The term “rock music” is both a blessing and a curse. Over the years, its been diluted to a generic statement - much like rap, country, electronic, etc. In the process, the fundamentals of rock and roll have been lost.
The music itself was birthed out of rebellion. It was the simplicity of angst that helped shape a process that started in the 30s and 40s with jazz, gospel, and folk music. Sure, someone like Elvis helped push it along - but it took a few outspoken voices and a culture shock for things to coalesce. (Hard stance, I know. Feel free to add your $0.02.)
Everyone reading this is more than familiar with music/culture in the 60s, so I wont dive into details. What I want to focus on is a song from a band that helped bridge the gap between rock and roll and what would follow.
The Velvet Underground were a big part of the 60s rebellion. They weren’t the hippies. They were part of Andy Warhol’s collective. They had a simplistic, outsiders view of what was happening. They only rebelled because they had something to rebel against. That rebellion has served as inspiration for punk/alternative musicians through today. Hence today’s submission for Traditional Thursdays.
What’s interesting is that the simplistic view that spawned rebellion during the meat of the decade found little to rebel against as time wore on. As the aggression took a back seat, the band reached back to a folksy storytelling approach that led to the self titled album. Rock and Roll is the perfect song coming out of the 60s. There isn’t much else to say.
- MJ
