Been a Great While

The blog has been a little static lately with the last entry being my review of the new Flogging Molly album (which is coming out tomorrow). However, I did want to let everyone know that as a loving parent of music, everything's okay. In fact, things are even better than okay. They are great.

After a year that could only be described as "barely more depressing than the last", 2007 sticks in many minds as a mediocre year at best and slated to be stuck with 1978 being one of the most dull years in music history. Don't get me wrong, I know a lot about 1978 and its music. Van Halen and Toto both released self-titled debuts (one more warmly received than the other), The Blues Brothers had their first gig on SNL, Saturday Night Fever was cracking everyone over the head with the record sales stick, and Black Sabbath put out their last album with Ozzy (Never Say Die!, which has recieved underground notoriety for its quality). 2007 had its fair share of triumphs (See "Top Albums of 2007" from both DJ KRA and myself in the blog). I can not forget to mention the return of Led Zeppelin to the stage, Spinal Tap playing for Live Earth, and the Tenacious D movie spectaculary "The Pick of Destiny".

Yet, both 1978 had their down moments. For 1978, everything from Jefferson Starship to "YMCA" to the multitude of disco around (from bands as honorable as Rolling Stones) to the end of the authentic lineup of The Who due to Keith Moon's death. 2007? Oh, it had Amy Winehouse, the flavorless ressurection of Smashing Pumpkins, the drama train called Britney Spears, and the deaths of many wonderful musicians (Michael Brecker, Don Ho, Max Roach, Pavarotti, Kevin DuBrow, and Ike Turner).

But this isn't a pessimistic entry. This is the opposite. I will tell you now: 2008 ought to be a redeeming year. There are a lot of bands, old and new, doing what they can to keep up with the times and churn out the music you want to hear. Don't fret, people.

Finally, 1978 was a tragic year in rock due to the deaths of Louis Prima and Keith Moon. However, looking at the people who were born out of the year (Matt Bellamy of Muse, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, and Karen O of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs), maybe 2007 will have something to contribute after all.

Take luck,
DJ Mattlock