It seems like everyone has been doffing their caps to the late ‘70s/early ‘80s lately, whether Gang of Four, Talking Heads, the Pretenders, or what have you. I could be a cynic about it but I won’t. For one, it’s too reductive and unfair. And quite frankly this is the first time in years I’ve been excited about buying new rock albums. Back in the mid/late-‘90s I was so enamored with Drive Like Jehu that all other rock bands sounded trite by comparison. So I delved into singer-songwriters, space rock, and electronica instead. (You could say I was hibernating until emo ran its course.) But in the last year I’ve picked up the Futureheads, the Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, Clap Your Hands, and many others.
Many if not all of these groups would not be here today without the post-punk of twenty-five years ago. But despite (or because of) the obvious influence, rock seems fresh again. I actually listen to the radio on a regular basis! (Of course, it doesn’t hurt that I’m spoiled by a rare town that has many great radio stations). But like all trends—whether 1983 or 2006—the current sound is sure to evolve. If this were any other era, I’d be hunkering down for the storm of pretenders at this point—you can be sure there’s going to be band appearing this year from nowhere that looks like the Arcade Fire but sounds like Coldplay. (Hell, we’ve already got She Wants Revenge, an insipid rehash of Interpol, who I didn’t even realize you could rip off since they were so indebted to Joy Division in the first place.) But to tell the truth I’m feeling optimistic this time around.
Ten years ago these bands just wouldn’t have caught on beyond the local indie record store set. They’d have had the Velvet Underground Effect—they’d have sold 100 records and inspired 100 kids to start bands. But in the era of Pitchfork, iTunes, and the OC, they’re finding ever wider audiences. It just goes to show that there’s nothing too sophisticated about good rock music; it can find pop success. In fact I’d even say that a metal band like System of a Down, who is ridiculously more successful than Clap Your Hands, Arcade Fire, and Bloc Party combined, is more musically sophisticated and challenging. Not that that means they’re much good, but the point is that pop audiences can handle smart, perhaps abrasive music that isn’t afraid to take a few esoteric side trips.
So the question is, where is the trend headed? In the world of pop music, the answer to that question often lies in where it has already been. Should we prepare for a New New Wave? I hope not. I’m still sick of Men Without Hats and The Fixx; I hardly want anyone to pick up that gauntlet. No, there are better options than that. In today’s era it’s so easy to find a band from decades past that didn’t get its proper due. I vote we look there for inspiration. A great place to do just that is postpunkjunk.com. The mp3 blog is run by Bret B., a KXLU DJ (Tuesdays, 10am-2pm PST) and is dedicated to just what I’ve been yammering on about: looking back to look forward. Each daily post is a collection of songs by a band from the late ’70s or early ‘80s that my money says you haven’t heard of, paired with a sampling of a band from the here and now, if not carrying on in style then at least doing so in spirit. I’ve only just begun to dig through the archives there, but I’m having a ball. I recommend you check it out if you want to be on the ground floor for who’s the next shit—or better yet, if you want to find something that will inspire you to do it yourself.
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