WKRLEM: Too Old To Rock'n'Roll Too Young To Die

Rockers angry over Hall of Fame snubs

By Richard Johnson    New York Post 

December 22, 2016 |

Artists ignored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are angry over the way the organization is being run and say the latest list of inductees proves the management is biased and snobby.

It was announced Tuesday that Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur, Journey, Yes, Electric Light Orchestra and Joan Baez will all join the class of 2017.

But the Hall continues to snub Bon Jovi, INXS, Peter Tosh, the Moody Blues, Devo, Blue Öyster Cult and Jethro Tull.

Flea says today's rock music is dead

NME.com:  Transcribed by Alternative Nation, Flea says that he "looks at rock music as kind of a dead form in a lot of ways."

"I just remember being so excited that we were playing with [Pearl Jam] and with Smashing Pumpkins, because it was just an exciting time for rock music. A lot of times, especially recently, I look at rock music as kind of a dead form in a lot of ways. Nothing to take away from us and [Pearl Jam], because obviously I believe we’re relevant bands that come with a real energy," he continued.

"But if you’re a kid today, and you get in a rock band, it’s like – when we were kids, when I said I want to be in a rock band and that’s what I’m doing for my life, that’s what I was going to do, no question. You’d get: ‘You are a fucking lunatic, you are crazy. You’re never going to get a decent job in your life. What are you doing? You’re ruining your life."

"I was like fuck it, I don’t care, this is what I want to do, this means everything to me, I found a home. I’ve been a weird, neurotic, loner kid all my life, I was always the kid you called fag in high school, punk rock gave me a home. But nowadays, you decide you want to be in a rock band it’s like, ‘Oh great, let’s get you an image consultant, and a lawyer, and a manager, and let’s see what we can do here. It’s a great money making opportunity for you junior."

At The Open Thread Conspiracy

50 years ago, conspiracy theories swirled around the words to The Kingsmen's version of "Louie Louie." Rumors passed and circulated among teens and the recording was even banned on some radio markets. The FBI launched an investigation but ultimately no charges were filed.

The Kingsmen's version was recorded in one take for a total cost of $50 in Portland, Oregon. To my ear, a stray background voice interjects what sounds like the word "fuck" at around 58 sec. According to Wiki, it was the drummer who had dropped a stick. Listen for yourself:

The Kingsmen's Louie Louie made a clean break with the pop music of the 1950's and early 60's. They antedated "The Beatles" by several months (at least in America) and The Kinks (who they more closely resemble), by a year. Things were never the same afterwards. I blame youthful hormones.

[added] Slurred and ambiguous lyrics had a long history with censors. For example. Shake, Rattle And Roll.