REMEMBER YESTERDAY
Record labels banking on the rock sounds of a bygone era.
By: Homie

“Remember yesterday - walking hand in hand, love letters in the sand - I remember you.” – Skid Row “I Remember You”

No longer just a song, yesterday is now a reality as bands and record labels alike fawn over the sounds of the oldies.  It’s already out there in small doses and whether you know it or not, the rock enthusiast is about to endure an onslaught of artists that carry an all too familiar tune and tone…rock of the 70’s and 80’s.  Let me first opine by stating that traditionally, this critic has never been a huge fan of classic rock nor glam rock.  That said, there are quite a few new artists readying their assault on an apathetic music connoisseur in this new year.  Love it or hate it, this the next attempt at the rebirth of a genre.

You might think an idea like this already sounds familiar.  Perhaps you’re already savvy to the small handful of bands that have already taken a shot at resurrecting what it took us more than a decade to forget.  It started with overseas act The Darkness and their ludicrous first single “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” some two years ago.  Playing out a string of sold out US dates in 2005, the group would rapidly release a follow-up record only to realize that their time in the US was already up.  The novelty of spandex and high kicks from anyone other than Stephen Tyler had simply become unacceptable.

Enter 2006 and land of Oz act Wolfmother.  A handful of catchy tunes that included play on radio, Jackass 2 the movie, a highly publicized itunes performance live from the Palms and most recently a slot on the commercials for cross-platform video game Guitar Hero were enough to propel them to the forefront of the scene.  Now, with an act or two in each of the major label stables that suit this demand, 2008 will unleash everyone’s “version” of a classic rock band.  From AC/DC to Crue, get your tightest jeans and makeup ready…here come the kids that most certainly must be too young to remember.

Roadrunner records act Airborne (myspace.com/airbourne) are the latest band from down under.  Unmistakably, this band goes straight for the jugular of any AC/DC fan and wont stop until you’ve either decided you cant handle the similarities or damn near buy in as the real thing.  Already wildly successful at home, 2008 will bring the band back to the US for another round of shows and an all out media blitz.  Songs like “Too Much Too Young” and “Diamond in the Rough” are either blatant plagerism or the highest of tribute to the bands they aim to replace.

Black Tide (myspace.com/blacktide) can’t be any older than their mid-teens but have already found themselves with invites from both Ozzfest and Avenged Sevenfold.  Audibly falling somewhere between Megadeth and Motley Crue, these young long-hairs are poised to give a shot in the arm of an ailing genre that’s been against the ropes since Metallica decided to abandon heavy metal.  Extensive touring for the next few months and the proper release of their full length in mid-February should find the band looking at whether you’ve bought in or decided to cash out.

Sacramento’s Endeverafter made their way through town a few weeks back opening for Trapt and Fuel.   Even with some local ties (lead singer living in Henderson for the past year) the band has missed the bigger picture of local music in Las Vegas.  None the less, they continue on with plans to play shows on Vince Neil’s Motley Cruise and a round of touring with the previously mentioned Airbourne.  Part classic rock, part heavy metal, served as glam rock, Endeverafter is poised to bring the good times rock and dancing girls to the party.

Ultimately it’s up to you.  This music will sink or swim on your support or lack thereof.  Whodathunkit?  Classic Rock…the new rock.