My Generation/Who vs Zep/Pagey

[Ian Derby <iderby19@us.net>]

> Most of the people here have seen my argument along these lines before, and
> I hope they don't mind one more go-round.
> Not being enough of a guitar player to explain in a way you might like, I
> can only say that MG is not structured like a Blues song...something that
> can be easily converted to a Berry-like song, if you understand what I mean.

Guess who?  

Mark, 

I read recently that Pete described the demo as Jimmy Reed doing a song 
at the age of 12 (the voice reference).  Since there isn't much 
difference from the demo and the master except for the depth, volume and 
attack (the chord progression remaining relatively intact) I'd say that 
Scotty is right.  (as I was two months ago).  To say this song doesn't 
have a blues foundation is plain silly.  I actually agree with you on the 
main point, this is the first legit rock song, but for different 
reasons.  The anger in Roger's voice was something unheard of in 1965; 
Mick Jagger was worried about getting laid, Roger Daltrey was pissed off 
at the world. John's bass break instead of the guitar solo; innovative 
(outside of jazz) and for the first time showed that rock and roll wasn't 
just kids who couldn't play their instruments (a big misconception for the 50's 
artists, Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana need I say more).  Finally, the 
ending of the song; total anarchy, feedback, massive drum rolls.   To sum 
it all up, the song isn't about chord progressions or blues scales, it's 
the lyrics.  It's the encompassment of teenage rebellion in one perfect 
song, which is of course rock music.