Chris Scum

 Coming up in the 80’s, I of course listen to a great deal of music from that era and before, especially Punk rock and 80’s hardcore. I still listen to a lot of 90’s “alternative” although out of all Genre’ labels that is my least favorite.

    I for one am so fucking sick of going to youtube, clicking on a Rolling Stones or CCR song and seeing all the top comments being something to the nature of “God, I wish they still made music like this!”

First off, who in the Hell are “They”? These comments made usually by 13 to 22 year olds remind me of my Grand Father talking about his 1970’s Plymouth, “They just don’t make em like this no more, son!”

I assume when they speak of “They” they’re almost certainly referring to whatever dribble is oozing out of top 40 radio or being infrequently spun on MTV, which I choose to call non-MTV and haven’t watched regularly since the early 90’s. So really I have no idea what music is popular now. I know all the names but I can sincerely say I have never heard a complete Lady GA GA or Justin Bieber song.

We live in such age of technology that I don’t have to hear that puke any longer. I remember sitting by the stereo or riding in a car wishing for the new good song to come on, but if you’re doing that now you’re gonna be waiting awhile. That’s why so many radio stations are now classic rock stations or talk radio. However I assure you whatever Genre’, Sound, or Style of music “they” used to make someone is in their garage or band room creating as I type and it’s not that hard to find.

If kids can ply the game controllers out of their hands, their asses off the couch in most cities there are these places called clubs. Usually there are at least a few that offer live music (That’s where actual musicians get onstage and play their instruments) WOW! What a concept, I lie to you not, it happens. In most cities you can find what ever “Genre” of music you’re seeking without too much difficulty. You can always pick up a local rag (alternative Newspaper) or even look in the entertainment section of your city paper.

If venturing outside the comfort zone of your bed room or parents bed room seems to frightening or trying, you certainly know the internet. You know, face book, youtube, My Space yea that thing a lot of you play video games on, there’s music on there.

One of my personal favorites is called CD BABY.COM  because, well that’s where I sell my music (one of the many sites, actually) but I use CD BABY as a sort of headquarters. What’s cool about this and most online music stores is you can list some music like “They” used to make and it will bring up similar, perhaps newer bands so you don’t have to keep listening to the same songs you’re grand father did. You might even find someone you like better than those same old G.B.H. and Minor Threat albums. Maybe not, but at least it will be something new.

Besides CD BABY there’s also Rhapsody, Amazon, Spotify, EMusic, ITunes, and another favorite of mine Interpunk.com

There are endless online radio stations. Do a Google or Yahoo search for online Punk Stations, Online rock Stations, online Alternative stations. That way you can hear the tired old ones “They” made mixed in with new and exciting bands! I promise kids, there’s something out there you will like!

Christopher Scum

Chris Scum is the founder and lead singer of the Knoxville based band “The Dirty Works” and is a music columnist for Insidecelebrities.com. Look for his columns weekly .