Now, it’s time to jump in to the waters of music, and get back to the basics.

Growing up in America, more specifically–Covina, children were bred with a sense of patriotism that seems to be lacking in this day and age.  You all know what I am talking about.  I really doubt I was the only one who grew up on Wonder Bread, the pledge of allegiance every morning, apple pie, and twin popsicles on the 4th of July at gigantic fireworks shows.  The old Americana style has been lost in the years, it seems.  Whether we showed more “patriotism” as kids because we were naive or because we lack the confidence, today, as adults to stand up for this “land of the free and home of the brave,” it is apparent in our culture.  Fashion snapshot: BEFORE–Men wore pants at the waist and took pride in their appearance and women wore clothes.  AFTER–Men wear their sister’s pants at their knees and women’s clothing uses as much material as it takes to make a onesie for little Bronx Moglie….   <- disturbing, no?   What’s even more disturbing is the progression of music. 

Now, understand that I am in absolutely no way saying that all music today is crap.  Honestly, some of it is but at the same time some of it is incredible.  The problem I have with the progression of music, and where it stands today, is that throughout its evolution we have lost our roots.  Don’t get me wrong, I blare Anti-Flag and Rise Against out of my car speakers like nobody’s business, but when was the last time you listened to oldies? 

I say it’s time to get back to our roots.  I mean, if it weren’t for revolutionaries like Elvis Presley or Jerry Lee Lewis, you wouldn’t have rock music today.  Paying tribute to these legends, I am offering a solution.  A chance to look back at the evolution of music, but in a modern way.  Let’s be honest, after reading this, I know you aren’t going to turn your car radio to K-EARTH 101 while you drive.  My compromise: The Gaslight Anthem–A modern punk/rock band with a twist of Americana.

The Gaslight Anthem is a group based out of Jersey.  <–hmm…same area ”The Boss” (in all his Americana glory) is from.  Coincidence?  The band is fronted by Brian Fallon on lead vocals and guitar.  Alex Rosamilia and Alex Levine both back Fallon’s old-school style vocals and play guitar and bass, respectively.  Benny Horowitz is Mister Percussion and performs on drums, tambourine.  Their melodies are reminiscent of “the good-ole-days” and their lyrics personify their Americana attitude.  With songs like “Here’s Looking At You Kid,” “Great Expectations,” and “Meet Me By The River’s Edge” you can’t help but fall in love with this band.

For Fallon, Rosamilia, Levine, and Horowitz simplicity is essential and necessary, especially in this day and age. According to ondeafears.com The Gaslight Anthem is the music of the simple, common man. ”Much like Born To Run-era Bruce, this young band writes simple songs that tell the stories of youth, of nights spent lamenting lost loves and searching for new ones while cruising the streets and trying to figure out what it all means. [...] The Gaslight Anthem’s latest record, The ’59 Sound, is its simplicity.”  http://ondeafears.com/2008/12/02/album-review-the-gaslight-anthem-the-59-sound/

Listening to The Gaslight Anthem, you are sure to get back to the basics.  I am not forcing you to buy their album or download their songs from iTunes…but just give them a chance.  Pay homage to all those forgotten pioneers of rock.   

GREAT EXPECTATIONS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYO3Ey8NxPQ

59 SOUND: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOBb13yDnzo

CASANOVA, BABY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv25hbTWM9w&feature=related

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU KID: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INFo3YDz-Ak&feature=related

MEET ME BY THE RIVER’S EDGE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKL-BYhRJu8&feature=related

So there it is, a taste of yesteryear.  Happy Listening!