October 2007

            
From the Attic

            Random Ramblings

            by T. Owen Stark



            "Hey Dad, I Think You Were
            Wrong On That One!"


            
I’d
            first like to thank Shirley Allard for the opportunity she’s
            allowed me to express my random thoughts on this wonderful website.
            The subject of my monthly pieces will be varied and at times
            unusual. I’ve experienced a lot in my 52 years without doing
            a great deal of traveling. I hope you enjoy my ramblings.

            
 

            
No Generation Gap Here

            
Being a veteran fan of Rock n’ Roll
            music, beginning with The Beatles appearance on The Ed Sullivan
            Show which I remember vividly, I am delighting in the resurgence
            and/or reuniting of the big bands of the 70’s and 80’s.
            Most recently it was announced that Led Zeppelin are coming back
            to join groups such as The Who, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith,
            The Police, and others in this rebirth of great music. I recently
            saw The Police at Hershey Park, Pennsylvania performing to what
            appeared to be a capacity crowd. A mix of young, old and in-between
            were present and did not appear to be disappointed with the performance.  What
            is the reasoning behind this resurgence? I believe it's due mainly
            to the fact that the mainstream music being produced today pales
            in comparison to popular music of my era. Kids are beginning
            to catch on to this fact as well, allowing it to pick up momentum
            as more and more teens are discovering the great music created
            during this period. There are the exceptions such as 3 Doors
            Down, Coldplay and Dave Matthews Band (although they’ve
            been around a while) and these bands will no doubt survive. However,
            in my opinion, acts such as Justin Timberlake, Brittany Spears
            and the lip-sinked driven trite in general will suffer big hits
            in sales as these same teens discover that lyrics can be an important
            ingredient when they turn on their ipods. My 22 year old son
            listens to Rush, Peter Gabriel, Zeppelin, Aerosmith, as well
            as The Police and is hungry for whatever I recommend from the
            70’s. Together, my 18 year old daughter, my son and I enjoyed
            The Police concert. Prior to that we attended the Rush concert
            at Nissan Pavilion in Virginia. If this Zeppelin reunion comes
            off and a tour unfolds, I predict record breaking ticket sales
            and a new album won’t even be necessary.

            
Remember when your Dad told you back in
            the 70’s how bad the music was and that no one would remember
            it 30 years down the road? Well, we can turn to Dad sittin’
            in his La -Z -Boy and say; "Pop, I think you were wrong
            on that one."

            
Now I ask you; who’s gonna remember
            Brittany Spears 30 years from now stumbling and lip sinking to
            that awful song at the music awards? Hmmm, what was the name
            of that song? Beats me!

            
Tom Owens was born in Washington
            DC. After living in Maryland for many years, he became a single
            parent and now resides in Virginia with his children who are
            the first 3 loves of his life. The other three are music, movies
            and The Washington Redskins. Tom also dabbles in poetry. You
            can read more of his poetry at http://starkimages.blogspot.com/