Comparing the new to the legendary
Do you ever find yourself loving a band, more specifically an older more classic band, and it’s a great time listening to all their records and hearing their B-Sides and seeing why they are still as popular as ever until you reach a point where it plateaus? A great example would be my love for Nirvana. About 8 years ago, I was incredibly gung-ho about that band after reading Charles R. Cross’s Biography Heavier Than Heaven. I was addicted to learning new information, song meanings, and listening to every corner and up and down of each track; obsessed is a tremendous understatement. However, I’ve come to realize 1994 was disgustingly 25 years ago. 25 years has passed with no new content for obvious and devastating reasons, and after a while, there is only so many times you can only listen to 1 bad with the knowledge of there being nothing new other than unreleased demos and live performances. Nirvana is the first band I ever really became invested in and I will always bump them in every instance I can. Due to this predicament, I was able to branch out and find some artists that are obviously heavily influenced by such influential bands as them, and I had a lightning in a bottle moment: Maybe I can still get my fix of these OG classic bands while finding new artists with more content! There are so many artists I’ve found within the last few years that sound eerily similar to large and in charge bands but still have their original edge to stay far away from being considered a cover band.
If you like Led Zeppelin…
Led Zeppelin is considered by many-if not all- the best rock and roll band to ever be created. They became the biggest, baddest, and most influential band within their 50-year reign. They’ve sold over 200 million records, created what is known as “stadium rock” and truly influenced just about every genre of music from Punk Rock to Alt Pop. I have not met a single human who does not like Led Zeppelin. Yes, I am aware this is probably the most concise biography of Led Zeppelin in the history of EVER, but that’s because I know you already know about these musical geniuses. I’m here to introduce you to an artist that is so like Led Zeppelin, it caught my father off guard tremendously since he had the privilege of seeing Led Zeppelin a handful of times.
Try Greta Van Fleet.
4 musicians from Michigan who have seemingly blew up overnight. This band has musical elements that are deeply rooted in blues and the guitar stylings are incredibly close to the style of Jimmy Page which is not an accident. The band has gone on to state they heavily studied the work of Page as well as Pete Townshend, Keith Richards, and Robert Plant. It’s truly mind boggling to hear their music because between their guitar stylings and vocalist’s Josh Kiszka wide range of vocals, you’d think you were listening to a group that has been killin’ it for 50 years! What I’ve come to love about Greta Van Fleet is their ability to really evoke 70’s rock while keeping a steady relevance in the rock world. You hear Led Zeppelin in their work, but they’ve managed to make it their own. I’ve noticed Bluesy rock is creeping and crawling its way back to the charts, and Greta Van Fleet is surely becoming a group my generation and generations alike can experience and see how far true musicianship and talent can take you.
If you like Queen…
Queen is one of my favorite bands of all time. They have an ability to just make you grab a mic and sing at the top of your lungs. They make you feel good all the way through your bones, and they really paved the way for people to find comfort in simply being themselves. Freddy Mercury’s voice is considered the best in Rock history, and his over the top personality and stage presence really catapulted Queen in popularity despite rock critics not taking them seriously. They reached #2 as the most popular 70s rock band just under The Beatles. Queen’s grandeur performances and eclectic catalogue allows people of all sexualities, races, and backgrounds to connect through music that is so glamorous, so dramatic, and SO ROCK N’ ROLL. I never thought there could ever be another group that would really evoke the same feeling as Queen until recently.
Try The Struts.
I’ve had the opportunity to see them twice with the 3rd time coming this fall for my birthday! This group of U.K natives bring the energy and the familiarity of Queen but are still able to pack a few punches of originality. Their front man Luke Spiller evokes so many different artists ranging from Freddy Mercury to Joan Jett to Mick Jagger, but the part that I most enjoy in his ability to get every single audience member engaged no matter the venue. His vocal range may not be as over the top as Mercury’s, but he can reach ranges I didn’t think were possible. My favorite Struts song that I think really incapsulates who they are is “Kiss This”. Spiller’s sense of fashion- which happens to be styled from the actual stylist of Freddy Mercury- paired with the Struts’ musical stylings real takes you back to a time where glamour and rock first got together. They truly give the nostalgia of classic glam rock while having some relevant rock elements like their guitar styling and energy. The Struts have become one of my favorite artists to see live, and I truly feel like you could be 10 or 100 years old and have a wildly fun time listening to this band.
