Music Thread - Rock's Not Dead [Doof]

Howdy Hordelings! CBD let me take control of the AOSHQ jukebox tonight. Despite his complete lack of appreciation for my favorite band, I want to thank him for allowing me to play music director. Won't ya step on in and rock out for a while?

Classic Rock Remains Strong

The term "classic rock" is really difficult to define in a consensus building way. Some folks would say it only applies to a time period of the mid 60s through the late 70s. British invasion, Woodstock, stadium/arena rock. Others (like myself) believe "classic rock" is a broad category which continues to evolve and add sub-genres - soft rock of the late 70s / early 80s (essentially what is called "yacht rock" today), New Wave, hair bands, and grunge.

As some of you know, I host a monthly Classic Rock Trivia event at a local brewery. Sometimes I will feature a question that evokes a "That's not classic rock!" response. What say you, Hordelings? What are your thoughts on the definition of "classic rock"?

Whatever your definition, the rock of yesterday remains strong - not only within the Boomer and Gen X age groups, but also among the yutes up through Gen Z. Now, the younger folks are certainly more likely to also listen to newer music, including more hip-hop and electronic styles. But play bands like Van Halen, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, or even Lynyrd Skynyrd around them, and they are likely to recognize those songs and even sing along.

Sirius XM has several great channels dedicated to classic rock (Classic Vinyl, Classic Rewind, The Bridge, Ozzy's Boneyard, Hair Nation - to name just a few). Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music have tons of rock channels and playlists available. And there's lots of good new / current rock out there. You just have to want to find out. More on that in a bit. Let's get to some actual music here!

I previously mentioned Skynyrd. While songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird" are likely the first to come to mind for many folks, I offer this mellower track.

Here's another perhaps lesser known track from a well known classic rock band. It too is a storytelling type of song.

Let's stay with perhaps some lesser known tracks from well known bands.

This one from Van Halen just simply RAWKS. So many early Van Halen songs became big radio hits, but this one never really did. I guess it's not really "single worthy" - but it's an outstanding song!

This one was the 3rd single released from Foreigner's debut album. Perhaps overshadowed in familiarity by "Cold as Ice" and "Feels Like the First Time", I contend this one is the best of the three.

An often overlooked but outstanding Led Zeppelin track - Out on the Tiles

How about a double-track from Journey? Feeling That Way / Anytime

An early (overlooked?) track from Def Leppard - Let it Go

What are some of your favorite lesser known tracks from well known rock bands?

Is There Any Good New Rock?

Earlier I mentioned streaming music services. One thing I really enjoy about my Spotify account is the algorithm which suggests music to me based on my listening history. I used to have the premium version of Amazon Music, which was also good at suggesting music to me. Here are 2 current bands that I discovered this way. They are both putting out some outstanding rock music.

First up - The Pale White with "Medicine"

Also from The Pale White:
That Dress

Swim For Your Life

Next up - The Blue Stones with "Black Holes (Solid Ground)"

Also from The Blue Stones:
Shakin' Off The Rust

Be My Fire

Oceans

How about some young ladies who rock? I've seen this band live a few times. Met 2 of them after a show once - they are very nice and very talented.

These ladies got their start on the heels of a joint Youtube jam between the lead singer and the original drummer (who has since left the band).

Check out this version of Heart's "Barracuda", which is a staple of Plush's live set.

As I said, there is some great new rock out there - you just have to WANT to find it and know WHERE to find it!

How about you -- any newer rock bands you have to suggest to the Horde?

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Class of 2025 inductees:
Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.

Whatever. Bad Company should have been inducted a long time ago. Soundgarden definitely belongs. The others - I say no.

The RR HOF is a joke. It took until last year to induct Peter Frampton and Foreigner. Iron Maiden is still not in there. Oh well. Gives us something to bitch about, I guess.

Thank you all for tuning in and jamming out with me. Hope to be invited back for another musical interlude!

Should you feel so inclined to reach out to me with comments or suggestions - do the email thing at doof2112 at proton dot me

posted by Open Blogger at 07:30 PM

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