(Photo courtesy of ABKCO Music & Records, Inc.)The Rolling Stones is set to release yet another compilation album of hits titled, “GRRR!” and has released its new single “Doom and Gloom” in celebration.
The track revives the band’s infamous, finger-bleeding, guitar-ripping sound the Rolling Stones claimed back in 1962.
Mick Jagger’s vocals are reminiscent of the band’s most famous song “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)” and lyrically resemble the dark and disturbing words in “Paint It Black.”
Fans of classic rock will be giddy with joy that the band is contemplating getting together to record a new album entirely, and that it's even putting on two 50th anniversary concerts in London and two in Newark, N.J.
With the band being together for 50 years now, having sold millions and millions of ground-breaking and world famous records, it is incredible that the Stones are still creating new material that sounds like it was recorded in rock’s prime in the 1960s.
The symbolic importance of the Stones reunion and ability to continue a musical career is the dedication it has displayed throughout the years. After the members have fought, battled addictions and certainly worn themselves out, they are still devoted to their music.
However, the Rolling Stones are not the only rock ‘n’ roll pioneers that are still touring and recording. Bob Dylan received mass critical acclaim for his new album “Tempest” and is still touring with his band.
Paul McCartney still performs material he released in February this year. If John Lennon and George Harrison were still alive, it can be assumed they would be doing the same thing. Even Neil Diamond performed at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix in August.
What is it about this generation of rock ‘n’ rollers that keeps them powering on despite their age?
When turning on the radio, college students will likely bypass the classic rock station playing The Beatles’ masterpiece “A Day in the Life,” and stop when they hear the opening lines to Ke$ha’s “Die Young.” To put it blankly, classic rock music is not today’s pop music. Rock had its popularity over 30 years ago, and the world hasn’t seen much revival of the genre since.
Rock ‘n’ rollers were true poets and genuinely talented musicians. Nowadays, it is rare to find a pop star that can play guitar (What instrument does Carly Rae Jepsen play?) and write profound lyrics at the same time (Taylor Swift can only write when she is in the midst of a breakup).
These rock musicians must continue their legacy to at least remind people there was a time when good music did exist.
It can be assumed that not many youngsters are attending these original rockers’ concerts unless they are escorted by adults, or just have an eclectic taste in music. These rock heroes are relying solely on the fans they made from the beginning to sellout their shows.
There will never be another band like the Rolling Stones. If there is, it will pale in comparison to the band’s gleaming accomplishments. While rock ‘n’ roll is a slowly dying genre much like hip-hop and punk rock, it is treading on with its pioneers still releasing music and performing all over the world.
Maybe instead of investing in another Justin Bieber concert ticket, save some cash to buy the Rolling Stone’s “GRRR!” album to hear what real music is.
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