“Classic” vs. “Oldies” Rock
Got a question from a Rockaholic down in PA way (hmph … I had a Pa once. He was a good man …): What’s the difference between “oldies” and “classic” rock? Or IS there one?
Man, lemme ask ya: Is there a difference between a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich and a big, juicy hamburger? I mean, both are filling, but one’s got a little meat to it!
Lemme put it this way: Back-in-the-day, there were thousands of cool 45’s twirling around the turntables, and some dynamite entertainers backing ‘em up onstage. Many were danceable, some could turn your lovin’ up a notch or two, and a few could make ya wish you had a beer to shed a tear in …
Aaaaah, then there were those whose deep lyrics, churning rhythm, heavy guitar bridges, and flexing vocals just got deep in your soul and embedded themselves there. They were the product of overall frustration with the establishment (man, did we ever wear out that word back then!), the war (ie, Vietnam), social injustice, or even themselves. They got deeper into everything, it seemed. And they were by performers who we could depend on for follow-up hits. These are the true “classics”.
Lemme give ya an example or two: Anybody remember Poison Ivy by the Paramounts? (okay … I know some of our readers from UK do!) Cool, but a cover. Classic?
Now … check out A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum. Classic? In the best sense, right?? Well … (Relic’s got a seeeeeecret …) It’s the same GROUP! Just years later … with a little more meat!
Or Go Now! by the Moody Blues (with Denny Laine). Good, listenable, killer piano … but classic? They took a little time off, then hit with Nights In White Satin, I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock & Roll Band) and the Relic’s fave, Question. New flavor, ’cause there’s more meat!
So there ya have it. Gimme your feedback, okay? What’s “classic” to you? Drop a few examples while you’re at it, if you wanna.
‘Til next time, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!
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