I Know It’s Only Rock n’ Roll… But I Like It.

Let me start off by saying good music is just an opinion… isn’t it? Mitch Miller said it best when he said “It’s not music, it’s a disease.”, which is exactly the way I feel. Except it’s a disease I don’t want cured. See, I have a love affair with rock n’ roll. And I’m talking about the real rock n’ roll. I should point out that I’m not even 30 yet, so please don’t think I’m the cliché person who always thinks the music of my generation is better than everybody elses. My generation gave you Ace Of Base, and for that I apologize.

The point I’m trying to get to is that rock today isn’t as good as it used to be. Was Kratviz right when he sang rock n’ roll is dead? I’m not sure that it’s dead, I think it’s just hard to find. Today’s music charts are bombarded with pop and R&B, and most rock bands today all sound the same. I know all bands are influenced by someone, but some musicians need to understand the difference between “influence” and “imitation”. And it seems like everything today is pre-packaged/mass marketed, and it’s all about the “image”. I think today’s music lacks soul, it’s no longer an art. A great analogy I heard used a box of cereal. You consume it, enjoy it, then throw away the box and go buy another one that tastes the same.

I will admit that there are great and talented musicians out there currently, but they’re being pushed aside to make room for mediocrity at best. If you’re looking for good music you’ll most likely find it in the pubs and small venues with bands who play and sell their own albums. The rock n’ roll I love grabs you by the guts and kicks you in the face. It’ll take you on an emotional ride and has that certain something that words can’t describe. Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Cream, The Who, Ted Nugent, Guns n’ Roses, The Ramones… I fear this music I long for is long gone…