Anger Management

Robert Hilburn’s analysis that record label honchos didn’t create the latest Anger Rock sounds but know how to market emotion is accurate (“Hey, They’re Only Following the Money,” Dec. 10).

In reality, the true allure for the music consumer oftentimes involves more complexity. It is not the singular expression of anger or aggression that entrances paying fans. The true hook, especially for teens, occurs when layers of conflicting emotion are expressed in music as in life. Thus, when a group such as Limp Bizkit or Korn combines the expression of anger with the occasional sentimental lyric, resonance obtains.

Recall how the ordinarily upbeat Beatles made the transition to uniquely integrated themes of anger, angst and conflict, balancing earlier optimism. That, as record companies know, sells!

MARC D. SKELTON

Laguna Niguel

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Kudos to Hilburn for his article. As a rock musician who has also worked at a couple of major record labels, I feel compelled to respond.

The labels do indeed get their share of bad press for continuing to spew out a steady stream of uninspiring bands that are merely rehashing others’ riffs and adding their own brand of ever-increasing angst to the mix. However, if you’d like to find the real source, look to the people who support these subpar, copycat bands who have nothing of substance to communicate, and seem to aim to increase the negativity and anger in our society.

Rock ‘n’ roll has always been at its best when it inspires us to change the world that we are so angry about. As former “angry young men,” my friends and I also lashed out at the injustice around us. I’m sure that members of previous generations thought the music we listened to had no positive social or musical value either, but it spoke to us, and it inspired me to do something positive and get involved.

I can understand the alienation in today’s youth, and they are entitled to vent their anger and frustration, even if it is through supporting and/or starting bands that seem to have nothing new to say or any new riffs to say them with. I just hope their anger is channeled into doing something positive about what they are pissed off about, and not just continuing the cycle of destruction, hatred and hypocrisy.

MARK REBACK

Los Angeles

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Hilburn writes about Anger Rock as if youthful angst is a fait accompli. He quotes Chris Cornell as saying “the anger in rock ‘n’ roll is going to get worse” and the late Bill Graham noting interminable war, dishonest politicians and police brutality as issues that vex. Then Hilburn wraps the discussion by referring to record executives drooling over potential profits.

Perhaps people wouldn’t be quite so angry if we could stop soldiers from killing, presidents from lying, cops from beating and businesspeople from sucking the blood of artists.

MICHAEL SIMMONS

Los Angeles

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If “politics is a substitute for violence,” then identifying with Anger Rock is a healthy passion for today’s kids no matter how cliched and derivative us flower powered-ex-hippy-dope-smoking-protesting-effete snob-beentheredonethat adults think the music is.

It’s only rock ‘n roll and I like it!

BARRY RUDOLPH

North Hollywood