ROCK: DEAD & ALIVE
It saddens me to see Richard Meltzer wishing for what’s past and not opening himself up to the great, uncorrupted bands that are making music today (“Meltzer: Rock Is Dead,” by Kristine McKenna, April 26).
Bands like the Smiths, R.E.M., U2 and Simple Minds have large followings, yet have not changed their ideals and integrity to suit the mass market. These, including such lesser-known (but equally brilliant) acts as the Cocteau Twins, James, Woodentops, the Jazz Butcher and Husker Du, are the Dylans, Beatles and Rolling Stones of the ‘80s.
And there will be more new Dylans, Beatles and Rolling Stones in the ‘90s, 2000s, forever.
Meltzer may have to go a little further than his Top 40 radio to find this music, but the reward is well worth the search.
JESSICA WATSON
Garden Grove
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