The Modern Art of Rock

When it comes to emphasizing the value of rock music, the easy argumentative variant consists of comparing its protagonists to already-recognized greats from traditional or modern artistic movements. Yet this kind of zealous appreciation is not the only approach we can find. Just as important (or more important) for the recognition of the popular are those writings that are not exclusively concerned with reconciling rock to familiar artistic yardsticks such as compositional subtlety, virtuosity, and lyrical differentiation or ambiguity. What demonstrates the artistic merit of the new rock music is not least the fact that its followers also identify new characteristics that they consider important. In this development, great importance is attributed—first of all—to the way bands play with technologically produced sounds. The neo-tonal application and quality of electric sounds is highlighted as well.