Rock 'n' roll remembered
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The 1960s had the Beatles and Woodstock.
The 1970s had disco and Led Zeppelin.
The 1980s rode a New Wave to glam rock.
The 1990s saw the perfectly flawed Kurt Cobain inspire a new generation of angst-ridden teens.
As we approach the end of the first decade of the 21st century, I wonder what it will be remembered for in the annuls of music history.
Because for the past several days, I can't confidently identify what it could possibly be in this era of commercial pop, regurgitated rap and stagnant man rock.
I'm omitting influential bands like Audioslave, Nine Inch Nails and U2, along with the reunions of Rage Against the Machine, the Police and the Spice Girls, because they solidified their places in music history before 2000.
The 21st century may be the years of rap and rhythm and blues. Eminem carved a niche in music history, while Kanye West and Jay-Z continued the path to superstardom. The music is catchy and singable but is rapping about golddiggers really revolutionary, even with backup vocals by Jamie Foxx, considering most hooks are recycled from moderately successful singles from the past?
Devolve even further and you'll find Jay-Z's girlfriend, Beyonce, with classmates Fergie - who really should go back to school with such gems as Glamorus to work on her spelling rather than her fitness - and Pussy Cat Dolls, leaving us with scantily clad women writhing to lines "don't cha wish yer girlfriend was hot like me?" I shudder at the thought.
James Blunt, Jack Johnson, Michael Buble. Yawn. Not even the great writing at Rolling Stone could make Johnson sound like anything more than a stoned surfer dude.
This decade may be remembered for the stories outside of music - the drug use, revolving rehab doors, child custody disputes, head shaving and paparazzi baiting. It's already overshadowed the talent of Amy Winehouse, which is absolutely stunning, the kind that makes you wish she'd get her life together and start making more great music.
Or it could be remembered as the digital age of free downloading and plummeting CD sales. For reasons why, see above.
An informal poll among my fellow music-lovers pulled up the likes of the White Stripes, the Strokes and the Killers. The White Stripes could be it - a distinct sound that identifies Meg and Jack as the White Stripes, while maintaining originality within it. Every song sounds like the White Stripes but every song sounds different.
Jack White also founded the Raconteurs, with a sound that builds on the guitar-drum combo of the White Stripes.
The Strokes and the Killers I don't find influential or original enough to carry the decade's music history.
Perhaps my panic is premature. Maybe we're still waiting to see the next big thing in music, the thing that will revolutionize sound as we know it, making us wonder how we ever lived without it.
We've got one year, nine months and counting to find out.
COMMENTS
Posted by: JWATERS
Date: Mar-21-2008
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Posted by: beachcomber
Date: Mar-23-2008
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Posted by: shaun
Date: Mar-24-2008
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Posted by: hippie
Date: Apr-03-2008
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There are some really good singer songwriters and some great bands in the 2000's but a lot of people haven't really heard about them, too much substance over style you know.
Gogol Bordello
Bright Eyes
Marah
Ryan Adams
Bishop Allen
Dustin Kensrue
Sharon Jones and the Dip Kings
All are really great check them out.
Posted by: Tommy G.
Date: Apr-09-2008
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