Shea: Classic rock isn’t all that’s out there

The Who obviously did not hesitate to talk about its generation, so let’s take a second here… The Who obviously did not hesitate to talk about its generation, so let’s take a second here and talk about ours.

This is an issue I’ve had with our generation for quite some time — since, in fact, my 11th grade trig class, when I sat behind a kid who prided himself on his status as a classic rock buff to a borderline-unhealthy level.

Facebook profiles that list favorite music as Led Zeppelin, Cream, Eagles, The Doors, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who, only fuel my fire for this argument. We can’t just listen to classic rock.

Don’t get me wrong here. All of these were obviously fantastic bands, and I’m not by any means suggesting our generation shouldn’t still listen to and respect classic rock.

I love Bob Dylan as much as every other hippie’s kid, and I’ll openly admit I’ve danced my little heart out to ABBA’s Greatest Hits with my parents many a time in my kitchen at home.

What I am saying is that people who are limiting themselves to the music of their parents’ youths are missing a lot. And by a lot, I mean an entire generation of new music.

Dismissing any music that dates past 1980 is a huge mistake. I understand that when people of a more alternative persuasion turn on the radio and hear nothing but Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Nickelback and Miley Cyrus, it’s easy for them to get turned off and dismiss today’s music.

But here’s the thing: It isn’t 1972 anymore, so we’re not boxed into listening to what we hear on the radio.

Everyone reading this is literally three clicks away from finding what could potentially be your new favorite band.

Sure, odds are it won’t be that simple, but with more than eight million bands on MySpace and personalized radio stations that are programmed to find music you like, it’s not exactly hard either.

I’d even go as far as to say that people who only listen to ’70s rock are just plain lazy. There is so much good stuff out there that it’s absurd for any music lover not to pursue it.

Yes, classic rock is cool and you won’t catch a lot of flack or criticism for listening to it. It’s a safe choice to openly worship.

No one is going to come up to you and say, “GOD, Led Zeppelin suuucks.”

But because it’s safe and typical, I don’t actually respect people with such “refined classic taste.”

Actually, when I see someone wearing a Dark Side of the Moon T-shirt, I don’t stop and think, “Wow! That person has exquisite taste in music.” I just think, “Hm, that person probably smokes a lot of pot.”

So branch out! Stop planning your pilgrimage to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Pandora some of your favorites. You won’t regret it.