"When You're On Top"

Picked up the new Wallflowers album today. My first impression (though I'm not done listening to it) is that it kicks serious ass. It's a shame there aren't more bands doing this sort of straight-ahead classicist rock anymore, 'cause I love it. Most bands have to have a gimick now, something that makes them unusual or different. Trouble is, that usually sets them up as a one-trick pony, and they ride that pony until its legs fall off. I mean, look at those rap-metal bands--those got old pretty damn fast, right? Does anyone actually care that Limp Bizkit has a new album out? Has anyone cared since like their first or second album? My answer is "not at all," but that's because I believe Fred Durst is in the running for world's worst frontman. His lyrical style and content are atrocious in ways that mere mortals shouldn't be able to manage. It's sad, very sad.

But folks keep returning to the well of classic rock/roots rock. And, if done right, it really never gets old, y'know? Bands like the Wallflowers have a sound, a sturdy, solid, dynamic sound, and each album is a slight variation on that sound, whether the variation is thematic or adding a new twist or whatever. You don't have to constantly reinvent yourself each time out, and you can still keep it fresh and interesting. Creedence Clearwater Revival proved that years ago by putting out records that were straight forward, simple, and insanely catchy. I mean, most of their songs are just G, C, and D, but they're immediate and fun and enjoyable. Bands like the Wallflowers and Counting Crows have this figured out, too, and I think they make great music because of it.

Now if we could just get Fred Durst to retire...or better yet, set himself on fire...

~chuck

Song of the Moment: Wallflowers, "Nearly Beloved"