Re: My Gen over YRGM + ADAAOTN

[mleaman@.sccoast.net (Mark Leaman)]

>> >
>> >Since the Who didn't have a big impact in the US until later (Decca
>> >has something to do with this) you didn't get the full unleashing of
>> >My Gen like you heard YRGM for the first time.  Take that away and
>> >it becomes clear that My Generation is not only a watershed single in
>> >terms of it's heavyness and depth (the controlled feedback and
>> >climaxed finale) but also a song that IMHO has worn much better over
>> >time (it's become an anthem for every disgruntled generation since).  
>> >MG takes what the Kinks began and opens a wider door into
>> >the age of power and volume in rock music.  Just because it didn't
>> >crack the top 40 doesn't mean it's impact wasn't felt.  The same can
>> >be said about the Velvet Underground and Big Star with it's impact
>> >on today's alternative scene.  No one will say that the Kinks weren't 
>> >the first, but the Who made it's mark.
>> 
>> Ian:
>> We must disagree again. While it's true that ICE & My Generation didn't make
>> musch of a chart impression, that's not to say that the artists didn't hear
>> them. It's easy to see that they did, actually. Before the MY GENERATION
>> album was released, bands (including The Beatles) were pretty much recycling
>> Chuck Berry & Blues. After MG...anything went. A quick look at Rock history
>> shows this.
>> My Generation was also the first single I know of with the Punk attitude.
>> You Really Got Me ect. were love songs...yawn (as far as the lyrics are
>> concerned).
>
>Mark, read what I say again.  You're agreeing with me.
>
>"just because it didn't crack the top 40 doesn't mean it's impact
>wasn't felt"...I think that sums it up.

Ian:
I just think it was a bit stronger than "...doesn't mean it wasn't felt." It
definitely was felt, although I must amend what I said anyway because Anyway
Anyhow Anywhere was the first single with Punk attitude.
I do believe that MY GENERATION had an impact in the USA, despite the
charting. And The Who's impact went on...is it a coincidence that Blue Cheer
recorded a version of Summertime Blues in `68 much like what The Who played
on their `67 tour? And the MC5...I don't even need to say it, do I?
I totally agree with you about the Velvet Underground. But I must admit to
never having heard Big Star.
    Cheers                        ML