Things come and go but one thing that has remained constant over the course of time is music. Since the beginning of time our ancestors have been listening to something. Music really is the universal language and to this day i've never met someone who said they didn't like music. A great song or a great album will be explored forever. It amazes me how every generation discovers Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd. To understand music today you must explore music from the past. It's fun to see teenagers wearing Jimi Hendrix t shirts. Great music truly lives on.
Today music is in such a fascinating place. Some say that modern music is trash. Some also say that great music lies in the past and that music today can never compare to music from the 60's or the 90's. I am not one of these people. In my opinion, the modern state of music is incredible. I love diversity. At what other time could you go on your computer and listen to Mozart and then throw on Lil' Wayne for free. Every artist is a click away. You are free to discover everyone. Now, it is so easy for young people to explore every rocker, rapper and composer. Never has there been a time where this has been possible for free. Spotify and Youtube have made this happen and I am so grateful. Besides having every artist at a touch of your fingertips, the true beauty is that young musicians will be influenced by so many different artists and that's what it's really all about. Their is great music being made today and I think the future of music is so bright. I can't wait for the next Radiohead or the next Jay Z. No one will ever be exactly like them but there will be a new band and a new hip hop artist that will be the voice of their generations. Every generation has a label. The '60's has hippies and rock, the '70's has coked up guys wearing platforms listening to disco, the '80's have the '80's, you know what I mean, and the '90's have flannel shirts and alternative rock. What does the millenium have? I think the legacy of the first ten years of this century is the rise of music festivals and the downfall of record companies. Nowadays you have to earn your money in a live setting. What about 2010 and up. So far, I have to say techno is the story. I can't believe how techno and dance music has evolved. It's huge! The youngsters love this stuff. Pretty crazy.
Every day for the next 5 days I will explore a different genre of music. I will try to keep it brief. I can write and talk about music all day so it will be tough. Today's entry is Modern Rock...Enjoy!
Modern Rock
In music today, there are 4 modern rock bands who can really pack arenas. They are as follows:
My Morning Jacket
In my opinion, MMJ is the best band that has surfaced in the millenium. I first saw My Morning Jacket at Bonnaroo in 2004. I had no idea who they were and neither did the majority of the festival goers. I remember them taking the stage and thinking "wow, these guys look the part". The band grabbed their instruments and for the next 2 hours I was transfixed. I couldn't believe what I witnessing. I didn't speak to my friend once throughout the course of their set. I was riveted. I remember their set ending and I turned to my friend and said "you just saw the future of Rock N' Roll", and today I stand by my prediction. MMJ have evolved into a band very different then the one I saw in 2004. Their sound has become more dissonant and atmospheric. I really like it but i'd be lying to say that I wish they would go back and make one more great country rock album. I love every MMJ album but my favorite is "It Still Moves". That album came out at the time I discovered the band so it will always be my favorite. The future for MMJ is bright. There's nothing that they can't do and Jim James is a bonafide rock star. I'm looking forward to the future.
The Black Keys
I also saw The Black Keys that weekend at Bonnaroo in 2004 as well and alsoKings of Leon who I will talk about next. The Black Keys are powerful. When I saw them in 2004 and again in 2006 they were just a 2 piece, Patrick Carney on Drums and Dan Auerbach on guitar. Starightforward, dingy, guitar rock. A couple of weekends ago I saw The Black Keys at The Global Citizens Music Festival in Central park. Now, they have 3 other musicians playing with them which I thought would be lame. Surprisingly, they were just as powerful, maybe even more powerful. They really bring it live. My favorite Black Keys album is "Attack and Release" which was The Black Keys first collaboration with Danger Mouse. It hits hard. A lot harder then there last 2 albums "Brothers" and "El Camino" which are much more accessible but also fantastic. Especially El Camino. El Camino implements some gospel and soul. Since it came out i've been spinning it consistently. I love it.
Kings of Leon
The Kings of Leon have gotten a lot of shit for selling out. I think it's unfair. They put out an album that was more accessible but I don't think they had any idea it would crossover so much. I think they were really caught off guard. Anyway, i've seen them live twice. Once at bonnaroo, once at MSG and they are much better in a smaller setting. When I saw them on a small stage at Bonnaroo they were earning their money. It was hot, they were sweaty, and were playing like they life depended on it. Kings of Leon's early albums are awesome. Aha Shake Heartbreak is one of my favorite albums ever. That's right. Ever. It's beer bumping blues rock that makes you want to drink Jack Daniels and chew tobacco. If you don't think The Kings are for real watch their documentary Tahilini Sky. They are straight redneck rock stars. There are rumors they're breaking up. I hope they're not true.
Arcade Fire
I have never seen Arcade Fire live but those that have seen them tell me it's a religious experience. I watched their live webcast from Madison Square Garden and I was blown away. It's a spectacle. There are like 10 people onstage and it almost looks like it's a hipster Les Miserables. Arcade Fire have so much energy and they are such great musicians. Win Butler writes incredible songs. His lyrics are beautiful and he's a great storyteller. All 3 of their albums are fantastic. Their debut album "Funeral" is one of the best albums of the past 25 years. It can make you laugh and cry in 45 minutes. I remember the first time hearing it and thinking to myself that their sound is so unique. Nowadays, it's so hard to have your own unique sound. Somehow, nobody sounds like Arcade Fire. Their next 2 albums, "Neon Bible" and "The Suburbs" are great as well. Especially "The Suburbs". "The Suburbs" is basically a concept album. Every suburbanite can relate to it and every listener can be transported there. I am dying to see Arcade Fire live and I can't wait to see what they have up their sleeve next. Obviously it will be something different then before.
Tomorrow I will discuss Pop music. Watch out Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, i'm comin' for 'ya...
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