[by Cassie Miller & Chris DeLine]

Rock music as we know it is relatively young compared to the distinct genres that classify any number of nation around the world. Even compared to that of basic American jazz and blues it finds itself a younger sibling, stemming from a later seed, which finds itself further down the musical food chain. It’s humorous to hear those who say that rock ‘n roll is dead because at this point in time rock music is so heavily fused with all modern genres that it cannot bear to pass. It’s middle aged sibling classic rock, on the other hand, has seen better days, leaving its listener to question the worth of its artist’s increasingly inconsistent live performances and recordings.

In a strange case of events the past year has proven a well endowed market of musicians that chose to defy modern trend and attempted to reconcile their history through the release of fresh material. For some it came as a shocking return to the spotlight after decades of soul searching and for others it was simply another year with another recording. With this list we’ve attempted to analyze eleven of the highest profile releases from a select group of musician who have aged past what some might consider their prime, that being the classic rock artist.

Miller: Meat Loaf’s musical and technical production Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose completes the Bat trilogy thirty years after it began. It’s obvious that Meat is trying to maintain that sound he had in the 70s, giving listeners today a mere taste of his big, loud, power-packed vocals. Some music critics have thrashed him saying his new songs are too big and too mean. Too big and too mean? What else would you except from a Meat Loaf performance? The record includes several infamous rockers including guitarist Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue, John 5 from Marilyn Manson, and guitarist Brian May from Queen. The old Meat even goes so far as to remake the Jim Steinman-penned classic ballad “It’s All Coming Back to me Now” with Marion Raven. The song immediately looses a lot of this “poppy” feel and becomes a contender among the rest of the rock jams found on this album. Fans of the Bat releases may be disappointed to find out that John Steinman, who worked on the previous Bat albums, did not work on the third and final one. This could lead serious rock listeners to believe that Meat Loaf is incapable of producing anything worthwhile without Steinman. However, I beg to differ after hearing the album’s heavy-hitting title track “The Monster is Loose.” The album has its ups and downs, but classic rock fans should appreciate the effort put forth by Meat Loaf.

DeLine: Following litigation over the use of the Bat out of Hell trademark between Meat Loaf and longtime collaborator Jim Steinman the final installment of the Bat trilogy found itself released to immediate critical dismissal this year. Steinman, who wrote and produced the tracks on the first two Bat out of Hell albums, finds remnants from other projects he had written contributed to (including a Batman musical which didn’t fully materialize and the previously mentioned “It’s All Coming Back to me Now”) popping up amongst the rest of the Desmond Child-produced confusion throughout The Monster is Loose.

One of the stimulating thoughts that surrounds the album is that of “what if…?” What if the Child-influence on the grossly overdramatic nü-metal “The Monster is Loose” and “If It Ain’t Broke Break It” weren’t on the album? (It might be tolerable as opposed to sounding like Zach Wylde playing at his worst) What if Steinman chosen to contribute to the album, penning even the most under-developed throwbacks to the dimmest of original Bat songs? (The album might hold a candle to the duo’s longstanding legacy instead of reminding many of why Meat Loaf is no longer relevant) And more importantly, what would have happened if Meat hadn’t accepted the role of Robert Paulson in 1999’s Fight Club? (We would probably of had to complain about how blatantly mediocre the majority of the third installment in the cherished Bat out of Hell series was about 6 years earlier)

Meat Loaf “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now (Feat. Marion Raven)”
Meat Loaf “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now (Feat. Marion Raven)”

Meat Loaf – Official Site
Meat Loaf – MySpace Site

Miller: Stepping way out of his element, Frampton provides listeners with a deep, soulful search of where his music all began, doing so by keeping these songs grounded in instruments and by incorporating some of the greatest rock legends alive today. Each song features beautifully crafted guitar riffs making it difficult for the listener to define a favorite. Fingerprints proves Frampton is able to mix pure classic rock at its finest with pulsating blues and a little contemporary flavor. Each song serves as a reminder that it takes more than just a good lead vocalist to produce serious music. Frampton’s most daring piece is a cover of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” in which he uses a fuzzed wah-wah guitar and a talk box to simulate the lyrics. He also shows off several other genres incorporated into this album through tunes such as the unstoppably rocking “Cornerstones” (featuring Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones) and “Blooze” (featuring Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers/Gov’t Mule). Perhaps the only track I didn’t like was “My Cup of Tea” because it reminded me of the music I hear when I step into an elevator in an office building. Aside from that, Peter Frampton has produced an album that is sure to perpetuate the foundations of classic rock into the next era simply through the use of his instrumentals on Fingerprints.

