For the past few months I have been silent about what has
been going on with music on this rant. There seems to be a lull in the hard
rock and metal scene from time to time. Acts are in the studio, not touring, or
just taking a break, and usually that occurs in the summer. It got me thinking; everyone needs a break, and
sometimes the longer the better.
I have seen some of my favorite artists multiple times over
a short period and usually by the last show or venue I have had enough. It’s
not that the sets aren’t different, or that the crowds are all the same, it is more
or less just my psyche telling me I have had enough of this for a while.
Concerts take energy; energy from the band to put on a good
show; energy from the crowd to be into it. For fans there ere is excessive
standing, overly drunk people to deal with, and in warmer climates with outside
venues there are weather concerns. Bands deal with travel time, lack of sleep,
possibly too much of one another and unhealthy living (take that however you
want). Don’t get me wrong I thrive on
live music, it’s just sometimes I can see that we are all just not into it at
this moment. Bands been on tour too long; you are gonna see it. Crowd
been waiting too long in-between sets; you are gonna hear it.
There are times where an album gets too much play, or an act
for that matter on my iPod. I long for new music constantly but as every other
music fan I still have my top 5 yet even those get to the point where I just
have to stop playing them. But here is the good thing about a break from
things; you know you are gonna come back to it. Your favorite band is going to
put out a new album and then tour; and
you are going to run out an get that album and buy those tickets! Being a true
fan of a particular act is something that never dies; it just goes to sleep.
For me there is a strong sense of excitement for these upcoming months. Some of
my top 5 acts are releasing albums and I can hardly wait. I know and hope that
there will be a different sound and a verge from the typical musical direction
of past albums, however I still hope that there is familiarity of the past
records that drags me back in; makes me pull out the whole catalog and listen
intently again.
I am constantly reminded of one band and album that took a
break for a significant amount of time and came back and just blew my hair
back. That band is Buckcherry and that album is “15”. In my eyes possibly one
of the most perfect modern day rock albums put out. By end of this year they will have put out
another one; and although the break from their last one wasn’t as long as it
was the one they took for “15” I know it will hold some gems.
So sit back and take a break from it all; you know you will
be back.
