David N. Townsend

ROCK 'N' ROLL PAGES

Does anybody remember Rock 'n' Roll? Rock music? You know, "be-bop-a-lula," and "my baby love," and "psycho killer, qu'est-ce que c'est"? Remember when it was rebellious to crank your bedroom stereo (or phonograph) to maximum on a Hendrix or Black Sabbath tune? How about standing around at a High School dance, making fun of the band as it tried to play a Stones or U2 song, while quietly dreading the moment when the inevitable slow dance number would begin? Was it "Loving You" by Elvis this time? Or was that another era, somebody else's life?

It seems a long time ago, doesn't it? Except sometimes, when you're driving in rush hour, and you click on the Oldies, or Classic Rock, or Hits from the 80s station, and they just happen to hit the nail right on the head ("Sgt. Pepper"? "Kashmir"? "London Calling"?), you're transported back, for a few minutes, to those powerful, magical times, when the music was so much a part of the fabric of life. When you used to put on an album or a 45 and just listen to it, doing nothing else but maybe staring at the jacket, or singing and air guitaring along. When the songs had meaning, because they were happening now, and your experience seemed in parallel with their images.

I remember a lot, and I've tried not to let go of that connection to Rock music. I've also thought a lot about it (and talked, and listened, and danced, and played, and taught). Consequently, I've written a lot, too, because that's what I do. These pages, then, are dedicated to expression of the ideas and feelings, and simple joy, that Rock 'n' Roll has inspired in so many of us.

Changing the World: Rock 'n' Roll Culture and Ideology
("The Book")

For starters, you have the first several chapters of my unpublished, unfinished epic tome on the history and meaning of Rock. This will tell you the story of the music, and of how it has, indeed, changed the world. More is on the way, soon. Sooner, if you ask nicely.

Essays and Commentary

Miscellaneous musings on various groups, albums, movements, concerts, and other issues. Whatever comes to mind, usually while listening to tunes.

 

Songs

That's right, this is where self-indulgence truly reaches a pinnacle. Some day, when I have the time and technology, I'll post some actual .wav files here of stuff I've recorded. For now, it's mostly lyrics and some chords, possibly some sheet music files if I get ambitious. It's all just for the heck of it, but hey, if you see something you like, let me know.

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© 1997 David N. Townsend