2008 Woodie Awards
Rock Is Back
Better bands and finer sounds make for a comeback in rock that is greatly needed and sure to stay.
Peter O'Connor
Issue date: 5/26/04 Section: Valley Life
- Page 1 of 1
With the RIAA taking action against illegal downloading and artistic quality at an ebb, 2003 was a disastrous time for music. A few albums deserved praise but were nowhere near enough to assuage the lack of aural bliss.
Music fans are celebrating a better start in 2004, with such promising new acts as Franz Ferdinand and The Beta Band and fresh releases from old favorites like Eric Clapton and Prince. An abundance of summer tours is sure to keep attracting listeners to the consistency of accomplished artists who are a cut above the commercial refuse we studiously avoided last year.
Some bands that were so cool because only you and a few of your friends listened to them are finally breaking into the music scene with sold-out venues and loyal listeners. The deterioration of pop music seemed to force listeners to pass on the sounds considered so sacred.
We understood that something needed to be done; we shared a higher quality of music with everyone we could. As a result, bands who once played hole-in-the-wall bars and worked their way up to a big show at The Roxy or The Troubadour are now packing them in for multiple shows at The Wiltern and The Glass House.
About 10 years ago, El Paso, Texas gave us At The Drive In, a group that never dominated charts or gained much airplay but had a strong fan base. Minor successes kept Drive In's name afloat for years and were favorites among the DJ scene. Since then, At The Drive In has split into Sparta and The Mars Volta. These two bands labored in obscurity for years as they rose from the ashes of their Texas past. The two now tour the country and take part in festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella.
A year ago, "alternative" bands like these were still struggling to get tickets sold and their song played on radio stations. Now, Modest Mouse and Dios seem to be everywhere, without compromising their artistic vision. Many continue to avoid the fame-and-PR machine.
Modest Mouse lead singer Isaac Brock refuses to do interviews and won't talk to reporters, preferring that the fans and media simply listen to the music and accept it for what it's worth.
Is this being rude or just staying true to why you make music?
As we approach the halfway point in the music year, we can only hope that listeners keep up on music knowledge and stay open to what is coming through the speakers. Radio stations like KCRW in Santa Monica play host to everything that appears on the musical terrain. Expand your horizons and make a visit to Amoeba or CD Trader and don't be afraid to ask what is playing. No longer should you have to listen to the same disc over and over because there is nothing out there that sparks interest. It's time to give music another chance.
For reviews and suggestions on the newest CDs to date please see box to the right...
Music fans are celebrating a better start in 2004, with such promising new acts as Franz Ferdinand and The Beta Band and fresh releases from old favorites like Eric Clapton and Prince. An abundance of summer tours is sure to keep attracting listeners to the consistency of accomplished artists who are a cut above the commercial refuse we studiously avoided last year.
Some bands that were so cool because only you and a few of your friends listened to them are finally breaking into the music scene with sold-out venues and loyal listeners. The deterioration of pop music seemed to force listeners to pass on the sounds considered so sacred.
We understood that something needed to be done; we shared a higher quality of music with everyone we could. As a result, bands who once played hole-in-the-wall bars and worked their way up to a big show at The Roxy or The Troubadour are now packing them in for multiple shows at The Wiltern and The Glass House.
About 10 years ago, El Paso, Texas gave us At The Drive In, a group that never dominated charts or gained much airplay but had a strong fan base. Minor successes kept Drive In's name afloat for years and were favorites among the DJ scene. Since then, At The Drive In has split into Sparta and The Mars Volta. These two bands labored in obscurity for years as they rose from the ashes of their Texas past. The two now tour the country and take part in festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella.
A year ago, "alternative" bands like these were still struggling to get tickets sold and their song played on radio stations. Now, Modest Mouse and Dios seem to be everywhere, without compromising their artistic vision. Many continue to avoid the fame-and-PR machine.
Modest Mouse lead singer Isaac Brock refuses to do interviews and won't talk to reporters, preferring that the fans and media simply listen to the music and accept it for what it's worth.
Is this being rude or just staying true to why you make music?
As we approach the halfway point in the music year, we can only hope that listeners keep up on music knowledge and stay open to what is coming through the speakers. Radio stations like KCRW in Santa Monica play host to everything that appears on the musical terrain. Expand your horizons and make a visit to Amoeba or CD Trader and don't be afraid to ask what is playing. No longer should you have to listen to the same disc over and over because there is nothing out there that sparks interest. It's time to give music another chance.
For reviews and suggestions on the newest CDs to date please see box to the right...
