Anomale Used Blog

So, taking all those changes and disagreements into account, what can we say about the state of blues today? There are many answers, but I can only give the ones that seem particularly relevant to me. One is that the great music of the past is more available than ever before, thanks to the Internet, modern fans can hear recordings and watch videos by the finest performers of previous eras, and some young artists have used those tools to learn classic styles and connect with peers who share their tastes. These new artists have included a wave of young African American musicians... who are connecting blues to country, ragtime, jazz, and contemporary pop and alternative styles. The other answer I’d give is that the same communities and traditions that produced blues a century ago are still producing a wealth of new music. From small neighborhood clubs to stadium stages, and the virtual stages of the Internet... there is a lot of exciting music being made, and if I want to make a case for ...

Many parents believed that this music was simply noise that had a negative influence on impressionable teens. Either way, it became clear that rock and roll was here to stay, bringing with it important changes... the impact of rock and roll, and... how the birth of this new music influenced and was influenced by technology, teen culture, race, and geography. Students will examine and evaluate conflicting opinions about the music that has appealed to teens over the past fifty years... identify whether they think each quote refers to music in the early days when rock and roll first emerged or in later years when heavy metal and hip hop became popular.   As rock and roll became a national phenomenon, many cities across the country became key to its development and expansion... The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s Landmark Series designates certain sites around the United States as historic rock and roll landmarks. These include King Records in Cincinnati, OH, the Surf Ballroom ...

For nearly 50 years, rock 'n roll was the most popular music in America and in many other parts of the world. There are some common stories about where rock 'n roll came from, but a new book argues that many of those stories are myths. On songs like Little Red Rooster... this version of the blues didn’t become part of rock music until the 1960s, when the Rolling Stones embraced Delta Blues. And what about the other origin story for rock, that it came from rhythm and blues, or R&B? Every artist builds on the previous generation’s work... exploring not only the music that came before rock 'n roll, but the music that came before that. There are many examples and some of them go way back. It may seem like a quantum leap from the suave orchestrations of the Big Band Era to the rowdy sounds of rock 'n roll, but it was really just a hop, skip and jump. Source: Where Did Rock 'n' Roll Come From? By Richard Paul Yanni - Within Attraction Live Released on:March 1, 199...

During World War II, soldiers brought records over to Europe by artists like Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, Lead Belly, and others. Many of those vinyl LPs stuck around after combat in little poor towns, like Liverpool, where the Beatles are from. These albums provided the foundation for the British Invasion rock bands. We’ve all heard of the British Invasion, right? That period in the 1960s when America was flooded with excellent rock bands... And how that movement lasted well into the ’70s with other bands like Led Zeppelin. While the music is certainly the result of talent, skill, and hard work, it is also the result of these bands listening to American blues records. As such, we wanted to showcase a list of old blues songs that would end up providing either the inspiration, foundation, or outright material for covers of tracks now made famous by the British Invasion bands and other now well loved groups. Source: Classic Rock Songs Inspired by Blues Artists by Jacob Uitti Stanley Cla...

Musically, rhythm and blues artists, translation,  African American artists, were making tremendous, groundbreaking music, but sales were a tiny fraction compared to lilywhite Pop music, which still made the bulk of the profits for all record companies. Rhythm and Blues was sold as race records through the distributors, a blatant classification based on skin color. Much the same could be said of country music, translation, whites who played rough sounding folk music, sold through the record stores as hillbilly records, it sold well enough for labels to produce these records, but compared to mainstream pop records, hillbilly records were a small blip in sales. There was no disguising the fact that hillbilly was a record company’s classification of poorer, less educated rural Americans. Just look at the biggest selling artists of the late 1940s and early 1950s... These were the big sellers, the industry leaders, the big stars. It’s hard to visualize today, because now the industry is...

During the decade, the types of parentally approved and appropriate dress for teen boys consisted of loose fitting slacks, an ironed shirt and tie, a sports jacket, and polished black or brown loafers. Haircuts were short and neat. Clean cut preppy boys donned tan chinos, a type of pants, that ended just below the ankles, V neck sweaters, and white buck shoes or Top Siders, deck shoes. Their female equivalents wore saddle shoes, bobby socks, blouses with pleated skirts, or dirndl dresses, which featured lots of petticoats, and came sleeveless or with puffed sleeves. Favored hairstyles included the ponytail and bouffant, hair that was teased and combed up to stand high on a woman's head. Teens who embraced rock 'n roll began looking and dressing in ways that veered from the accepted norm. Teenage boys wore tight fitting blue jeans and white T shirts, an outfit that represented the essence of rock 'n roll rebellion. Or they adapted the greaser look favoring tight T shirts and...

