Don't Call It a Comeback

I was a bit overwhelmed on September 25^th as I made my weekly visit to iTunes (and, I admit, Pirate Bay). Yesterday saw the release of new records from Mumford & Sons, No Doubt, Green Day, as well as a stream of the new Muse record. The Killers and Grizzly Bear were released last week, and The XX is still seeing continuity in my record rotation. Next week we get Matt & Kim’s newest record, Lightning. Is this a freak accident, having most of the juggernauts of rock releasing albums all at the same time, or is this a statement to the general public unconsciously prepared by record labels?  

Not only did all of these releases unload on us at once, but also were met with critical and commercial success. The XX debuted at #1 in England, The Killers in the US; Mumford and Sons preorder topped the iTunes charts when made available, No Doubt’s Push and Shove, their first release since Rock Steady, was met with enthusiasm at a return-to-form as a ska-punk band with reggaeton roots. Yes, I’m conveniently sweeping over the critical and commercial tepid reception to Green Day’s Uno!, but that one seemed DOA as is. It also should be noted that fun.’s “Some Nights” is comfortably reigning Top-40 charts and is quickly becoming a barstool anthem. Are we finally seeing a return to the popularity of rock music?

Sure, it could be a fluke. Many of these artists are, arguably, the biggest active bands of 2012, particularly breakout hits Mumford and Sons. But seeing all of these artists trump Deadmau5, Pink, and Carly Rae Jepsen’s new releases affirms my suspicions that rock music might not be a dying breed as the media had suspected. People still want heart and soul, whether it is the Springsteen-like arena anthems of The Killers or the hearty folksy jingles of Mumford and Sons. It’s reassuring to know that, despite the reflection of the largely vapid Top-40 selections, the public is still drawn to getting some new raw rock music.

I can’t help but revel in the fact that there is still an appreciation for hard work and songwriting capabilities, knowing that not all great artists are going unrecognized. Sure, it isn’t about commercial success with many of these artists, but recognition. Seeing Bon Iver, for example, sell out 4 nights (shit, man!) at Radio City Music Hall and being held emotionally hostage with the entranced audience last Thursday was a cathartic experience. It’s a feat that his music, despite being relatively inaccessible, can still be appreciated by so many people for the haunting beauty that it embodies.

For a time it seemed that the world had capped out on rock stars. Most of the big ones were already established- Blink 182, Dave Matthews, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the likes- but with the recent explosion of Florence + The Machine and The Black Keys, driving rhythm and deafening arena shows are still in demand. The world is no longer wrapped up strictly in spectacle but in ability with performance, as evident by the wild crowds at Florence + The Machine and Bruce Springsteen’s performances this year. There’s a difference between a stage performance of a pop star and a rock band performing work they created and were inspired to write based on their own experience- the sincerity is evident. Ke$ha, for example, will doubtful perform her older non-singles with oomph, while Springsteen can still perform “Rosalita” with authenticity decades after he penned it.

My hope is that September 25^th, 2012 will serve as a wake-up call for the industry. Don’t call it a comeback because it’s always been here; rock music is here to stay. Give more up-and-comers a chance; these artists aren’t flukes, or the exception, they were just given a chance. The Gaslight Anthem, as evident by critical adoration of Handwritten, could be playing Metlife in 20 years with “National Anthem” as their “Thunder Road”. Of Monsters and Men or First Aid Kit could be the next Mumford if given the right opportunities. And god damn it, stop giving every Disney star more outlets for success than the guys busting their asses to make something new.