Monday, March 28, 2016
Ok now, who's excited for the classic rock concert? I honestly hope everyone. I don't think Ive ever been as hyped as I am now to be singing Queen in our finale. Anyways, classic rock. What really is it? Well, to be blunt, its basically just "old" rock songs, typically between the 1960s and 1980s (but not always). Other than that, the subject is left relatively open. Ive already heard a lot of debate over many of the song possibilities for our upcoming concert. Many think half the choices aren't even classic rock. Which may be true, but also may not be. Its really all up to the public. By public I don't mean us PCS choir students, I mean anyone who has ever listened to music before in their lives. "Classic rock" as a genre isn't really determined by a single person, its a group effect and effort. "Classic rock" is only labeled so because they are a collection of songs with rock driven elements that have become staples to our music listening society. In short, they're classics! Now I know this sounds overly simplistic, and yes, its "pointing out the obvious." But it seems to me that many truly don't understand the flexibility of the definition. The Beatles, most likely one of the top ten names any person will associate with the term "classic rock," was at their time, not even sure of their genre. For their era, they were a style of progressive rock, that even erred on the side of pop. I don't think many consider the Beatles as pop music today. Yes their popular, but they've been labelled as "classic rock." Why? Because their songs are in todays society considered classics! The Beatles were a boy band from decades ago and are now celebrated as one of the greatest bands ever, who's to say boy bands from today, or any pop music bands, won't in the future be considered "classic rock"? A song doesn't have to necessarily be a generation or two old in order to fit under the genre, it just must be a song that has rock elements thats been popularized by society. That being said, I personally believe certain songs should be left alone, and the definition should not be stretched beyond its limits to include songs or bands obviously not meant to fit. But I hope people keep an open mind when debating song choices.
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I think that what you're saying here it 100% valid. I agree with you that the Beatles are a perfect example of a group that in their time didn't have a set genre, but went on to be one of the most famous and influential groups of all time. However, I don't agree with you on the part where you say that "who knows maybe a boy band or group from today could be considered classic rock?" There are certain elements and qualities that a group has that then qualify it as classic rock, or just plain rock. It doesn't have to be screaming or 200000 minute long guitar solos, but it can't be electrical. That is a completely different genre in itself, and that is what most groups/bands are today. A group like One Direction will never be thought of in the same level as the Beatles in the future. Now, who knows maybe in the year 400000 they might be considered "classic _______", but not rock. Groups like The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Queen cannot be recreated as hard as some might try. They have been some of the most influential groups in music history, and rightfully so.
ReplyDeleteCommenting on both your post Colin and Carla's comment, I agree with both of you. The Beatles is a great example to use Colin however I would like to point out that I don't think you can think of the Beatles or classify them as a "boy band". Most people associate the term "boy band" as a band from the 90's who wore matching outfits, lip-synced, danced, and had frosted tips. I personally do not think of the Beatles as a "boy band", I simply think of them as a great band composed of male musicians. If you were to call the Beatles a "boy band" then Queen essentially would be called a boy band as well. It just doesn't make sense. I also agree with Carla that One Direction will NEVER be classified as Classic Rock. Classic rock is generally music and songs from the 60's, 70's, and 80's and I don't think that will ever change. Generations from now I think people will still be classifying classic rock songs as rock songs and ballads from the mid and late 1900's. Most bands that are considered "boy bands" do not have music that is considered rock at all; it is mostly considered pop. So I don't think that a boy band will ever be considered a classic rock band.Sorry to bash on some parts of your post Colin but I do agree with the other stuff that you say.
ReplyDeleteLately my brother Geof has been getting into rap, so our whole household is learning about sick beats and fire bars.I love listening to rap! I think that the argument between Ice Cube and Gene Simmons over the Rock n Roll hall of fame including NWA this year is interesting. Simmons didn't like the decision and tweeted about it. Ice Cube replied that:
ReplyDelete"Rock 'n' Roll is not an instrument. It's not even a style of music. It's a spirit that's been going on since the blues, jazz, bebop, soul, Rock 'n' roll, R&B, heavy metal, punk rock, and yes, hip hop. Rock 'n' roll is not conforming to the people who came before you, but creating your own path in music and life. That is rock 'n' roll and that is us.
Before you all go ballistic, look at this comment from David Bowie from 1993. It was posted on YouTube in January of this year, and is similar to what Ice Cube is saying about Rock n Roll challenging and changing things.
http://youtu.be/T0ujg_BSya8
And consider that Paul McCartney and Rod Stewart, both old classic rock guys, have been doing duets with much younger rappers because that is where they think the creative energy is.
Here is a link to Rod Stewart and ASAP Rocky's video Everyday.
http://youtu.be/UtZBA1bVbcs
And here is Paul McCartney with Kanye West and Rhianna
http://youtu.be/kt0g4dWxEBo
It seems like some of the best of the old white rockers who built their music on blues roots, are coming back one more time to support music continuing to evolve and to challenge us. Old rock or new rap, some of it is angry, some of it is about drugs and sex. It's criticized for being too nasty, sort of like when Elvis Presley couldn't be photographed on TV shows because his movements were too scandalous. It's all rock n roll, and I like it! 😎 http://youtu.be/JGaBlygm0UY (Rolling Stones)