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Sunday, November 11, 2007

What makes a modern rock star?

For some reason I have been considering what makes for a rock star today in constrast to a generation or two ago. Here are the generalities I have discovered. Anymore thoughts on the subject would be gratefully received.

Pre-and embryonic Rock stars (-c1965)
* Looks respectable * Wholesome image * Lots of cover versions * Generic mid-50s style of singing ie crooning and sentimental * Did not write own material * Song topics: love almost exclusively * Never outspoken or given to sermonising * Considered themselves entertainers primarily * lLittle or no difference between live and recorded versions of songs*

Classic Rockstar (c1965-c1980)
(This age ushered in by The Beatles, Dylan, The Stones etc)
* Looks distinctive or preferably iconic * Showmen * Some cover versions but lots of new material * Egotistical * Fun-seekers * Ostentibly extrovert * Distinctive voice * Song topics: love, mystical, self exploration * Rarely outspoken or given to sermonising * Considered themselves entertainers primarily but also used music as a means of self-expression * Laughed a lot and considered rock basically a fun music * Music generally uptempo and very danceable *

Modern Rockstar (c1980-present)
(This age ushered in by Sting and Bono)
* Look as ordinary as possible* Generic modern vocal delivery ie mumbled with lots of falsetto * Introverted and moody * Music as a means of self-expression paramount, entertainment value less important * Preachy and finger-waggy both in songs and person * Song topics: anything worthy or which will get you taken seriously, love themes less common * Rarely smile and consider Rock an important medium "for change" * danceability very low, lots of slow meandering "epics" * Drummers can only play to a clicktrack *

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