For those about to rock (again)

If you trace the evolution of rock music from its early days of Chuck to the present, there have been a few facelifts. Since rock turns 50 this year (the first assumed rock 'n' roll song is Bill Haley & His Comets' "Rockin' Around the Clock," released in 1955), maybe it's time for a reassessment of the family tree. \nMany critics and fans believed that rock music died around the late 1970's. This statement is understandable as disco was dominating the charts and hip-hop was gaining popularity in the streets. Additionally, a number of monumental rock bands were crumbling, including the Who and Led Zeppelin, while others like Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones seemed to be running out of steam. Facing genres like punk and glam, most people assumed the worst -- that the tree had branched out too far from the roots. \nTo some degree, I buy into such a theory. Rock music did indeed experience a drought. Everybody loves the 80's, but let's be honest, if we're talking about good wholesome rock music, that decade didn't bring much to the table, save AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, U2 and maybe a few others that I'm forgetting. And I don't care what anyone says; hair metal does not qualify as real rock music. \nIn the 1990's, there seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel when grunge got big. That all changed, however, when Kurt Cobain died, and Soundgarden and Alice In Chains disbanded. Yes, Pearl Jam's pistons are still turning, but they can't carry the torch forever. \nThe mid-to-late-90's was a very dark chapter in rock music. One-hit wonders filled the airwaves (does anyone remember Spacehog?), and songs by boy bands and Britneys and Jessicas were heard five times a day. Legitimate bands like Foo Fighters, Oasis and Beck have managed to find their way out of this mess, but the point is that rock music has long been in the shadows until recently. The good news is that it will get better.\nThe reason why classic rock was so good is because bands wrote songs out of complete originality. They had no predecessors to show them the ropes. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Eric Clapton and the like broke new ground by being innovative. Who knew what feedback would sound like when George Harrison used it on "I Feel Fine"? Nobody. But he was willing to fall on his face. \nAs members of the Baby Boom generation, our parents grew up with classic rock. It was a way to identify themselves as a generation. As children of the Baby Boomers, many of us had no choice but to listen to our parents' music when they turned it on. I can remember listening to the Beach Boys' "Help Me, Rhonda" in my dad's Buick when I was young and thinking, "I like this." Given that many new rockers today are close to our age (college folk), they probably shared such experiences. So when it comes time to jot down some material, they base it off of classic rock. \nTo demonstrate my hypothesis, I will mention a few bands that have exemplified characteristics of a classic rock band: Jet, The Darkness and The White Stripes. The first two have released very promising debut albums and have tested their work on the road. I've been told that The Darkness sends crowds into a frenzy, and I'm sure that Jet does the same. Their music is filled with balls-to-the-wall attitude, relentless talent and face-melting guitar solos (a rarity today). I would lend an ear to them if you haven't already. \nThe White Stripes have a different format -- one guitarist and one percussionist. Nonetheless, Jack White is a rock fundamentalist with a great sound and lyrics that spin your mind. Meg White beats the hell out of her kit, too. With five albums under their belt, they seem to be leading the march towards rock utopia. \nA number of other noteworthy bands have been brought to my attention and could definitely have staying power. Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, The Strokes and Arcade Fire could function as a generation identifier like the classic rock bands of the Baby Boomers. And, of course, let's not forget the restructured, hybrid rock bands like Audioslave and Velvet Revolver whose members have proven themselves in the past. \nThe future of rock music is optimistic. This revelation came to me about a year ago, and I still hold it to be true. And as always these young guns will have moral support from mentors like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, U2 and R.E.M.\nIn the eloquent words of Neil Young, "My my, hey hey/Rock and roll is here to stay ... Hey hey, my my/Rock and roll can never die"