DeLine: Frampton’s return to A&M after leaving the label in 1982 marks somewhat of a homecoming for him as he spent his entire solo career, until that point, with the company. The instrumental album comes as something that questions the last two decades of Frampton’s work as it is the literal peak of where Frampton explains he has wanted to be for years, “the album I’ve been waiting my entire life to make.” With that, his decision to play with the laundry list of celebrity musician that he has met through his years helps in that is adds a level of depth to Frampton’s glossy guitar exterior. In addition to the previously mentioned collaborators are The Shadows’ Hank Marvin and Brian Bennett and Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready and Matt Cameron among others, who all lend their historical sounds to Frampton’s modern interpretation.

On the surface tracks such as the Soundgarden cover “Black Hole Sun” raise the level of craftsmanship of the entire album, with Frampton acting as vocalist by means of lead guitar with both McCready and Cameron by his side. However the deeper one dives into the album, after peeling away its colorful layers, the more one finds who is really at the heart of Fingerprints. Frampton, the man, has been playing guitar for almost fifty years, and in doing so has not only had the means to acquire a broad repertoire, but a taste for it. Frampton, the idol, however still lives within the man. Now more than ever does it feel as though he is attempting to find balance between his Humble Pie days and his Comes Alive days, but all the while it appears as though there is still a hope of retrieving a greater level of stardom. Not something easily done, and not something that is done successfully throughout the course of the album. Fingerprints sways too often, teasing world music sensibilities, circling around Frampton’s key assets while he attempts to prove his broadened abilities. The instrumental album is something that puts Frampton back on course for what could be a positive re-establishment of his career, but for the time being, Fingerprints simply isn’t that.

Peter Frampton “Black Hole Sun (Feat. Mike McCready & Matt Cameron)”
Peter Frampton “Ida Y Vuelta”
Peter Frampton “Black Hole Sun (Feat. Mike McCready & Matt Cameron”

Peter Frampton – Official Site
Peter Frampton – MySpace Site

Miller: The Who’s album Endless Wire is their first studio-produced record in roughly twenty two years. What’s unique about this hallowed production is that the great rock band is only half of what it used to be; Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey being the only original members still alive and kicking. They don’t let this daunting realization stop them, however, as they provide the perfect compliment to one another. Many of the songs found on this record comment on their tumultuous lives during the 2000s, partially as a result of Townshend’s alleged child pornography allegations and the death of long-time friend and band mate John Entwistle.

Because the album is so emotionally connected, the songs tend to fluctuate between an angrier rock-core and introverted acoustic style. And compared to their past works, listeners may feel as if there is something missing due to the fact that the sole originality of The Who rests on the shoulders of only two men. However, the two provide some serious rock and roll that manages to take a stand. The first track called “Fragments” incorporates elements of the earlier hits “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” serving as a bridge between their past successes and what the two see as their future. As a big fan of stripped down acoustic numbers, “Two Thousand Miles” really drives home the fact that The Who are not to be counted out of any classic rock revival. Some may feel that is a desperate attempt on the part of Townshend and Daltrey to make a last stand while others may see it as two musicians showing people they can still rock. Whatever the case may be, the band’s survival now rests in the hands of a new generation.

DeLine: What’s the difference between The New Cars, The Doors of the 21st Century, or even Blondie’s latest adaptation and that of The Who? To some degree it comes down to questionable intent, that which I don’t perceive to be a problem when considering Endless Wire as a full blown Who album. Daltrey and Townshend don’t have the energy they once did, given, but now they have a lifetime of achievements and experiences yet to sing about; for better or worse that is exactly what comes out in Endless Wire. There’s an essence about the music that both explicitly steals from the band’s history (“Fragments”) and adds another credit to The Who’s catalogue full of amazing contributions (“Mirror Door”). But even at its highest moments there are questionable holes that give cynics’ criticism validity.