This split, he adds, does have some roots in the social structure of the United States. People were segregated, both through law and through practice, and it was perhaps a natural step for the white decision makers of the recording industry to develop a system of segregating records according to the race of the performers. As musical styles like urban blues and bop began to appear in the 1940s, it felt ridiculous to put all of those under the umbrella of race music simply because the artists were all Black. Although the term may have gone away, in the ’40s, the idea of segregating the music of Black performers had become well ingrained within the American psyche, Redd writes. Though radio made it easier for all listeners to hear all kinds of music, by the 1950s, many of these same stations were again using the terms R&B and rock interchangeably. DJ Alan Freed’s Rock and Roll Show played R&B. And though Freed is credited with popularizing the term as a genre, the lyrics of rhyth...

There was never a time when women weren't a driving force in rock 'n roll, but the 1980s and 1990s witnessed the emergence of a crop of female rock talent that would be the envy of any decade. Among the iconic women rock stars to leave their marks on the era, many of whom were independently produced. In 1993, ground was finally broken on the long awaited Rock & Roll Hall of Fame museum and hall in Cleveland. The moment was accompanied by a concert that drew legendary talent from rock 'n roll years gone by. Around the time that nu metal began to wane, the post punk revival movement was on the rise. Bands like the White Stripes, the Killers, and the Strokes defined the stripped down, genre blending sound that brought rock 'n roll into the 21st century. Source: Music History of rock 'n roll by Andrew Lisa The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony Genre: Rock Released in: 1997 Vocals by: Richard Ashcroft The Verve · Bitter Swe "In 1998, The Verve won two Brit Awards, ...

Rock music has continued to evolve, giving rise to subgenres like punk, alternative rock, grunge, and more. Each of these subgenres has its own unique approach to guitar playing. Advancements in guitar technology, including solid state amplifiers, effects pedals, and digital modeling, have expanded the possibilities for guitarists in the modern era. Rock has crossed paths with various genres, including blues rock, jazz rock fusion, and progressive rock, resulting in innovative guitar playing techniques and styles. The guitar’s journey from the soulful blues of the Mississippi Delta to the electrifying sounds of rock ‘n roll and its many subgenres is a testament to its adaptability and power as an instrument. It has been a vehicle for self expression, rebellion, and creative innovation throughout the decades. Whether in the hands of a blues legend, a rock icon, or a contemporary artist, the guitar continues to shape the musical landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music....

All the Faults and Disadvantages of Vinyl  Images by Dane Deaner Non Fill Non fill refers to a pressing defect that occurs when the molten vinyl does not flow fully to produce a well formed groove. It occurs most often on a 180g record's outer edge and is caused by the vinyl's beginning to harden prematurely. The sound produced is noise, a sound that we've all heard too often. This was the problem that plagued Classic's early 200g Quiex SV-P flat profile pressings. Crackle on Vinyl Records Simply put, the crackle you hear through your speaker is the amplification in sound of an impurity or obstruction on the record surface. When the stylus encounters one of this issue the result will be either a crackle or a pop. A dirty record is one of the most common reasons for crackle. Dust and dirt lodged in the record grooves act as an obstacle for your turntable’s stylus, and when the stylus hits one of these microscopic particles it will jump and create that popping sound assoc...

Many claim that the defining moment that makes Cleveland the birthplace of rock started back in the early 1950s, with help from radio disc jockey Alan Freed. His radio show on WJW in Cleveland was gaining popularity because of the kind of music he was playing for his mostly white audience. The music experience in the United States was split in half, by race. White audiences were listening to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, while African American audiences were listening to rhythm and blues, which was referred to as race music at that time. Freed became great friends with Leo Mintz, owner of Record Rendezvous record store. Mintz’s store was making waves as one of few places where white people could listen to and purchase race music. Mintz convinced Freed to start playing this music on his radio show, but they changed the genre’s name to a borrowed term from old blues tunes, rock and roll, which was actually a term for fornication. The results were positively astounding. The ...

