The Kids Are Alright...

I have come to the conclusion that at this point in my life I must accept the label of being a classic rocker. My capitulation has nothing to do with my feelings on digital music technology (despite my strong misgivings on some aspects, I do believe that it will result in good things for both fans and artists), but more to the fact that I have been extremely skeptical of much new music. It started as grunge and college radio rock waned. I just had a hard time finding much new that I liked and could get excited about like I did with Soundgarden, REM, Pearl Jam, G&R, and Col. Bruce & The Aquarium Rescue Unit. There was an occasional glimmer of past success that made it through the din to corporate owned rock radio during that time, but they were few and far between. As my life got busy with a career, marriage, house, kids, etc… I found it harder to dig in the dirt for anything musically pleasing. I officially became a rock music curmudgeon.

Things began to change for the better when I reconnected with my old friend Jackson in 1999/2000. He invited me into his circle of musician friends and along with them, his brothers, and my brother, a steady stream of recommendations they’ve provided has begun to restore my faith in today’s youth and their capability to carry the rock and roll torch.

There are two that I’m completely engulfed in right now that I’m actually very excited about. The first came from Fred Wilson. While sitting in my office talking to a long time employee, I got a short e-mail from him saying: “Check out the Wolfmother disc, they’re the Black Sabbath of the new millennium.” I asked my employee about them since he only listens to heavy rock and also has a 17 year boy and he said he’d never heard of them. The next day he greeted me at my office door and said,”Man, you have GOT to check out that Wolfmother disc!”

OK.

That evening, I spoke with my brother who teaches high school in upstate New York and he was all over The Raconteurs new record. He STRONGLY recommended I get it.

OK.

Amazon ordered both the next day and have been listening to both steadily for the last week.

I like the White Stripes, but love everything else Jack White has put his hands on more. I also share Jackson’s thoughts about the White Stripes music sounding incomplete, but this album kicks major ass! I cannot stop humming “Steady As She Goes”. Lots of cool dry guitar sounds, The Who like vocal melodies, and a complete and competent band. This is a GREAT album.

Ditto for Wolfmother. Well recorded effects-less guitar riffs with great Black Sabbath like melodies. It is really something else.

Like I said, listening to records like this restores my faith the youth of this world like nothing else. Check these albums out if you get a chance, you won’t be disappointed.