Daltrey sounds tired, and expounds far less in the youthful capacity that he did during his prime. Townshend’s modern relevance as a songwriter comes into question as he no longer expels society’s shackles through song, but now instead finds himself writing a lyrical response to Passion of the Christ and an ode to his favorite country singer. Moon and Entwistle’s absence creates a distinct leverage against the band and without condemning their replacements too harshly they in no way match the former band’s pulse and vigor. Had Endless Wire been released a decade ago, it would have met an audience decrying it as cashing in on lost fame, but despite its flaws it now it comes across as one last shot at creating something the tests the limits of age and jaded celebrity.

The Who “Black Widow Eyes”
The Who “It’s Not Enough”
The Who “Tea and Theatre”

The Who – Official Site

Miller: Cheap Trick’s latest album is aptly called Rockford as a tribute to the bands’ hometown of Rockford, Illinois. Of the band’s most recent releases, this record is the one that captures the soul of the band, exposing itself as a solid and grounded example of what Cheap Trick is capable of. All the tracks are very much guitar-driven which facilitates nothing but non-stop rocking but, as you listen further, it starts to sound as if each tune is merely mimicking the last leading me to wonder if Cheap Trick has finally lost its edge (especially as the “pop” side of their production begins to seep toward the surface). The new music is definitely an imitation of the British Invasion of pop music and, we all know the only group who can truly pull off that type of Beatles-esque pop music is The Beatles themselves. Tracks such as “Oh Claire” leave me wondering why they didn’t just break down and call Paul McCartney to some back up vocals.

One of the distractions to Rockford is its classic, structured pattern of verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus which leaves listeners feeling like they’ve regurgitated something nasty. And the slower songs like “Every Night and Every Day” have a sap factor that may make you want to send these boys packing for Pop Musicville. There are, of course, a few bright spots, one being the track “Give It Away.” In just under three minutes it provides rockers with a solid, driven guitar performance, similar to that of the song that follows it, “One More Day.” These songs remind me of Rod Stewart’s harder, grittier days and will have you bobbing your head before you know it. But despite it being a solid attempt from Cheap Trick it just doesn’t do it for me in terms of what I deem classic rock.

DeLine: I’m reminded of a lyric by NOFX’s Fat Mike, “When your band has been a band longer than the Ramones, and critics coin you ‘the punk Rolling Stones’ that’s when you know this is for life.” Along those lines I don’t think it would be out of line to classify Cheap Trick the power-pop Rolling Stones. As a band Cheap Trick has continually been together, touring and recording since its first studio recording in the late 1970s, guitarist Rock Nielsen, vocalist Robin Zander, bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Bun. E. Carlos have been honing their collective licks since 1968 where they started in Illinois.

With the album Rockford the group simply continues to keep on keepin’ on, which is miraculous considering its unwavering recording and touring consistency. Unlike some of the bands on this list, and in today’s rock landscape in general, Cheap Trick isn’t a modern vehicle for an expired sum of artists but rather a lifestyle; Cheap Trick is simply how its members have lived for close to forty years. When the modern generation of music fan may only know of your band by a theme song from a retro TV show or as “The Dream Police” guys, it’s hard to say what keeps Cheap Trick writing and living rock ‘n roll in today’s musical environment. All consideration aside, however, Rockford is as genuine and inspired as anything in modern rock and it’s fairly safe to say that for the band’s members, this is for life.

Cheap Trick “Perfect Stranger (Late Night with Conan O’Brien)”

Cheap Trick – Official Site
Cheap Trick – MySpace Site

Miller: Marking the end of an eleven year recording hiatus, Bob Seger released his new album Face this Promise this year. If nothing else could be said about this album, one thing is certain: it is classic Seger. Upon first listen, you’d think Face the Promise was a lost album from somewhere amidst his most popular material of the ‘70s. As a vocal artist, Seger hasn’t changed a bit, his voice is still powerful, inspiring and moving. For his most recent work, the music icon combines his rocker roots with a blend of country that makes you yearn for The American Dream. Seger still refuses to let rock die which is evidenced through his own loose, unique rock sound and his soulful crooning style.

Changing directions he gives a shout out to contemporary country rock as he does two finely-tuned duets with Patty Loveless and long time Seger-advocate Kid Rock proving how he is able to step outside the box while still rocking hard. My undeniably favorite tune from Promise is “Wreck this Heart.” When I first listened to it, I thought it was a cheesy, ‘80s-infused attempt at a come back. But, the song has really started to grow on me as the fast-pasted story of one man’s reckoning with life. This tune, like the rest of the album, let’s listeners know that Seger has an ability few possess; the ability to move and shift within a genre while still pumping out music with a kick.

