Something About the Classics

Of all the music around, what could be called the greatest, the most enduring. Personally, I'd say it's Classic Rock. From Led Zeppelin to The Doors there's bound to be at least one song that you love from this particular genre.

Classic rock still makes appearances in modern pop culture, whether it be a television ad, TV show or movie. People still seem to hold these songs dear and close to heart. Where most music seems to stay in the relative range of the generation they first played for, this genre seems wide spread throughout age groups and time. A certain sort of culture seems to have formed around these pioneers of an era. Music would never have been the same without those who fought against the boundaries and confines of a societal expectation.

So, throughout history people have broken the rules and stretched what society deemed as acceptable. Classic rock is just another example of this pushing of the limits.Some bands, such as AC/DC still do live shows, however only about half of their music I could define as classic. Other's, such as The Beatles, no longer tour. This could be for a couple of reasons, like deaths of members, or simply age stopping them from rocking the stage anymore.

One of the most memorable songs that fall in this category, for me, is 'Immigrant Song' by Led Zeppelin, (although there are literally hundreds that I know and love). There's a certain sound to Led Zeppelin that I've never heard anywhere else. They truly are a unique band and I am more than disappointed that I'll never have the opportunity to see this amazing band live.

(This video is live and therefore the sound quality isn't as good as it could be, but I think it demonstrates the certain pull towards the band)

Another song that stands out of this era for me is 'The House Of The Rising Sun' by The Animals. Although the style differs from Led Zeppelin, I love this song as much as the one previously mentioned. I've listened to many renditions of it and none of them seem to match up to the original. The deep bluesy rock sound in this song is difficult to replicate, and in my opinion, almost impossible to improve on. Each remake has it's own flavour or swing to it, unique in their own rights. However the best take that I've heard (other than the original) was done in the latest American Idol season. This was sung by Haley Reinhart.

(The Animals original)

(Haley Reinhart's rendition)

So, overall, classic rock is a diverse sound which has spread throughout generations. Iconic songs came out of an era where people were pushing the boundaries and fighting constraints. Time has failed to spoil or lessen the effect and attraction of something formed from rebelling. It's shaped styles, thoughts and the future of music. Finally, I believe it'll never quite die, sort of like Motzart.