Philadelphia was well positioned to play a leading role in popular music. The city had long been one of the nation’s most important musical centers, with strong traditions in both European derived and African American music dating back to the eighteenth century. In the early twentieth century Philadelphia saw a dramatic increase in its Black population as a result of the Great Migration. By the 1940s, Philadelphia’s large and diverse Black population had created thriving scenes in jazz and gospel music. From these traditions a new kind of music emerged in the 1940s, in Philadelphia and across the nation. Usually played in small combos called jump bands, the music featured rollicking dance rhythms coupled with fairly simple blues based harmonies and melodies. The adaptation of this style, known as rhythm and blues or R&B, by white musicians essentially created rock and roll. In Philadelphia in the late 1940s and early 1950s, jump bands played dance halls, nightclubs, and corner bars...

That link between writing music and the physical outcome of it is one of the problems I have with the modern blues musician. They make records. They are not recorded. It's not their fault, you understand, we live in a time where music as product is inescapable, so everyone channels their art into this product even if they don't mean to. Their art is made with format in mind. Therefore the modern version of the blues, the type you find under the Blues & Jazz section in HMV, is the performer communicating their version of the blues to other people from original idea through to CD in jewel case. They are artists. My over simplistic view of the blues is that it has a purpose, and that purpose is to sing away your troubles or sooth them somehow. That's where the roots of the music lie. In theory, if you do a perfect job you won't be playing the blues anymore, as you'll have cheered your ass up. When you're on a 10 album contract you're probably less likely to...

Great Britain in the late 1950s did not enjoy the variety of radio and television available in the United States. The BBC controlled virtually all broadcast entertainment in the United Kingdom. Popular music was heard only on a portion of broadcasting known as the Light Programme, which ceased broadcasting at midnight every day, and in any case, carried other presentations besides music. When the Beatles first arrived in America in 1964, they all expressed astonishment at the wide selection of radio stations and the programs they offered, which were still not available in Britain. The ports were how American music gained a foothold in Great Britain, through the records which were brought in, both legally and illegally, from overseas. Listening to the music from the records, rather than occasional play on the radio, allowed the listeners to parse them carefully. British musicians learned to play the sounds from America, often modifying them to allow use of available instruments. Differe...

There is something to this magnificent music that draws my ears in a way like no other. People always say that there is that one song that you hear, and when it grabs you, it holds you to your very core. I would say most, if not all blues music I came in contact with had that effect on me. One benefit of growing up in the age of the internet was that I had options to craft my individuality the way I saw fit. In this case, I dived deep into the blues, because it was always at my fingertips. The way I saw it, why would I only listen to what was popular when I could literally explore any genre I wanted? I listened to punk, afrobeat, hip hop, gospel, and classical music. In each of these genres, I found the blues. It was so interesting to me understanding how everyone’s favorite band loved and admired the blues so greatly, yet everyday people didn’t seem to care about blues.  I quickly learned that people’s perception of the Blues were heavily misguided. Some people thought it was jus...

When the genre gave a voice to their common experiences in a period where the majority of society was indoctrinated to both deny and eliminate their self expression... This was one of the major themes of the blues, the voice of the people, in addition to love, poverty, and betrayal, amongst many others. These themes were one of the elements that would later become essential in many of the multitude of genres that blues music spawned. The rising popularity of blues throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries spawned two subgenres which we know today as ragtime and jazz. The two genres formed their own identities and developed in parallel in the 1910s, and eventually led to more subgenres, jump blues, which was then also identified as rhythm and blues, bebop, and electric blues. The emergence of electric blues was the final push needed to claim the mainstream spotlight for the genre, spreading blues over radio waves around the world. While bebop grew to become the predominant form ...

Dating as far back as the mid 1950s, people all over the world have been rocking and rolling. There’s no question why rock and roll is one of the most popular and influential styles of music in history. Combining elements from several genres including rhythm and blues, jazz, boogie woogie, as well as gospel and country, rock and roll boasts an undeniable groove and soulful energy that is hard for anyone to ignore. Rock and roll has left its mark on language, lifestyles, fashion, attitudes, and many other facets of life. Beyond being fun to listen to, there are many rock and roll benefits that are highly rewarding, no matter who you are. Rock & roll music has a way of uniting cultures and bringing people together. When you really listen and feel the music, rock and roll often strikes a chord within that resonates with our heart, mind, and spirit. Nothing touches the soul quite like rock and roll music, because it expresses at times what we cannot express ourselves. Music can also pr...

