Whatever I Want – An Xperience Column

Whatever I Want – An Xperience Column – by Jason Irwin.

The “New Classics” of 2000 and Beyond …

“Classic rock.” When you hear that label, you think of the Rolling Stones, The Who, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd (and even a couple of American bands). Right? OK … fine. For the patriotic: Van Halen, the Eagles, Boston, Skynyrd, and Fleetwood Mac. Throw in AC/DC, U2, and Rush to cover a few of the other homelands. Of course … I’m summarizing. There are lists out there of “the 100 Greatest Classic Rock Bands of All Time,” and they typically boast basically the same groups and the best of the ‘60s, ’70s, ’80s … and sometimes ’90s. I think most of us have accepted the ’80s hair bands and ’90s grunge and alt-rock acts into the club. If not, that’s ok. Neither Jon Bon Jovi nor Eddie Vedder are super bothered. That’s not the real point of this effort. The point isn’t even to define “classic rock.” It’s impossible. Is it an era … or a genre? Typically, the generation of the person reflects greatly on this. Understandable. That topic has been beaten to death – and you know what they say about shaking something more than necessary – we aren’t here for that. There are tons of opinions about it, and none of them matter here. What matters to me is this: what are the new classics … the songs of 2000 and beyond that will stand the test of time? “Smooth,” by Santana & Rob Thomas, was the biggest rock (term used loosely) song of the year 2000. That was 25 years ago. Here is the question: Will people be singing it 25 years from now? I host a morning FM radio show on a “classic rock” station, and struggle with this one on a daily basis, especially knowing that I have “younger” listeners. I almost feel guilty pulling from the post-2000 pool. But why? That’s why I want to induct these 10 rock greats of 2000+ into the red room of rock. These are some of the songs from that era that I think fit the feel and will stand the test of time. Is there a new “Stairway to Heaven” somewhere in here? Maybe … maybe not (of course, I have a theory on that.)

“Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes (2003)
Jack White has accomplished something pretty amazing. He came along in 1999, and over the next few years, he inserted himself amongst the ranks of the greats. We accepted it, and he deserves it. The riff on this one is enough to carry it for many years. It’s catchy as heck and a little dangerous sounding. I’ve had this requested at solo acoustic shows based on the opening lick alone. “Can you play the song that goes …’dun, dun dun dun dun dun, dun …’?” And they usually come from 20-30 somethings. That’s a sign.

“In the End” by Linkin Park (2000)

“Hybrid Theory” is the best-selling debut album of the 21st century. Period. Chester’s tragic passing further increased their popularity, as happens. But they didn’t need that at all.

“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers (2004)

Here’s another one I base solely on personal observation. I DJ in clubs. The average age is maybe 25. And it never fails … from the crowd, I see the phone held up – an annoying way to request music, by the way, people. But the text is either the latest rap hit that I haven’t heard of, or this one. And pretty much the only song with guitars I’ll play that night. And man, do they love it. Sing-alongs that shake the building are going to last.

“Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus (2000)
Everybody loves this song. Like, everybody. Did I say everybody?

“Miss You” by Blink-182 (2004)
‘90s hits like “All the Small Things” and at least three more are already in the club. This one gets added to the list for one pop-culture phenomenon alone … the meme-tastic (fake) word, ”yead.” Emo karaoke night wouldn’t exist without this song. And emo karaoke night isn’t going anywhere.

“Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down (2000)

Every bar rock cover band in the world plays it. Why? Because every hot mom in the audience sings it when they do. And anything Superman is gold. Our favorite Kryptonian is going to be rehashed a hundred more times, at least. We love that guy and anything that references him.

“Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne (2003)
She really did have it going on. And she won’t ever need cosmetic surgery, as she has become immortal.

“Times Like These” by The Foo Fighters (2003)
Nirvana was active from 1987–1994 (and really only known in the mainstream from ’91.) Three measly years … compared to Dave Grohl’s grief project – now celebrating 30 years. Hard to believe, but it’s true. This is a band that has done nothing short of stand up and proclaim, “No. Rock and Roll is not dead.” A few ’90s hits have already solidified their position in the brotherhood. This anthem tops them off.

“Uprising” by Muse (2009)
I could have picked from about 5 of their songs. This band is unique. I’m naming them the new Queen.

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day (2004)
My list isn’t in order of importance, but if it were, this would be my heavy hitter.
This may surprise, confuse, or even anger you. But this is my pick for the song that lasts forever. Here’s why. Sure, it’s got all the elements that make up a great tune. It even boasts an epic song title. But aside from that, it invokes a feeling. And that’s what makes a song last. They did it with 1997’s “Good Riddance,” and they did it again here. The album was pretty politically charged, but standing (or walking, I should say) alone from the rest of the opera, it doesn’t register as such. When I hear it … I don’t hear politics. I hear a story about a guy walking by himself on a road that has an unclear destination. It’s relatable. And you know – politics in music isn’t new. Some of the greatest rock songs of all time have had their motivations. But they’re just songs. It’s your choice how you hear them.

Runners-up:

The Strokes’ “Last Nite”, 30 Seconds to Mars’ “The Kill”, Cage the Elephant’s “Ain’t No Rest For the Wicked”, Metallica’s “Whiskey in the Jar,” and Johnny Cash’s “Hurt.”

Honorable Mention Bands:
Audioslave: Supergroups are fun, and legends lost tend to live on.
Velvet Revolver: See above.
Fall Out Boy: Emo isn’t defined by an era. It’s a culture. Jam bands aren’t for everyone.

Stained/Aaron Lewis: Crossing over from nu metal to country doesn’t work for just anyone.
Limp Bizkit: They’re back – and they’re BFFs with Corey Feldman. Fred and Wes will be “rollin’” for a while.

Disturbed: That darn Simon and Garfunkel cover hits, and covers are a great way to jump ahead.

Deftones: Even if the only song they ever released was “Change (In the House of Flies”.)

Avril Lavigne: If you argue this one, she’ll pretty much kick your butt.

Paramore: See above.

The Darkness: I believe in a thing called an earworm.

The Black Keys: I like this duo the way I like Jack and Meg … just a shiver less.

Kings of Leon: How many hits were on that record?

Good Charlotte: Nicole Richie and Cameron Diaz can’t both be wrong. Can they?

Tenacious D: Jack Black is an icon. Sure, the other guy messed up, but time heals. It did for Dave Grohl.

So, there it is. The only way to find out for sure is to tune in a few decades from now. Hopefully, we’re still living in a world where rock and roll exists. The trends in music aren’t promising. But maybe, just maybe … the obnoxious guy at the bar in 2050 will be yelling “Greeeeen Daaaaay” instead of “Freeeeee Biiiiird” at the musician or band performing. Probably not, but only time will tell.

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