Blues.. A Thing Of The Past?

The Blues form was first popularized between the years 1911 - 1914 by the black composer W.C. Handy. However, the poetic and musical form of Blues first crystallized around 1910 and gained popularity through the publication of Handy's 'Memphis Blues' (1912) and 'St. Louis Blues' in 1920. The Blues influence on Jazz brought it into the mainstream and made possible the records of Blues singers like Bessie Smith and later in the thirties, Billie Holiday.

Then in the fifties, the emergence of artists like B.B. King, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, and the 'King Of Rock And Roll' Elvis Presley helped carry on the Blues music and even brought it to a whole new level. The influence he had from the Blues early in his career was very evident in hits like "That's Alright Mama" and "Blue Suede Shoes". He made it possible for Blues to convey into a then, very rational America, and burst it in the mainstream media. Fast forward a few years later, artists such as Marvin Gaye, Eric Clapton, and Tracy Chapman continued the long line of great music that is Blues.

And even today, The Blues is still alive and kicking! With artists like John Mayer, John Legend, Robin Thicke, and Alicia Keys keeping the history of Blues music alive and let us all hope that generations to come would continue to do this genre justice by not allowing the Blues to be something of the past.

Punk Rock Revolution

Punk rock emerged in the music scene during the 1970's in America, United Kingdom, and Australia. It brought fast, hard-edged music with strong lyrics to it's listeners and the content usually has messages that are anti-government or anti-authoritarian. Anarchy Punk is a type of punk rock that demonstrates these attitudes. Punk rock bands embrace a DIY (Do It Yourself) ethic where many of them self-produce their albums and spread them through informal channels such as underground performances.

Give a listen to some of these popular punk rock bands such as Sex Pistols, Green Day, Blink 182, The Offspring, and NOFX.

Today, punk rock is more of a fashion trend and it's purpose is slowly fading away. Since the true punk rock bands are anti-government, that makes it difficult for them to spread their message on a wider scale since the government will do anything to stop them from spreading anarchy. Otherwise, punk rock has a mean, fast-paced sound to it which is guaranteed to pump your adrenaline! So give this genre a chance and support the cause! Punk not dead! Power to the people!