DeLine: On a recent appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman Seger discussed his relationship with his family, and how it is the most important thing in his life. Subsequently that’s the exact reason that he hadn’t released an album since 1995’s It’s A Mystery; Seger wanted to maintain his family and watch his children grow. Now returning to music as a Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer with a family that supports him Seger continued the conversation by explaining that he has recorded many multiple albums worth of material in preparation for Face the Promise.

Face the Promise sounds like Seger in every way. There are horns where you would expect horns and gritty vocals where you’d expect gritty vocals. Time has taken its toll on Seger’s voice which claws and scratches to grasp for high notes that were once common place in his songs. One of the historical downfalls of Seger’s music is the man’s willingness to play to his audience in spit of his audience. ZZ Top and AC/DC do it too, they play their sounds and their songs over and over, recording after recording. Not to say that playing far within your capabilities is a bad thing, but when attempting to invigorate a recording career with a recycled sound that has been sitting on the shelf for more than a decade, doing so just doesn’t make sense.

Bob Seger “Wreck This Heart”
Bob Seger “Face the Promise sampler”

Bob Seger – Official Site
Bob Seger – MySpace Site

Miller: This year brought music aficionados and dedicated listeners the unleashing of Sir Elton Johns’ entirely autobiographical record The Captain and the Kid. Though the short, ten track, forty six minute album may leave you wanting more, there will be no doubt in your mind that these songs are pure 1970s Elton John. With liberal piano use and his flared accent, by the time you’re through with The Captain you’ll be craving a little “Rocket Man.” Die hard Elton John fans will find this recording to be the defining piece of his contemporary career whereas those experiencing him for the first time may be left unsatisfied because some of these tunes are geared toward the “lite rock” listener.

Crowd-pleasing pop music and rebellious, anger-induced classic rock butt heads, leaving this The Captain falling somewhere between Elton’s glam rock days and his stripped down songs of recent years. Some of the his new songs miss their mark, including the over the “Wouldn’t Have You Any Other Way” which turns into gross Broadway fiasco. Tunes like “The Bridge,” on the other hand, seem to give a reassuring wink and nod to “Tiny Dancer.” While Elton John maintains his originality and the Queen’s favor, overall his style seems reduced in an attempt to pander to pop culture interests.

DeLine: The Captain’s second track “Just Like Noah’s Ark,” with its silky gospel overtones and marching tempo, works for a number of reasons: organs wailing, pounding piano, and a slightly hushed guitar solo. To me, the song is classic rock in its fullest sense, and that’s exactly what John and his partner in crime (songwriting) Bernie Taupin were hoping for when writing The Captain and the Kid. It’s the antithesis of Meat Loaf’s Bat out of Hell III, it’s a team joining and completing something that still has modern relevance; that being a group of friends looking to complete a story they started some thirty years ago with Captain Fantastic…

Elton John has made a conscious effort to work towards a commercial audience the past few years but I remember a change around the time of his 1995 release Made in England, specifically with the title track. The song included words that started a roaming emotion of personal vindication for John, something that now finds itself perpetuating his outspoken appreciation for minority rights and religious condemnation. Through all that, however, is music, and half of The Captain tells a story as much entertaining lyrically as it is musically. It’s just a shame that for the other half of the album, it’s lyrically foggy and lethargic.

Elton John “The Bridge”

Elton John – Official Site

Miller: After a three-decade silence Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), the introspective rocker who gained acclaim in the 60s and 70s, is back at it with a brand new album and a brand new flavor. An Other Cup showcases his powerfully soulful vocals while blending in his past musical style with his strong Muslim beliefs. Regardless of the overly used religious encoding, the first few tracks, which utilize mostly Islam’s voice and an acoustic guitar, are refreshing and enlightening as any classic Steven’s fan would expect. The record travels a winding path littered with over-the-top statements (“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”) and desperate attempts to explain to listeners how religion has affected his life (“The Beloved”). An Other Cup does draw to a close on the solid notes of “Green Fields, Golden Sands,” a previously unreleased recording from 1968. While providing audiences with samplings of deep spiritual folk music and quizzical personal lyrics this album confirms that wondering if Islam has maintained his bountiful, soft sound.

