhythm and booze riffs, Vinnie Granese's thick and black as Mississippi Delta mud bass runs and Mark Busto's cannon shot voodoo beats, the Mojo Gurus perform real deal rock 'n' roll with enough strut and swagger to make most of today's flavor of the month bands pale in comparison.

Defying all labels the Gurus new album combines southern rock, old school country, rhythm and blues, surf rock and even a little bit of soul. If after one listen you don't find yourself doin' the Twine and Ballin' the Jack, maybe you better have your pulse checked.

Whether you have been around long enough to remember the real thing or you are young enough to wish you could, the Mojo Gurus are the long lost friend you've been looking for. Let's Get Lit indeed!

[tonedaddy]

The argument has been made that rock 'n' roll is dead. Well, if it is the Mojo Gurus are refusing to attend the funeral. These four guys from the Tampa Bay area of Florida play as if the burden of saving the genre lay square upon their shoulders. It's bourbon soaked, gut bucket, glam meets twang, the Stones pick up Hank Williams hitchhikin' down the Lost Highway. What's that? Do I feel a pulse?

Led by singer songwriter Kevin Steele, the Gurus come off as determined to remind us of something too many people have forgotten... the spirit in which rock 'n' roll was originally intended. Shake 'em on down! Backed by Doc Lovett's rhythm and booze riffs, Vinnie Granese's thick and black as Mississippi Delta mud bass runs and Mark Busto's cannon shot voodoo beats, the Mojo Gurus perform real deal rock 'n' roll with enough strut and swagger to make most of today's flavor of the month bands pale in comparison.

Defying all labels the Gurus new album combines southern rock, old school country, rhythm and blues, surf rock and even a little bit of soul. If after one listen you don't find yourself doin' the Twine and Ballin' the Jack, maybe you better have your pulse checked.

Whether you have been around long enough to remember the real thing or you are young enough to wish you could, the Mojo Gurus are the long lost friend you've been looking for. Let's Get Lit indeed!

I'll vouch for Doc keeping Rock alive in the Tampa Bay area.

A number of TGPer's that attended the Tampa Tonefest last August caught him when he sat in with the rhythm section of George Harris' band, Soupbone, on a hot night last August. If memory serves me correct, Doc and the guys leapt into "I Walk on Gilded Splinters", a song I hadn't heard a band play in a club for well over a decade, and he flat tore it up, taking the crowd on a rock 'n roll ride! It was absolutely great hearing music like that played in a club again.
:dude

As long as guys like Doc and George Harris are playing, I can guarantee you rock won't die down here in FL. Doc, I haven't heard you with the Mojo Gurus yet, but I checked your band dates and hope to catch you within a few months.

All the best,
td

[david henman]

Mother Rock never dies. But she gives birth to a new Rock to carry each generation though.


...i wonder if she's overdue.

-dh

[JazzHessian]

...i wonder if she's overdue.

-dh

You're in Toronto... there's a really great music scene up there. Surely you've been exposed to the immense number of new, independent rock bands in your area alone?

[david henman]

Today, if you have terrific music, and some real luck, you can sell rock to people, but you can no longer get noticed by waggling your hips, jock, codpiece, sticking things up the bum, insulting someone, smashing a guitar, or taking off one's clothes.
DC

...good point and, i think, a good thing, too.

shock value was once a valuable tool, and employed by everyone from elvis to the stones, sex pistols, nirvana, madonna and prince.

intersting that we have actually matured past that, culturally.

-dh

[david henman]

You're in Toronto... there's a really great music scene up there. Surely you've been exposed to the immense number of new, independent rock bands in your area alone?

...i hope i haven't inferred that good music is dead.

far from it - i'm definitely NOT one of those geezers that thinks that all great music was created before 1968.

-dh

[jammybastard]

Y'know something?

I'm sitting here watching The Rolling Stones "Shine A Light" right now while scanning TGP.
Jack White and Mick are duetting on "Lovin' Cup" and having a grand old time.

Mick's at least as twice as old as Jack, yet they both play the same brand of rock and roll that Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly played back in the 50's.
Plus Jack has two very popular and well respected ROCK bands that record and tour year after year.

I think that's testimony to the fact that rock's not dead, critically or commercially.

[Brian D]

Lenny Kravitz told us it was dead!I just picked up his "Greatest Hits" CD. Good stuff.

[DC1]

...good point and, i think, a good thing, too.

shock value was once a valuable tool, and employed by everyone from elvis to the stones, sex pistols, nirvana, madonna and prince.

intersting that we have actually matured past that, culturally.

-dh

It brought with it a cheapening of the culture that we have yet to recover from. Madonna kinds of makes the point huh?

:roll


DC

[Frethog]

I read recently that the Kings of Leon have all four of their CD's in Australia's top 50 right now. They're blowin' up.

[ben_allison]

There is an abundance of great rock music being produced, all the time, everywhere. People only think that "rock is dead" because the landmarks and reference points of their youth are blurred by the wake of a Zeitgeist who is always moving onward.

Stay young: go drink a Pepsi :drink

For my part, I think the "genre" is in a constant state of evolution and progress. Spirit of rebellion? Meh. I like good music, and don't care if people have anti-establishment sentiments or political motives. I'd rather they didn't; just give me some creative and genuine songs. That should be plenty, no?

[hudpucker]

Only a geezer would honestly think that Rock N Roll is dead. ;)


Stop looking for good rock on corporate radio!

[ben_allison]

stop looking for good rock on corporate radio!

+1,000,000!

[slippyknees]

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet (haven't read the whole thread)....

My 2 cents is that bands like the Beatles, the Stones, etc...couldn't be what they are today due to one thing - the internet. At the time those guys were around, TV unified folks as did radio under one media umbrella. That just doesn't exist anymore - in fact, we are more separated than ever.

The internet has been the best and worst thing that's happened to rock because there's such an influx of music that it's all become one bland sound (in general - please don't hit me back with the, "but this band rocks" and "you're an idiot - there's this awesome band, and this one...." - I know that and agree). My point it that every band/musician is clamoring for attention in an overpopulated media environment (the internet) so nothing stands out as "special" anymore - in the way that the Elvis' of the world were 40 years ago.

The internet along with home recording gear allowed anybody the ability to make and release whatever they want into the world - for better or worse - hence, nothing really stands out anymore on a mass level giving the impression that rock is dead. There's so much crap out there on the internet - music and otherwise - that we really just don't pay that much attention anymore unless a band/record/artist really writes honest material (whatever that means - my point being it really speaks some type of truth to folks which cuts through all this clutter like a stream in the desert - like that one?)

So, is rock dead? No way, there's just more of it out there and it's less centralized - you have to really dig around for the good stuff - there's no central media (TV and radio) to do it for you anymore (as if they ever did, but you get my point).

[kidcheesyriffs]

When rock and roll becomes less an expression of rebellion and more a vehicle for fashion or nostalgia, then it is dead. That's not to say it can't be reborn. :D