Let There Be Rock! After years of mellow music and “interesting lyrics,” a life-changing experience with Neil Young’s “Cowgirl in the Sand” reignited a passion for rock and roll. This is the story of a personal journey back to the raw energy of rock music and its surprising acceptance by the younger generation.
From Pretentious to Passionate: A Musical Transformation
The college years often bring about significant changes, and in this case, it was a shift away from the electrifying sounds of rock and roll. The allure of “intellectual” music led to a deep dive into genres like new wave and alternative, leaving behind the raw energy of bands like Led Zeppelin. Marriage and parenthood further solidified this transition, with musical choices revolving around what was deemed “family-friendly” and suitable for dinner parties. Think mellow singer-songwriters, acoustic sets, and music that wouldn’t disrupt a child’s nap.
A vintage Polaroid camera with a photo of a band playing rock music.
The Reawakening: Neil Young and Crazy Horse
Years later, a chance encounter with Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s Live at the Fillmore East proved to be a turning point. The sheer power and intensity of the 16-minute rendition of “Cowgirl in the Sand” was a revelation. It was a reminder of the visceral thrill of rock music, a stark contrast to the polite and predictable sounds that had become the norm. This experience sparked a rediscovery of rock’s raw energy and unbridled passion.
A close-up of a vinyl record spinning on a turntable.
Let There Be Rock: Embracing the Loud and Proud
The journey back to rock involved digging up old CDs, exploring YouTube for forgotten gems, and immersing oneself in the sounds of legendary artists like The Rolling Stones, James Brown, and Led Zeppelin. The rediscovery extended beyond classic rock to encompass contemporary artists who captured the same spirit, such as The Drive-By Truckers, Jack White, and My Morning Jacket. The focus shifted from “interesting lyrics” to music that felt good, music that resonated with a primal energy. Let there be rock, indeed.
Rock’s Unexpected Audience: The Next Generation
Surprisingly, this renewed passion for rock music found an unexpected audience: the kids. Playing classic and contemporary rock anthems in the car on the way to soccer games and playdates resulted in not complaints, but requests for “Again!” The children instinctively connected with the music’s energy and rhythm, proving that the power of rock transcends generations. A simple experiment – playing mellow indie folk followed by The White Stripes’ “Hotel Yorba” – confirmed that raw energy and a powerful beat often trump thoughtful introspection for young ears. Let there be rock for the next generation, too.
Conclusion: Let The Music Play
The journey from rock aficionado to subdued listener and back again highlights the enduring power of rock and roll. It’s a testament to the music’s ability to connect with us on a visceral level, regardless of age or life stage. Sometimes, what we need isn’t just “interesting,” but something that makes us feel alive, something that makes us want to roll down the windows, turn up the volume, and let the music wash over us. Let there be rock.
