Dreaded/Anticipated Rock Reunions

The older I get, the more bands I see reunite after early career demises. I know that these rock reunions basically began in the late eighties and early nineties with seventies rock groups getting back together for arena shows or supporting greatest hits compilations. You also have the brief hiatuses due to drug rehabs from lead singers like Aerosmith and Stone Temple Pilots. The question has now become what is the limitation of these reunions? We know that all of these touring acts have fanbases, but when does it go from kitschy to played out?

I like to feel that I'm part of something special. When I had the chance to see Alice in Chains get back together (with a new lead singer that is well...alive) at a Chicago club, it was an awesome experience. The sound was great and the singer did a solid job. I got a chance to hear a lot of the songs that I love and never thought possible to hear in person. On the flip side, I didn't leave the show clamoring for a new album. I could see myself catching another show due to the small price tag and good experience, but the catalog for me is closed. I'll try to give the new stuff a shot, but it won't be put together with the rest of the Alice vault (or Music Bank if you will).

For some of these older bands, it is great to see them hit the road for large crowds and share their experience. It was aweinspiring to see The Who live. I wish I would have had the chance to see more than 1/2 of The Who, but that is all that's left. These guys don't wear out their welcome though. They have side projects to record new music, then get together every few years to rock a new collection of fans. Thank goodness I had the chance to see Fleetwood Mac during a greatest hits tour. That was an amazing show, but they're down one singer and Stevie certainly doesn't have enough voice left to make any relevant new material.

Only time will tell if some of these reunited acts make a return to the relevant recording world. I like Don't Stop Believin as much as the next guy, but did you know Journey has put out like 5 albums post-Steve Perry? What's the point? I'll be first in line to check out Led Zeppelin if they ever decide to strap on the Fenders again, but after Robert Plant teamed with some random lady for a spoken word recording, maybe Jimmy Page should suggest they stick to Kashmir if they reunite. With that said, we need to appreciate these bands while we have them in their original packaging. On the flip side, these bands need to appreciate themselves as well. Guess what bald ass Billy, no one gives a shit about the Pumpkins without D'Arcy and Iha. Sorry that Zwan was more like the ugly duckling, but you aren't the band all by yourself. And you Chris Cornell, you're creeping out all us rock fans. Timbaland? Really? You were the man. Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, Audioslave, why did you throw all that away? I'd pay money to see Kim Thayil and Tom Morello assault your eardrums with tasty licks. Now you're recording with the background vocals guy from Days of the New. I made that up, but you get my point. These reunions are fun and nostalgic, but go pay the $20 it takes to get into a Jet show or Rise Against. These guys rock too, and they're at the top of their game.

Digital Ditty

I like to try and relate this section to whatever the actual post was about, so I'll do my best. I know Alice in Chains are breaking a new album later this month, but until then add Junkhead to your collection. It's dark, loud, and makes for an angry lawnmowing adventure on a weekend morning. If you like The Who's greatest hits, then add The Real Me to your download list. It's a bit edgier and more uptempo. I know Fleetwood Mac isn't for everyone, but Secondhand News is a fun two and a half minutes. If you only have 99 cents left in your account and you don't already own this song, then you should absolute use that final download to get Hunger Strike by Temple of the Dog. A young Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell dueling vocals across a background of what would become Pearl Jam. On a final note, Jet has a new album out. If anybody has some thoughts on it, I'd love to catch a review.