In a very real sense, rock was implicit in the music of the first Africans brought to North America. It’s an important lineage to acknowledge. Language and culture were the only thing slaves could bring with them from Africa, and their musical rhythms and practices fused with Western religion, giving birth to gospel which begat blues which then begat jazz and rock ‘n roll. That river of song runs so deeply through the collective musical history of the United States and, through its cultural influence, the musical history of the world, it is difficult to map exactly where any of that river’s tributaries begin. When asked if any amount of evidence can establish a definitive birthplace of rock ‘n roll, Wilder said, I’ve learned the hard way that music and art is subjective, so I guess the answer is no, you can’t really draw a line in the sand. People are going to have opinions, and I’ve always had ‘em! Whether these are the first rock 'n roll songs, they are definitely rock ‘n roll, a...

Bands like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin were created within the 1960’s. The rise of new emerging artists familiarized the public to the sound of rock ‘n roll. From their iconic stage presence, there were higher levels of energy produced during performances in both the bands and the crowd. When the 80s hit it was time for stronger, crazier, and overall intensive music to be created... This was not only because of their instrumentals, but because of their messages behind the music. Their reason of being focused on having a good time, which included a lot of partying with a lot women. Of course, there were adults who were against the impressionable youth listening to more vulgar music. Rock ‘n roll today has taken a back seat in the world of music. The new generation is all about genres including pop, alternative, and rap. I do not see many people my age enjoying the intense sounds of classic rock music from the past. There are many groups that are trying to make a name for themsel...

The blues guitar style has been instrumental in shaping the way rock guitarists approach their instruments, Bluesy Guitar Licks, the blues introduced the world to iconic guitar techniques like bending strings, sliding, and vibrato. These techniques are prevalent in rock music, contributing to its emotive and expressive qualities. Blues Rock Fusion, the late 1960s and early 1970s saw a surge in blues rock fusion bands like Cream, Led Zeppelin, and The Allman Brothers Band. These bands seamlessly blended blues elements with rock, creating a dynamic and influential subgenre. The blues tradition of storytelling through music deeply influenced rock lyricism, Emotional Depth, both blues and rock often explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition, delving into deep emotional territories that resonate with audiences. Protest and Social Commentary, the blues often addressed social issues, and this tradition continued in rock music with artists like Bob Dylan, who used their lyrics to e...

Sun Studio, located at 706 Union Avenue, was started by one of the fathers of rock ‘n roll, Sam Phillips, in 1950. It was the commingling of the Memphis Recording Service and Sun Records that formed Sun Studio, and until 1969... The studio’s claim to fame is that it is where the first rock ‘n roll record was produced, Rocket 88, in April 1951. Stax Records was born in 1957. The original Stax was named Satellite Records until it changed its name to Stax in 1961. The company brought to the forefront American and Memphis soul, as well as gospel, funk and the Delta blues. Its most famous act was Otis Redding, and after his death in 1967, the studio struggled to stay in competition with Detroit’s Motown. The music of Memphis has evolved from its long, rich history. The legends of the past have created a legacy that newer artists can only hope to imitate but never really duplicate. A walk along Beale Street should invoke the memory of the great musicians who have come to and played in Memphi...

Across the pond, the music landscape in Britain changed radically. From the ‘60s onwards, we were graced with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, then Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Smiths, and eventually Oasis in the ‘90s. Manchester and London were bouncing. The music had a gritty emotional resonance that elevated people from humdrum life, glorifying the struggle against unemployment and rising inequality with reactionary lyrics and illuminating rhythms. Noel Gallagher claimed that Oasis was the last true rock ’n roll band. They were pre YouTube, he said. He meant that the actual experience is now lost, because everything is available at the touch of a screen. No need to make the effort to be somewhere anymore. Well, the leading genre in Britain today is processed pop. Maybe that’s because there’s less need for profound lyrics and original musicians, people just want to hear catchy songs. One view is that music plays a supportive role to teenagers now, rather than a li...

Rock 'n roll's rebellious and often provocative nature challenged traditional social norms and values. Its lyrics touched on taboo subjects such as romance, sexuality, and youthful angst, sparking controversies and moral debates among parents, educators, and religious groups. However, these controversies only fueled the genre's popularity among rebellious youth who saw it as a form of artistic expression and freedom. Over time, the acceptance and commercial success of rock 'n roll helped pave the way for greater artistic freedom and creative expression in popular music. As the genre continued to evolve, artists embraced social and political themes in their music, contributing to the broader cultural dialogue of their time. With the advent of the digital age, rock 'n roll faced new challenges and opportunities. Digital music distribution platforms like iTunes and streaming services like Spotify revolutionized the way music was consumed, providing access to an unprece...