Sep 122008
I’m sure you’ve all read some critic’s unexpectedly high-brow take on what’s generally considered a low-brow song or album, such as a thesis-length review of Loverboy‘s “Working for the Weekend”, which argues that that humble song’s lyrics are more meaningful and artistically honest than, say, John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero”. Chances are, you Deep Thinkers in the Halls of Rock have secretly harbored your own unexpected insights into what’s typically considered throwaway pop. Isn’t it high time you come clean and share these thoughts, thoughts which may not play at the water cooler or a cocktail party?
I look forward to your unexpected insights.
Have I misjudged our readers, a group – myself included – as prone to overthinking as any group in rock chatter? Perhaps Townspeople are working up the requisite thesis-length drafts. I’m holding out hope!
I’m trying to figure out how to properly format my discursive footnotes for the comments section and making sure I’ve spelled Frehley correctly every time.
I’ve said this before, but I think “Problem Child” by AC/DC is a heck of a lot more vital and “punk” than anything recorded by (insert name of hallowed punk band here).
Enjoyed that vuh-deo, by the way!
That’s the spirit, Hrrundi. As you know, I think “Kokomo” is the most moving, honest Beach Boys song since anything after “Good Vibrations”, with the exception of “Do It Again”.
“Kokomo” is also their biggest hit since “Good Vibrations”. HOWEVER, my ears hear a wealth of moving material post-“Good Vibrations”. “‘Til I Die”? “Surf’s Up”? “Forever”? Those are just a few.
As far as low-brow is concerned, I’m really digging the new Metallica album produced by Rick Rubin. I’m becoming more and more convinced that Rick may well be the greatest American producer. Everything the man touches is gold from Johnny Cash to Neil Diamond to The Bangles. As far as Metallica is concerned, I think it’s the teen in me coming out. Plus, it’s the best thing they’ve done since Master of Puppets. I know it’s the kid in me, but I’m a closet head-banger. I get off on crunchy, metallic riffs, and double bass drumming fun. Plus, I like to hear a band seemingly past its prime kicking ass again.
Maybe the Stones should hook up with Rick? Macca?
TB
Mmmbop by Hanson might be easily dismissed for it’s faux-philosophical, tweener lyrics, but the lyrics really aren’t any more juvenile than most musings about life’s big issues. That the lyrics were written by actual juveniles makes them seem artistically honest because they are age appropriate.
Plus, the music is damn catchy.
“Throwaway pop,” just like all other genres, has its wheat and its chaff.
I have not will I never bad mouth Hanson. I wouldn’t call myself a fan, but I can tell that these guys know music and its roots. They write some really catchy pop music.
TB