DeLine: Marking the 40th Anniversary of his debut release I Love My Dog, Islam attempts to record an album of attempting to reconcile with his pop music past. Releasing some ten albums of religious-based world music since his last Cat Stevens album some twenty eight years ago doesn’t appear to cause any conflicting agenda in An Other Cup. The sound is oh so familiar and Ste…Islam’s voice is as warm and inviting as ever.

“One Day at a Time” is a flowing, quiet song that beautifully elaborates on daily reverence, though unfortunately it is quickly followed by “When Butterflies Leave,” a brief spoken statement concluding “those who worked for tomorrow will not miss the dreams of yesterday.” Islam is sincere in his message with that statement, and likewise throughout the entire album he finds a balance between his pop sensibilities and his modern living. This is no more apparent than in “The Beloved” which calmly finds balance between traditional African music and Islam’s soothing vocals. Commenting on the album Islam noted “I feel right about making music and singing about life in this fragile world again.” As his current contribution shows, it is sometimes allowing ones self the freedom to start over that truly sets a contribution above that of others.

Yusuf Islam “Heaven/Where True Love Goes”
Yusuf Islam “Heaven/Where True Love Goes”

Yusuf Islam – Official Site
Yusuf Islam – MySpace Site

Miller: I use three words to describe this experimental album of Springsteen’s: loud, raucous and fun! We Shall Overcome is a folk-based album featuring The Boss sitting down with an eclectic bunch of musicians playing horns, waxing their fiddles and guitars, and stomping all the while in the living room of his country. The album proves Springsteen capable of flexing is musical muscles on tunes ranging from Irish ballads to American bluegrass and even the occasional ‘Nawlins blues or big band melody. Instead of trying to perpetuate the idea of typical classic rock, or escaping further into the sorrow of post-9/11 criticism Springsteen and his musicians work on bringing listeners back to the “heart” of music; to a time and message that was more about soul and less about image.

Although the entire album is literally music to my ears, there are a few songs in which The Boss’s soulful voice is muddled and lost, causing the songs to loose their effect. “Eyes on the Prize” made me feel like Springsteen was beating a dead horse or with the classic “Shenandoah,” causing me to consider the possibility that The Boss had been hitting the sauce a little too hard before recording. He redeems himself in my eyes, though, with revolutionary tunes like “Mrs. McGrath,” blending the Irish ballad tradition with his classic rock background. This album is definitely one hell of a good time and I recommend turning it on when you’re sitting around the kitchen table with good friends, drinking good brew and sharing old stories.

DeLine: As masturbatory as it is for a bloated group of musicians lead by a multi-millionaire to sing and play an album’s worth of protest songs is, The Seeger Sessions band have made an honestly enjoyable album. The spellbinding live show that included a stage literally packed with musicians that many have gawked over throughout the course of the year is a direct result of the original sessions that make up We Shall Overcome. When Springsteen began his voice meant something, he sung songs of heartache, the kind that love cannot redeem; the worker’s heart that was never full because it belonged to someone else for some fifty hours a week. But Springsteen’s through time and fame critics focused their jaded opinions on how a man of his stature could release music for the working man.

But his fans never for one minute succeeded in giving up on the man and held tightly to his words over the course of his long career. With We Shall Overcome Springsteen somehow manages to reconcile this working man’s voice in an age that cries for help. Lobbyists and corporations control the government, unionization is corrupted by outsourcing and growing disconnect between those who run the country and the country’s workers. And yet a group of the lesser known musicians fronted by the a member of the country’s financial elite reinterpreting songs made famous by one of the country’s most outspoken voices seems to alleviate this struggle, even if only it is a momentary superficial relief.

Bruce Springsteen – Official Site
Bruce Springsteen – MySpace Site

Miller: I’ve always felt one thing was true about Bob Dylan’s music; you can’t just listen to the man, you have to experience him. Modern Times topped the sales when it was released in August, his first time in that position since 1976. While remaining true to his unique rock roots, Dylan incorporates a bluesy, folk rock sound and even goes so far as to throw back to 50s-style bebop throughout the course of the album. As a whole Modern Times has a lot to offer a dedicated listener. Even in comparison to some oh his most recent recordings Dylan’s voice comes through as clearer yet gritty, himself maintaining the pitch influxes that have helped give his voice character since the 60s.

