Music not as worthless as some might think

One day during a class discussion, I was given a minute to defend rock 'n' roll. \nMy professor, who gives an air of being generally anti-post classical era music, had read the first paragraph or so of a column installment and jovially challenged me on the validity of the genre. Here is my rebuttal, but slightly expanded.\nRock is valid because it developed from the heart of jazz and soul of blues. Many rock musicians had extreme talent, such as Jimi Hendrix or Tom Morello. More importantly, the music speaks. It conveys the story of life during the past few decades with certain rawness. It is cultural.\nLately, music of all forms has been diverse. But following that downbeat, a relentless craze for pop music has infected the honesty of good music. Music purists have been left blue-balled and helpless waiting for it to pass. \nNow take a stern look at American society, and tell me this trend doesn't accurately reflect our money- and media-driven culture. Then wipe the shock out of your eyes and take a look at Bloomington. \nI came to IU for the local music scene. Aside from the school's amazing journalism program and somewhat affordable cost, the music scene is a tremendous part of why I am here. In retrospect, I have not been disappointed.\nWriting this column has been a spectacular experience, and I would like to pass on the wealth. Welcome to my statement of purpose: to inspire the masses of Bloomington to escape their wretched, culturally drained and uninspiring lives and run to the arms of local musicians who are waiting to instill a little soul into their being.\nMusicians have a basic goal to pursue: communication. If a song can talk with you, help you reach a new level of enlightenment or just allow you a few minutes of escape from the doldrums of everyday life, it has done its job and can die happily, off the charts. Daily and locally, musicians are creating art that does just that. \nI guess the point is that no matter how many times I say it, support local music. No matter how unimportant it might seem to drop by that show Friday night, every increased body count shows a demand for original music. Instead of listening to the same radio airplay or buying the next CD featured on MTV, try expanding your mind a bit and picking up a local disc.\nWe are not in a position to run out of music, but locally, music could improve. We are actually on an upswing now, with many bands coming out with sophomore releases and a general influx of talent. But instead of being good, the local scene could be vibrant, and it won't happen without your help.\nMusic is not as worthless as some might think. Even grunge rock, which might not sound important to those too sophisticated to appreciate it, tells a story and educates listeners about the lives and world around them. Unsophisticated music deserves a large page on the cultural picture book with local music being the fire that drives it. Everyone was once a local musician, even Nelly.\nDespite all the feelings of discontent about the role of unsophisticated music in the world, I did feel my life was validated when I watched the shamelessly musically obsessed characters of High Fidelity or my dream life portrayed in Almost Famous. And yes, they were right about music, even rock music, being worthwhile and a necessary part of life. \nTo end the writhing and catcalls, I should say I look forward to next year's scene and trying to catch some shows at home this summer. It is a fight that has to be punched out from Bloomington to Boston.\nDon't ignore the mantra: Support local music.