UPDATE: A very astute Mickey points out that I was talking about the peak of popular music in this post, which I indeed was. I do not mean to say that the indie scene has peaked.
I had a revelation about music this morning driving to work, courtesy of Alanis Morisette and “You Oughta Know.” yes, I know she has a new album but I haven’t heard it yet.
My revelation was this: music may have peaked in 1995.
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I was coming into my own as a young teen at the time, but 1995 was when I went from loving new music to LOVING new music.
Consider the following exhibits which CHANGED MY LIFE the way music could change my life in 1995:
The aforementioned “You Oughta Know”:
“I’m Just a Girl” by No Doubt:
“Run Around” by Blues Traveler:
“The World I Know” by Collective Soul:
“Wonderwall” by Oasis:
Still not convinced? Check out this exhibit on 1995 music from the Wikipedia, particularly the “Top Hits” section. All Over You … Any Man of Mine (c’mon gals, you know ever word to that song) … Buddy Holly … Creep … That’s just the first three letters of the alphabet, but I could go on.
1995 was also a hell of a year for the world of music in general: Jerry Garcia dies. Selena is murdered. Eazy-E dies. Tupac, on the other hand, is alive but he goes to jail. Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson get married.
It’s all been downhill since then and look what kind of crap we’re dealing with now.
Aw I know you can’t believe that. Granted popular music is crap right now, but the music scene is much larger now and the smaller and local type bands are amazing. Don’t get me wrong, I love to look back on the past through music, but some of this new stuff is just another milestone in my life defined through music.
You make a strong case. But in regards to Dustin’s comment, maybe we should just say popular music peaked.
Those are good songs.
Based on your selection of music there, maybe your music preferences were wrapped in your teenage angst. I know mine sure were. Now I’m a crotchety old fart who think kids these days listen to crap for music. In short, I’ve become my dad.
Oh, Modern Gal. SIGH. Don’t make me guest blog about music again. I’ll be forced to get all indie on your ass.
I have got to agree with you all awesome kick ass songs. Those were the days and horray to seeing your full posts via my reader.
I am so stuck in 95 with my music choices and I’m happy about it. I have to say, I feel the same way. Music was exciting back then. And you could listen to the radio and the stuff they played was good. Sure, there’s good indie stuff out there now, but there was something amazing about hearing amazing music everywhere.
You’re right, that was a damn good year. In the Hudson Valley, we’re lucky enough to have a radio station (WDST, Woodstock radio) that plays all those songs. They’re also playing some great new ones by Michael Franti, The Felice Brothers, Grace Potter, etc.
It’s true, the indie-to-not-quite-blockbuster scene these days is pretty damn great.
Sidenote: did you know You Oughta Know was written about Uncle Joey from Full House? I might not have always been a 4.0 student, but I am a wealth of useless facts.
Dustin: See forthcoming post.
Mickey: You make a correct observation. Let the record reflect The Modern Gal intended to describe the peak of “popular” music.
Herman: When I was writing this post, I thought “oh no, I’m turning into my Dad.” My Dad who claims civilization peaked in 1955
CB: See forthcoming post.
Kristen: I aim to please
Allie: You totally get what I’m saying.
Noelle: I so miss the days of alternative rock radio.
Angie: I’d heard that, but I like to forget it because an Alanis/Dave Coulier matchup weirds me out to no end.
Run Around is a great song. But I miss Alanis when she was a Canadian teen pop star! WITH ALL THE HAIR!