In the article, How the Beatles Destroyed Rock “N”
Roll: An Alternate History of American
Popular Music, Elijah Wald gives his depictions of a music genre changed
through heavily influence from the British rock sensation. While it is unclear as to why Wald feels the
Beatles revolutionized this change in contemporary Rock “N” Roll of the time,
he depicts the changes quite well in his full text rendition of the era. He begins by taking the reader through the
birth of rock, and how it drastically went from Buddy Holly and Elvis, to the
structured sound of group influx and Beatle Mania.
While Wald never fully engulfs us in
his thoughts on how he feels that Beatles destroyed Rock “N” Roll, it is quite
ironic how differently rock was transcended at this time in history. It gives us great insight into the movement
and theory of change, as we clearly see the transition between styles of music
of the time. Bands such as the Beatles
began to cross boundaries with their music and the world took notice. It was at this time that Wald feels rock n
roll was changed forever.
Wald also goes into great depth as
to where he believed true rock n roll derived from, in which he states was
white men transitioning the black man’s music, and eventually vice versa. The influence of musical exchange evoked a
fire in the genres of music. Wald finishes
by stating that these influences where further brought on by the Beatles and
their sound evoking rhythm.
Personally, I do not agree with
Wald, as musical of the 50s quickly took on new direction as the times and culture
shifted to more mainstream middle class influences. I cannot quite wrap my head around the idea
that this one “British invasion,” transformed rock as we knew it. While they were defiantly a formidable force
and a breath of fresh air to the times, they only further exceeded what other
artist of the times were already doing, opening up the doors for music never
quite felt before.
The importance of bringing such
material to light is to see the different cultural and societal perspectives on
the situations surrounding musical discrepancies. As we are all entitled to our thoughts and
opinions it is necessary to view such music depictions with an open mind and
unbiased perspective. While I do not
agree with Elijah Wald that the Beatles destroyed rock and roll, I do find his
comments to be objective. The Beatles
did change music history, however to say that they destroyed rock is by no
means true to fact.
Great post, I liked how you were not swayed by Elijah Wald's article. I agree that the Beatles did change music and music history, but they never destroyed rock n roll. Like Neil Young said Rock N Roll can never die. The Beatles just found their niche and went with it, as did many many other musicians. Its how the cycle works, which is good otherwise we would not have the diversity we have today
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