Growing up, I had considered music as two different genres: good music and bad music. There was no pop, there was no electronica. Whatever made me dance in the backseat of my father's Honda at the age of 3 was labeled as good music.
It wasn't until I began maturing that I carefully started listening to and analyzing the music I heard. I believe the first time I had heard a punk rock song was playing "Tony Hawk: Proskater" for Nintendo 64. "Police Truck" by the Dead Kennedys was one of the songs featured on the soundtrack, and I remember falling in love. The anti-everything message made me question the way I and everyone else lived.
However, punk rock is not always about turning your back on government and sticking it to the man. Punk encourages individualism and non-conformity — two things I deeply cherish.
Live performances helped give punk its appeal. The way frontmen such as Henry Rollins interacted with the audience, placing his trust in them by jumping off the stage. It goes to show you how united all of these fans are at punk shows, despite the elbows being carelessly thrown around. On the seventh day, God said, "Let there be punk."
I feel the same way about how I got into listening to Post-Hardcore music. Although it's not my number one genre, it really did a lot to shape what music I listen to, how I listen to it, and so on. I totally agree with you that music can change the way you look at life.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, punk rock has so much to offer and personally is a genre I grew up listening too, more so classic rock but punk was mixed in. It's not only a genre its a style and message. If you haven't already seen the movie CBGB you should check it out, it's about the origins of punk and where it went.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you mentioned this, because it's something I occasionally think about. When I was a kid, punk first kicked off my interest in actively searching out new music, but maintained itself as my genre of choice (that and ska) because of its energy. Both the music and the message are relatable to kids growing up. When I seldom listen to punk now however, I don't get the same reaction. Tina's right. Punk is more about the message. The music itself is shit to me now. How many times can one listen to power chords and the same chord progressions before wanting something with more texture and depth? I'm not ragging on you or anyone, and I respect punk, but eventually your musical tastes evolve. I probably seem pretentious right now, but I have sort of a love/hate relationship with it. One thing that can't be denied is how original punk is and how it spawned other genres. Nice Post.
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