The future of rock - or how I came to love the Fab Faux

[andrekp]

So, I'm sure by now everyone has seen this video of the Fab Faux doing most of side 2 of Abbey Road (if you haven't, take 20 and do so).

http://vimeo.com/11237479

It got me to thinkin'

As we all know, the vast majority of composers and performers for classical/orchestral instruments are dead. We don't expect to see Beethoven playing or conducting when we go see a Beethoven concert.

As we all ALSO know, a large number of the (affectionately) dinosaurs of rock are also either dead, in their final playing years, are Kieth Richards, or retired.

So jump 30 years from now. There will be no Stones, Beatles, Zep, Sabbath, Yes, Springstein, Clapton, ABB, etc. (whatever your poison is). And obviously, a lot of us who still listen to these groups today will also be either dead or close by then.

So will these groups and this music be all but forgotten as whatever music media stops reprinting their works? Or will there spring up a new cottage industry of new tribute bands, or even just generalized bands of accomplished musicians that will continue playing Sgt. Pepper, just as symphony orchestras continue playing the Beethoven 9th today?

Is the real power of rock music so bound up with the individual performers that tribute bands will never be more than a shadow; a sideshow? In which case, all this music from the past 50 years will just die with us.

Thoughts? Can rock music survive in a crystal lattice?

[xmentalpilot]

First, I had not seen the video.... WOW! Thank You! And to answer your question.. I hope rock music can survive. I know in my family and extended family, the youngsters are discovering the "oldies and classic rock" and really getting into it.

Originally Posted by andrekp

So, I'm sure by now everyone has seen this video of the Fab Faux doing most of side 2 of Abbey Road (if you haven't, take 20 and do so).

http://vimeo.com/11237479


Thoughts? Can rock music survive in a crystal lattice?

[zenfreud]

The future of rock? My pea brain can't handle that question. But a huge thanks for sharing this video, just wonderful.

[BrianK]

Man that was incredible, never seen that before thanks for posting

[seiko]

Hopefully, the future won't simply mean rehashing the past, seems like a recipe for musical stasis to me.

[loudboy]

Originally Posted by andrekp

Is the real power of rock music so bound up with the individual performers that tribute bands will never be more than a shadow; a sideshow?

Yes, it's already that way now. Tribute bands may sometimes be able to ape the original artist's music better than them, but at best it's a pale imitation.

Having seen the Stones in '72, Bruce in '78, etc. I can tell you, I've no desire to see a tribute band. If you don't understand this, knock yourself out, but don't think it's even remotely close to the real thing.

Originally Posted by andrekp

In which case, all this music from the past 50 years will just die with us.

Not as long as the original recordings exist. Video/film also exists of most of these artists, also.

Live performances are a fleeting thing, and we're lucky to have been around for them. How many people alive now sw Enrico Caruso or Segovia perform? Yet, the music still lives on.

[BlackStrat_Fan]

I saw them perform Abbey Road and Let it Be at the Orpheum in Los Angeles. Some friends of ours bought the tickets and promised it was amazing. I was expecting Mop Top look-a-likes, but wow, I was really impressed. Every sound was recreated live and near perfect.

You know, my first thought is that tribute bands are kind of lame - pathetic. But now I feel like good music, performed well is very powerful. And I credit good musicians for a job well done.

[Jahn]

Folks still listen to Django. He's been dead a long time, and most of the musicians who played with him are as well, and those who were first listeners may soon follow. But folks still listen to Django. Good music will live on.

[zztomato]

I hope rock dies. It is tired and kind of boring these days with a couple of exceptions like Wilco.
In the early days of modern rock, or whatever you want to call it, there was great excitement over a new approach to popular music. Full of great players and great songwriting. But here we are 50 years later with not much new under the sun apart from a lack of originality.
I for one would like to see a complete change toward a more inspired and less aggressive musical form. Rock music is all about banging shit way too hard and playing guitar with too much distortion. I would be a happy man if I never heard shred guitar for the rest of my life- what a pointless expression! Rap music? A mostly violent expression that glorifies guns and gangsta' life.
I like music that blends style, sound, instruments. I periodically go back and listen to classical music just so I can hear something uplifting.
The propensity of guitarists to make music all about soloing on the guitar is a trend that really needs to end sometime soon as well. It's a completely self indulgent wank fest out there.
Alright, alright, enough rant. I've done my share of endless soloing too. Pot, meet kettle.
Would really like to hear some beautiful music in the mainstream though.

[tone4days]

thanks for the link
breath taking
big smile on my face sending me into the weekend

[JPF]

That was inspiring and intense - thanks for posting that link.

[fishlog]

Interesting thread as I just read a review the Flaming Lips new album which is of course a remake of Darkside of the Moon. While I listened to some clips of the album and didn't care for it at first listen, I do think its interesting for an established group/artist, with a descent following to a tackle rock album classic. Its kind of like Leonard Bernstein taking on Mozart. I think it would be cool to see more of this from established artist like Pearl Jam, maybe doing a Who album or Radio Head doing 'Closer to the Edge' by YES.

[mark norwine]

Loudboy hit on it.....

"Back then" (Beethoven, etc) had to be witnessed. There was no recording equipment. Different orchestras & conductors performed his music....because there was no other way.

Picture a small chamber orchestra at a ball. The people in that ballroom heard the music. The people down the street didn't / couldn't.

If you wanted to hear music you either made it yourself or went somewhere to hear it performed. There simply were no other options. All music was live.

Think about that for a moment: *ALL* music was "live".

Enter Edison.

Now.....today....do I want to hear / see a Grateful Dead tribute band when I a.) saw them 199 times and b.) own hundreds of hours of recorded music?

Not a chance.

If recordings didn't exist, we'd all HAVE TO go hear (again, Live) a Beatles truibute band if we wanted to hear Beatles music. But we don't have to.....we can hear the Beatles via their recordings.

Fab Faux are really talented. I get a kick out of what they're doing. But that kick is, for me, fleeting. I'd much rather hear Abbey Road......the *real* Abbey Road.

[Spudman]

Thanks for posting that. My 11 year old daughter loved it and I had tears in my eyes. Uh, it's from allergies. Ya, that's the ticket. It's allergies alright.

[Bluedano1]

Originally Posted by Spudman

Thanks for posting that. My 11 year old daughter loved it and I had tears in my eyes. Uh, it's from allergies. Ya, that's the ticket. It's allergies alright.

I had that same allergy problem when I saw this a few weeks ago- this is scary good playing and it also makes you imagine how the original playing all really went down; how much live?, how much overdubbed?, other musicians involved, if any... but in the end a great presentation of some beautiful (?) rock from the best!

Love to see this or similar live someday-I'd probably lose it!