However, it was while I was at my regular full time job, that I was able to have a chat about music with a fellow co-worker who happens to 19 years old. He was surprised... very surprised... that I liked alternative music, or music that kicks ass, or whatever label you want to give it this week. He openly admitted that "I didn't seem the type" that would enjoy bands like Nirvana, Weezer, Korn, and many others. He pegged me for more of a "classic rock" kind of guy, ie; liking the music that I grew up with in the 70's and early 80's.
I told him I like different genres of music from many different decades, but I like this genre of music the best. That's one thing about rock n roll that I've always liked - it's always changing... it's always growing. The next big thing isn't going to be some individual with the hair just right, or the guitar at a certain angle or the cigarette hanging out just so. It's about an individual that hasn't been discovered yet, doing something totally different or original, playing in a bedroom or in a garage somewhere... hopefully.
I also found it ironic that some of this 19 year old's favorite songs were from "my generation". Of course, he was OK with that - liking music from multiple generations. He's young... this was how it was supposed to be. Kids his age could listen to rock music from various decades. However, it was "out of place" for me to do the same. It was as if, as soon as someone turns 30, an unspoken or unwritten torch is supposed to be passed to the younger generation. The person who turns 30 must no longer listen to new stuff... just listen to the music that's from YOUR generation. In other words, that concept is acceptable.
This eye-opener was in fact, a good thing. Being this co-worker's boss, this interaction actually strengthened our working relationship. It's too bad other people have such a hard time with this concept... just be yourself & you will be accepted.
Moving on to other musical tidbits, as well as "being accepted", I was reading a retrospective piece on Iggy Pop. It turns out, that back in May of 1973, he reformed the Stooges (much to everyone's surprise), recorded & released "Raw Power". You may know, that back in August of 1971, Iggy left the group, moved to Florida, and worked on his golf game while mowing lawns. Talk about perceptions... can you imagine having your lawn mowed (and possibly other landscaping done) by Iggy Pop??
Also during this week in alternative music history;
- The Cure release their debut album "Three Imaginary Boys" on Fiction Records in the UK.
- Sid Vicious (John Beverly), Bono (Paul Hewson) and Krist Novoselic, (Nirvana) Ian Dury, David Byrne, and Ian Atsbury (The Cult) all born this week.
- Lastly, I was reading another article about the 80's band, Bow Wow Wow. It seems that during this week back in 1982, they quit the European tour they were doing with Queen. Their last show together was in Holland. It was an "abbreviated" set, playing through a continuous rain of bottles, cans, and wads of paper. That got me to thinking, while I like Queen's music, what was up with them and other alternative music bands? It's like oil & water...
This will be my last blog for this week. Hoping to get back on again next week. Be sure to tune into 360 Degrees of Alternative. I've added more artists & tunes over the past 2 weeks, including lots of indie bands and artists.
Til next time, peace out.
Dave
