I know we all think differently, so I don't naively assume my opinions are compatible with those of all other Classic Rock lovers. Some of us like our music light and airy, some prefer a deep message in our lyrics, and some prefer banging our heads to a distorted guitar. ReduxRock.com is firmly set in neutral territory so that it can accommodate the great diversity which encompasses "Classic Rock."
I grew up loving all those styles. Whatever phase Rock went through, I happily followed along...up to a point. Somewhere along the line I lost my enthusiasm for what was being played. It may not have been the sound evolution, it may have been me. As a youth my mind was open to anything beyond myself, but with adulthood came responsibilities and new goals that restricted my vision to my own, new priorities.
In the '90s I began stepping off the music train. Whenever I would get back on, I'd find it had traveled to another place that was foreign for my tastes. With a little effort I could always discover recordings that I liked, but they became progressively fewer and fewer, and they were wedged between other styles that, with the passing of time, were increasingly uncomfortable for me. After the year 2000, I felt the vast majority of contemporary music was either boring or offensive. I then applied my brakes, and the music moved on without me. As a result, I became rooted in "then," and disillusioned with "now."
I'm sure there are millions of others who feel the same. It's those people whom I wish to gather together. I believe we are a powerful force that can make a change for the better. We don't need others to be our caretakers. We have the ability to bring more positivity into our lives.
We must do all we can to prevent our enthusiasm from progressively deteriorating as we age. One of the best things we can do to energize our minds is to enjoy music, but listening to the continual replay of songs from the past is not sufficient stimulation. Our brains need to experience continual positive change in order to stay young and alert. Listening to (and loving) great, new music is the key.
Now to expose my prejudice:
Human accomplishments have made life progressively more comfortable. Each new generation benefits from the dreams of the previous one. Each new generation generally finds life to be a little softer than that of their parents. But when the essentials of living are easily attainable, people become complacent and more self-focused.
These days far too many people are either agitated or depressed. I believe that's because staying appreciative and stimulated is more difficult now than in the days when there were fewer comforts, times when minds and energies were focused on simply surviving the day. Our soft life and increased discretionary time has brought new priorities: entertainment and ego satisfaction.
Today's new music is a reflection of the times. Crude language and abusive themes are popular because they stir emotions in those who are lacking stimulation. When something is found to create excitement, no matter what form it takes, it is perpetuated. Boredom begets boring melodies, and depression begets negative music themes.
Music is a refection of the mental state of a culture. It is also a cultural stimulus. What one feels and thinks is responsible for what one creates, and conversely, the creations that are fed upon influence ones psyche.
Negative music is a negative influence on the thought process, therefore to truly feel good inside one should seek out music that is psychologically beneficial, and for artists to have their music enthusiastically received, they should be creating music that makes their listeners feel good.
Those who were responsible for what we now label "Classic Rock" were not better artists than our present ones. However, they were the product of general attitudes that were superior to the attitudes prevalent today. We have become complacent, and our music reflects that change. The world would benefit by a return to styles of music that are more positive in nature, and to me that means embracing sounds that are proven to have a positive effect. Such change would not only benefit the young listeners today, but they would be a welcomed relief to those like me who are fighting to stay mentally young.
What I hope will result from this Redux movement is a return to lyrics that are either funny, happy, romantic, or inspiring. They can be sad, so long as they promote love and/or compassion. I have no problem with lyrics being sexy, but I'd prefer the sexual message to be subtle and not "in your face" or distasteful. I don't need profanity in lyrics to relate to them, so I'd rather not hear such words in a song at all. I don't need "shock value" to enjoy a recording. Each day I experience negativity; I don't need it reinforced. I want to hear songs that have melodies that are unique and memorable, or songs that have lyrics that stick in my mind in a positive way. A small amount of rapping within a song is OK, so long as it supplements the melody and mood. But don't try to tell me that poetry-spoken-to-a-beat is "music"...if a song can't be transcribed onto sheet music, it ain't music! I want to hear creative chord progressions. I don't want to hear formats that are predictable. If a song doesn't have an interesting hook, it better have a great beat and an imaginative instrumental or I'm off the train! And lastly: all artists, retro and contemporary, should keep in mind the cause-and-effect of their creations.
'Nuff said.
Commander Lyle
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