If you like The Grateful Dead…
When I think of my childhood artists, 3 names stand out: James Taylor, Nirvana, and The Grateful Dead. My mother was a very enthusiastic dead head back in the day, and I have vivid memories jamming to this band quite consistently up until I started finding my own musical interests. The Grateful Dead is quintessential to one’s classic rock collection; especially if you’re a Californian. This psychedelic group really thrived sending out their messages of peace and love with their live shows. They ultimately became bay area super stars during 1967 aka the Summer of Love (A season I wish I could’ve experienced firsthand). They played festivals like Monterey Pop Festival, and it’s been noted that this was a band you NEEDED to see live. Sure, listening to their albums was an experience all on its own, but their live performances had an energy that is almost inconceivable. Their music, message, and fans created a safe space for music lovers to come together and become one. The Dead continued to tour and create new content even after the death of their front man Jerry Garcia in 1995. To this day, you can still catch The Grateful Dead’s stage presence with John Mayer as standing front man. The Grateful Dead’s music is nothing but good vibes. It’s hypnotic, relaxing, and you truly feel a sense of peace and happiness which is exactly what they intend.
Try Anders Osbourne.
A New Orleans artist who is heavily influenced by The Grateful Dead despite being clear across the country. He’s a true musician and his guitar playing is so bluesy and simple. Osbourne is interesting because you can hear his influences, but he’s twisted the sounds to make his own music. His vocal stylings are very similar to Garcia’s as well. I noticed they both tell a story with their lyrics and don’t make them too complicated; you can follow along to the words because they want you to focus on the playing and the message. Osbourne has a plethora of interludes and solos throughout many of his songs, and you can’t help but get lost in the music. It’s hypnotic just like The Dead but in a different manner. Osbourne is clearly bluesy which no doubt comes from being a southern man. This comparison may be a bit of a stretch to some, but I promise you if you’re a Dead fan, you will come to appreciate the playing of Anders Osbourne.
If you like Elvis Presley…
In a way, you could probably compare every rock band or artist to the King of Rock N’ Roll; Elvis made the damn thing. HE INFLUENCED THE CREATION OF THE BEATLES, PEOPLE. From the 1950s to his death in 1977, Presley had dozens of smash hits, became the voice of a generation and new genre, and ultimately changed what a Las Vegas Residency is. Presley had his obvious ups and downs during his career like most superstars do, but his music is still appreciated 60+ years later. He was scandalous with his hip sways, and his combination of blues, country, and pop music really struck the wrong chord of older generations used to big bands and ballads. By 1955, he had signed a contract with RCA records for $35,000 which translates to $330,000 in today’s inflation. Fast forward to the 1960s, and he was juggling a music career, a movie career, and an ego many could not get over. I’ve come to really enjoy some of Elvis’ work. It’s rock music in its rawest form. I have 2 songs I absolute adore: Suspicious Minds and Burning Love. I love the use of piano and story telling lyrics and the rhythm; you want to dance and shake your body to this type of music. This type of rock music isn’t heard much in present time, or so I thought.
Try Low Cut Connie.
This group is bringing back the beauty of piano and breathing life back into some good ol’ fashioned Rock & Roll! This is a group I stumbled upon randomly one day and have been absolutely obsessed. Low Cut Connie has said in many interviews they are heavily influenced by 1950s rock including Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley’s budding career. It’s so blatantly obvious, especially in their lyrics which really emphasize Chicago and the Blues. There’s a hint of some twangy guitar throughout their records and I just love the simplicity of Low Cut Connie. It’s clear they don’t take themselves too seriously and they really let the music speak for itself. Their content isn’t overproduced, and I just can’t get enough of that piano. My personal favorite of theirs is “Revolution Rock & Roll”. I love how the piano pairs with the guitar, and the way they structured the chorus really gets me to sing, like, REALLY sing. Their content could be blasted or just played in the kitchen while you make dinner with your honey. Low Cut Connie is an example of how extreme musicianship doesn’t have to involve intricate playing. Sometimes, it’s best to go back to your roots.