Rock as It Nears 40: Running on Empty?

To suggest that Springsteen, the Stones and other Top 40 rock acts should play only recent stuff instead of older work (for fear of dreaded nostalgia) is completely missing the point. The problem isn’t the past; the problem is now . The fact that mainstream rock is dominated by genres (such as pop metal and singer-songwriters) that lack the vitality that generates great rock is the big problem.

Radio programmers need to start looking at the kick-ass genres of the underground and semi-underground (punk/hardcore, speed metal, power pop, rockability, ska)--the true descendants of rock in all its greatness. If they can do this there may still be hope.

QUINN SMITH

Los Angeles