One thing that I think would determine the tolerance level for hearing overplayed rock songs is the amount of mainstream radio one has been exposed to over the years. I haven't listened to the radio since working construction in the early 90s and even then it wasn't long enough to grow a hatred for anything (save for The Eagles*). I ... don't ... drive. That factors into why I still like a lot of the popular music now I rejected listening to when I was growing up, buying tons of punk and alternative rock.
Black Flag was one of those bands you had to see live, in my opinion, after "Damaged." It was about letting the rock back into punk, a real dangerous energy as well, and beyond those horrible "loud fast rules" songs most bands were trying to make a hardcore career by (and Bad Brains dominated on to begin with). I enjoy albums like "Slip It In" to an extent, but rarely find myself playing them (especially as compared to "The First Four Years"). I understand your feelings about them being overrated though, The Grim -- I don't like their music any better personally than the less respected Circle Jerks and I think the first five years of DOA kicks everyone else's asses besides the Bad Brains.
* - Well, LIz, I'm sure you've noticed a resurgence in appreciation for The Eagles lately, especially among young indie rock kids. There seems to be an undercurrent of embarrassed love for them among some older rock critics too. I think in the next two years you will see a reissue overhaul of their EARLY records, and a desire from many people to "give them their due, in spite of original critical backlash and radio saturation." (Aligning them with Springsteen and other "American" rock stylists.) Thing is, with me, I sort of like the "Hotel California" decadent period which is not cool to like, because at least they were being honest about being coked-up morons. But I still don't like it that much (I would never buy a record of theirs, ever). But I'd bet anyone here $20 that in a few months a lot of people will be "coming out" with love for when the band first appeared, ripping off Gram Parsons, etc., as memories of their pomposity fade away.
Reviews
Chris Estey said on April 30, 2008:
One thing that I think would determine the tolerance level for hearing overplayed rock songs is the amount of mainstream radio one has been exposed to over the years. I haven't listened to the radio since working construction in the early 90s and even then it wasn't long enough to grow a hatred for anything (save for The Eagles*). I ... don't ... drive. That factors into why I still like a lot of the popular music now I rejected listening to when I was growing up, buying tons of punk and alternative rock.
Black Flag was one of those bands you had to see live, in my opinion, after "Damaged." It was about letting the rock back into punk, a real dangerous energy as well, and beyond those horrible "loud fast rules" songs most bands were trying to make a hardcore career by (and Bad Brains dominated on to begin with). I enjoy albums like "Slip It In" to an extent, but rarely find myself playing them (especially as compared to "The First Four Years"). I understand your feelings about them being overrated though, The Grim -- I don't like their music any better personally than the less respected Circle Jerks and I think the first five years of DOA kicks everyone else's asses besides the Bad Brains.
* - Well, LIz, I'm sure you've noticed a resurgence in appreciation for The Eagles lately, especially among young indie rock kids. There seems to be an undercurrent of embarrassed love for them among some older rock critics too. I think in the next two years you will see a reissue overhaul of their EARLY records, and a desire from many people to "give them their due, in spite of original critical backlash and radio saturation." (Aligning them with Springsteen and other "American" rock stylists.) Thing is, with me, I sort of like the "Hotel California" decadent period which is not cool to like, because at least they were being honest about being coked-up morons. But I still don't like it that much (I would never buy a record of theirs, ever). But I'd bet anyone here $20 that in a few months a lot of people will be "coming out" with love for when the band first appeared, ripping off Gram Parsons, etc., as memories of their pomposity fade away.