Rock as It Nears 40: Running on Empty?

While Hilburn mentions some underground innovators, he is quick to dismiss them because they “show little sign of touching the mass pop consciousness.” Excuse me--I thought the article was about the supposed dearth of new, exciting styles and concepts in rock, not about commercial success.

If platinum status, stadium gigs and big-name record deals are what Hilburn thinks rock is about, perhaps he should tune in to KSPC-Claremont, order something from Homestead, Caroline and ROIR and get with it.

The bands he will hear are in touch with real life because they never sell enough records to be the pampered stars that even some street-tough rappers become.

In the punk, psychedelic, gothic and other subcultures are bands and fans who believe in art beyond cash flow and haven’t abandoned rock ‘n’ roll’s spirit, even if Robert Hilburn and all the people who buy Milli Vanilli records have.

JENNIFER M. SIMPSON

Upland