Following the tradition of including great backup bands, the experienced group used on Modern Times tracks adds to not simply his music, but Dylan’s essence. As Modern Times sways through songs like “Thunder on the Mountain,” I found myself unconsciously tapping my foot and singing along after only a short period of time, something I’m sure I’m not alone on. The songs have an easy, laid-back style that helped give Dylan his reputation as an iconic folk rocker. However, some of his slower songs such as “When the Deal Goes Down” may seem to drag on to those looking for a serious kick due to their slow, simple tempos. I would say if you’re not really immersed in the genre (as if to say Dylan plays to one genre) as of yet or you prefer the music of Dylan’s wild, hardcore days, this may not be the album for you. But, it’s pretty damn tough to pass up.

DeLine: Whether it be harmonically flirting with Alicia Keys, appearing as a shadowed figure promoting his new album in connection with Apple’s iPod or honoring the Sexiest Woman Alive© in video Bob Dylan has not only stepped towards staying hip but fulfilled the plea of his album’s title, Modern Times. Even at the slowest parts of the album where the songs seem to move like cold molasses, Dylan maintains the listeners’ attention by breathing his aged words through his lips giving everyone an impromptu history lesson and proving his consideration for the modern listener.

What sparks the most interest in the album’s release besides its remarkable music is its cross generational acceptance. Dylan is by far not a typical classic rock artist but he has done more than any classic rock artist ever has. Not simply in terms of his earlier work, but rather that of shifting his image and sound through time to where he still sits atop the Kingdom of Relevance at age sixty five. Dylan now finds himself at a stage in his career where he is broadly considered to have released his third straight masterpiece, an astounding accomplishment considering Modern Times is his thirty-first release. It’s no longer even fashionable to give mere respect to Dylan, but rather one must now have a deeper sense for who he is. In the movie High Fidelity, Jack Black’s character Barry accosted a customer for not owning one of Dylan’s finest; “Don’t tell anyone you don’t own Blonde on Blonde,” and on TV ESPN analyst Tony Kornheiser has preached the worth of Scorsese’s documentary No Direction Home to the sports nation. Dylan is no longer a musician, no longer a celebrity, but a figure whose music will outlive the passion and reference that lead him to create it. Modern Times is not excluded from that sentiment.

Bob Dylan “When The Deal Goes Down”
Bob Dylan “Someday Baby – iPod Commercial”

Bob Dylan – Official Site
Bob Dylan – MySpace Site

Miller: No list of hard rocking, soul shattering, laid-bare music would be complete without the rock legend himself, Tom Petty. As expected, all that is Tom Petty shines through on every track of his most recent release Highway Companion. His rock, blues, country-twanged Pettiness roams free from song to song on this record. As opposed to overdoing his music Petty, with the help of producer and one time Traveling Wilburys bandmate Jeff Lynne, strips each jam down to its essence, maintaining his consistent style. Throughout the album Petty provides vocals, guitar, drums, harmonica, and piano for one song after another that bounces perfectly from slow to quick tempos and captures Petty’s historic form. The first single “Saving Grace” is a classic rocker’s wet dream of a song with its pumping rhythms and insightfully melancholy lyrics. The country-rock ballad “Turn This Car Around” is another original that helps define Petty as relevant and fresh. Highway Companion bridges the gap between classic rock of the 60s and 70s and the contemporary rock of today and I would call it the must-have album on the list.

DeLine: Tom Petty is nothing if not a rock legend and in his most recent effort he steps outside of The Heartbreakers and proves that once again his command and presence is at a musical high. When first released, his single “Saving Grace” proved to be a tricky step towards a choppier, harder Petty; one that hasn’t had a lot of face time on his albums, but a Petty that many immediately fell in love with. The song helped Petty find a niche that had yet to really be filled by any other classic rock star, that being space within modern hipster-dom; fulfilling the label as he would perform on Saturday Night Live, play the Bonnaroo Festival and grace AOL Sessions with a remarkable set.

But what sets Petty apart from his contemporaries? Whether it be the slight drizzle of organ that finds its way into “Night Driver,” the youthful twang of “Jack,” or even the optimistic slide “Big Weekend,” it becomes clear that the answer is Petty’s honesty. As a musician and lyricist he is honest with his listener. As a musician and singer has limits but will still occasionally test them, unafraid of the risk as he knows his fans will accept his choices. And while he continually grows, he keeps just enough of his last album in his mental queue so as to not forget what direction he was headed. “Flirting with Time” doesn’t carry the same lyrical context as “The Last DJ” but could most definitely be found on the same album without question. Tom Petty is an original and with Highway Companion he has continued his sickeningly consistent string of solid rock albums.

