New Wave, one last time

I know… I already spoke about New Wave bands when lamenting the Rock Hall’s bias against synth-led bands. And I already said that, when the Hall’s nominating committee changes generational hands and Generation X takes over, ’80s bands will be indicted in droves regardless.

But I still think I have to make the case for New Wave bands. It’s hard to tell through all the computerized sounds, but musically, I think New Wave is the second coming of sock-hop music. It’s simple and fun, and it’s got a good beat you can dance to.

Still, those computerized sounds put some people off. Some feel that electrified guitars can make rock music… but electrified pianos can’t.

Yeah, I know, they are not just electric (amplified with electricity) but electronic… and computerized.

But… so what? When computers, synthesizers, and the sampling of sounds (not to be confused with “sampling,” which refers to reusing a phrase of existing music) made it into the studio, it just created a new playground for music-makers to explore. Is a kitchen table made with newly invented tools and materials no longer a table?

After all, the same was true of the studio itself altogether, when feedback, reverb, doubling (having a singer harmonize with themselves), and other then-new effects could be introduced to a song, during or even after recording.

New Wave is going to get into the Rock Hall, sooner or later. It’s time to realize that this genre is part of rock history, that it defined a generation… and that it’s pretty good music at that.

It would be nice if some of New Wave stars made it into the Hall while they were still alive to accept the honor in person, though. Some of them are... getting up there. 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/what-new-wave-brought-rock-n-roll-180952447/

Update: I thought we would have to wait until all the Boomers were off the Nominating Committee, but I have seldom been happier to be wrong.

In 2021, The Go-Go's got Inducted, as did Tina Turner as a solo act. LL Cool J got in, also, but with an Award for Musical Excellence even though he if very much NOT a sideman. 

And then in 2022, Duran Duran and the Eurythmics got Inducted, as did Pat Benatar and Lionel Richie as a solo artist. So look for much more of the same-- Devo did not get in, but they did get their third nomination. Whip it good, as they say, it's not too late.