Indie rock has always intrigued me in more ways than one, both music-wise and the social consequences and/or behavourial patterns attached to it.
First off, reason for bringing this up is that i recently picked up (not literally, if you catch my drift *wink wink) the soundtrack to nick and norah's infinite playlist, which, if you haven't figured it out yet, is a mixtape (in the spirit of the movie, for those who caught it) of contemporary indie rock bands. And i must say, it's definitely worth a listen even for those who aren't into indie rock. And especially if you've watched the movie, 'cos the use of the soundtrack throughtout the show was absolutely brilliant. I mean, that should be expected given the title of the movie yea? And you won't be disappointed.
Indie rock is a genre which definition i'm still utterly confused by. To some, the genre inclusions are as narrow as bands in the underground scene playing a certain style of rock, a la those New York-based bands such as Modest Mouse, We are Scientists. To others, post punk bands like the Killers are considered indie as well. There are even some who dispute that indie rock isn't a genre. It just refers to bands under independent record labels, who play rock, just that they all happen to play the same style of rock.
Whatever your definition of indie rock is, here comes the social enigma which i find so strongly attached to indie rock: the whole idea, or many might even suggest "ideal", of individuality. In fact, "ideal" sounds more fitting here, since i'm going to drive home the point that indie rock has been robbed of its essence, and that is individuality.
Confused? (Note: the following is just my hypothesis) Well, indie rock bands are independent in the first place for a reason, making music the mainstream won't appreciate. Which might be the reason why no major label is signing them. I'm talking about years ago, before the 80s when a certain Mr Cobain introduced garage rock to the mainstream world, before putting a bullet at the back of his head, further cementing garage rock into the annals of music history. So, before indie rock become more mainstream, people who actually followed indie rock bands, i might go out on a limb to say this, truly followed a band because of personal taste.
Fastforward to the 21st Century PC (post-Cobain), individuality in indie rock has taken a different turn. Now pardon me, i'm not assuming that there aren't people who followed indie bands cos their good. No, no.. definitely not with the slew of talented indie bands out there, that would be a really unfair and sweeping statement. And neither am I saying that listening to indie bands = having tons of individuality. But how many times have you come across people around you naming obscure bands during conversations, knowing that they have a miley cyrus shrine hidden at the back of their closets? They might have diverse tastes in music, but if that's the case, why don't you ever hear them speak about the new jonas brudders single?
Individuality in music has always been about listening to whatever you like. However, this has evolved into a mindset that individuality is listening to something that everyone else hasn't heard before. There are people who listen to bands not because they sound good, but because a little knowledge of these bands and a little name-dropping during conversations will up their individuality factor. I've hung around the local music forums and it's qutie amusing to see so many locals slamming mainstream music, example "we play indie rock/emo/metal, not lame pop music". Yes, different strokes for different folks, but that shouldn't be used as ammunition to slam someone else's music tastes.
I could go on about the ridiculous views on individuality and music some (or even most) kids have these days. Listening to the Decemberists doesn't make me any more an individual than my 13 year old neighbour listening to britney. (By the way, i don't listen to the decemberists, and i don't have a 13 year old neighbour. Just an example.) I think everyone should just be proud of what they listen to, though it is hard with all the haters out there. shrug
Anyway, here's my (not-so) infinite playlist. Not exactly the soundtrack of my life. Which is a very interesting idea. Everyone should have a soundtrack of their lives! To whomever reading this, whether i know you or don't, let's post it up and send me a link somewhere. I'm always game for a good song!
Without further ado:
After Hours, Impatience - We Are Scientists
Last Words - The Real Tuesday Weld
Middle Management - Bishop Allen
Nick & Norah's Theme - Mark Mothersbaugh (great, potentially loopable material)
PS, i'm on an indie rock kick, so no mainstream stuff. but i'm not embarassed to say i do like mainstream stuff, just as long as they're catchy. That's all i ask for. -
2 Comments:
HELLO. i have a blog(or maybe u alr know since u frequently blog perve), and i've decided to let you in on all my secrets(don't say i have no secrets).be honored. soundtrack of my life's sorta up there.hastily done and inaccurate tho.read at your own discretion ha ha
http://www.xanga.com/walluboo
- Steph !
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