Tom Petty “Saving Grace”

Tom Petty – Official Site
Tom Petty – MySpace Site

Miller: In response to the policies and actions of the Bush administration, Neil Young released Living With War in early May of this year. The album was put together in a matter of months, allowing Young to quickly infuse politics and song without loosing his historical grunge rock sound. Labeled a “folk-core protest,” Young lays completely bare his attack on the American government throughout, expounding on the unified voice of disgust of a nation’s majority. The entire album is raw, open, soulful and angry all the while maintaining the integrity that is found in Neil Young’s lyrics and musicality.

Track after track after track of this record gives listeners one guitar-driven rock song after another before crashing into a church-choir rendition of “American the Beautiful.” As for controversy, Young’s blatantly titled “Let’s Impeach the President” sums up the entire feelings of a confused, angry nation with the opening lyrics, “Let’s impeach the President for lying and leading our country into war.” Neil Young is expressing the emotions of a people who don’t have the means to do so, exactly what classic rock is all about. He may be seen as just an aging hippie with socialistic ideals, but he stuck his neck out with Living with War and was extremely successful in doing so.

DeLine: Seconds into the lead track on Young’s Living with War, “After The Garden” overtakes its listener, sonically overcoming any hurtles that either time or the media have created. It’s not a plea for liberalism, nor does it serve as a blatant statement condemning the country’s current administration (that comes mere minutes later), but rather a question of realism in our nation. It questions sustainability and substance, both of which are important and critical to not only our world’s future existence but our present existence. What follows in the album’s second track, “Living with War” is a statement that not only expounds on Young’s philosophy, but serves as a mission statement for the global artist, “I join the multitudes, I raise my hand in peace, I never bow to the laws of the thought police.”

In a time when corporate America is attempting to further whitewash the independent media through bullying net neutrality into a corner it is vital that these words be heard. Living with War takes each track, fitting its message into a few mere minutes, and finds more substance buried within than anything else that has been released this year by musician both old and young. The album should not raise question as to whether or not Neil Young is right or wrong but rather serve as an example of anti-authoritative rhetoric, expelling the mainstream media’s bloated apathy and give hope to those who want to explore what is behind the surface of the matter. If questioning Young’s intention and logic is your agenda his premeditated response comes in the form of the song “Let’s Impeach the President.” It is a song that would silence doubters, presenting the inconsistencies of the Bush Administration through evidence served straight from Bush himself. Never would I have imagined that it would take an old farm boy from Winnipeg singing a few songs of political dissent would enlighten and create this great of a plea for a confessional democracy. But I am most certainly glad it did.

Neil Young “Families”
Neil Young “Let’s Impeach the President”
Neil Young “Shock and Awe”
Neil Young “After The Garden”

Neil Young – Official Site
Neil Young – MySpace Site

Miller: Is classic rock dead? That’s for you, the all-attentive listener to decide. But if I had my way, I’d say that these unstoppable classic rockers have blown wide the gates barring the path of the classic rock revival and are prepared to put up a serious fight to save rock and roll. (11. Cheap Trick 10. Meat Loaf 9. Peter Frampton 8. The Who 7. Elton John 6. Yusuf Islam 5. Bob Seger 4. Bruce Springsteen 3. Bob Dylan 2. Neil Young 1. Tom Petty)

DeLine: Modern rock need not be saved as new acts will continually find ways to market themselves to the average listener. That being said, classic rock artists this year have attempted to not simply reattain a status once held by their former selves, but reach out to a new unforgiving audience. Unfortunately for those who haven’t maintained the public ear, and even for some of those who have, the majority of the music from the artists of yesterday that we have examined falls far short of expectation. The exemptions to that statement, though, prove that by continually living outside of others’ expectations and continually releasing music by your own terms one can find relevance and attain success amongst the muck of much of today’s modern rock. (11. Meat Loaf 10. Bob Seger 9. Peter Frampton 8. The Who 7. Yusuf Islam 6. Elton John 5. Cheap Trick 4. Bruce Springsteen 3. Tom Petty 2. Bob Dylan 1. Neil Young)