In My Little Window

Generally speaking my musical tastes have in recent years been carefully wrapped up in tissue paper, packed in soft foam, gaffa taped into a little square ivory box and feed to a Leafy Sea Dragon for safe keeping. On this tiny little box written in bold letters are the names of these bands; Guttermouth, Pennywise, Millencolin, NOFX, Frenzal Rhomb, No Fun At All, Bad Religion, Blink 182, Lagwagon, Unwritten Law, Strung Out, AFI.. Just to name a few. Yes this is pretty much just a list of the skater punk bands which did the rounds on the late 1990's Punk scene, where life was all about being naked, drunk and pubic hair. Dealing with life’s little mishaps, and antidotes.. Generally structured around a scene, usually one of those sticky don’t look at me, embarrassing adolesce moments. It’s no wonder many of these songs featured on films such as American Pie and Road trip.

Traditionally speaking though, punk music was all about political outrage. Turning the term “politically correct” upside down, dumping it in a skip bin and then probably spitting on it. By no means did this stop during the late 90’s, but some bands did choose to deviate somewhat and this was the creation of the skater punk. I consider the early Blink 182 album’s the pinnacle of this sub-genre. Something I, and many mates couldn’t get enough of at the time.

Meanwhile in a bid to find that “New sound” bands started mixing different styles, and with all music, new electronic techniques where adopted. I think the first group to really understand and develop this was Korn back in 1992, in what is said to be the rebirth of Rock. Anyway, everything evolves and so did punk. When veteran band AFI released its new album December Underground; it was received with mixed feelings. The Skater Punk’s of old expected the same as years before and were shocked to hear and see this new style and Goth like appearance. While the younger crew ate it up like Vegemite on toast and begun growing the reverse mullet.

Clearly it was time to move on.. Those like me found this difficult to deal with, labelling it Emo and disregarded it as “Junk”. But it wasn’t long before more and more bands started popping up, growing with momentum as the new kids pushed to hear more. And the more they pushed the more they were given!!

This isn’t a bad thing it’s just different, like The Doors to Anti-Flag, it’s a constant evolution which needs to be recognized for its unique contrast and sounds. The bands at the forefront push there talents to the limits, finding a place where they will fit in this enormous music industry and I guess if it wasn’t for these guys we’d still be listening to Swing music! Remember the reception Elvis Presley got when he first appeared on the scene? Neither do I because I’m too young.. But he was almost an outlaw; breaking from the conservative restrains which strangled music direction. Remember The Clash, and The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, Dead Kennedy..

The big question, will we get old and stuck in our own little ivory box with our favourite music collection like our parents have?

Currently listening to: