Pioneers Of Another Sort
Wednesday, February 6th, 2008It would be easy to dismiss the efforts of some rock groups of the late 1950s and begin a history of alternative/protest rock with the great British and American bands of the 1960s. By doing this, a number of arguments would be avoided, arguments that might center on who the real trailblazers for rock and roll were. Those who think only of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, forget The Dave Clark Five and Steve Winwood’s first home, The Spencer Davis Group.
Various writers and observers of the rock scene in the 1990s nominated their favorite groups or individuals for founder status when someone asked who opened doors and blazed trails for rock in the alternative rock decade. While it is never completely accurate to say that a musical genre began on a specific date, in a specific place, with one or two individuals, there are those who believe artists such as Lou Reed and J.J. Cale should be credited not only with reviving some of this underground spirit in the 1990s but with establishing the movement in the ’70s and ’80s. Most would say Kurt Cobain had something to do with a certain direction in youth/rock music in that decade. (Personally, I think his contribution is overrated.)
Fast-forward to the new century and the argument could begin again. It will be quite interesting to see how those with 20/20 hindsight view some of the indie bands of the 2000s. Maybe it will be Sia. After all, she does color on her face, doesn’t she?
Will the decade be defined by what is on www.antimusic.com or www.altern-rock.com ? Time will tell.
Tags: indie music, music, independent music, indie
Don’t Die Cindy from Panama City, Florida provides some straightforward pop/rock with "Us and Them" ( Most Imperfect Skies 2006, Cake Records). The group is described as fitting into the Emo genre, as well as the rock and progressive genres. If nothing else, Don’t Die Cindy does make each song in the collection different, if not unique.
Victorville, California, has been variously described as a rock band and a post-hardcore band. Whatever the niche the listeners and critics try to put them in, this west coast crew has been around since 2002 and currently puts their musical efforts on Lobster Records.