Those crazy kids and their crazy punk music

So the job I used to work I was on call which meant I would be responsible for working different shifts when needed. This meant that I would usually work with what was a random group of guys each every time I worked. Off hand I can't tell you how many people I worked with but I can tell you that each individual was a crazy character who could probably fit the archetype of the wacky next door neighbor in a CBS sitcom. This particular story starts with the Hammer.

Now I don't know why they called him the Hammer but I could go on all night about this guy. I won't. All you need to know for this story is that he would always show up an hour early so he could eat whatever the fuck it was he would bring in every day and get the skinny on what happened earlier in the day. One of the perks of the hell hole where I worked is that we got to listen to a little ten watt radio. The only catch on the midnight shift, The Hammer's shift, was that the radio always had to be tuned to the classic rock station. God did I hate working that shift. Do you know how many times in an eight hour block the classic rock station plays Journey?

One day, and it must have been a Friday night because I always hated working Fridays since I would not get off work until 11:00 pm. I decided that I was going to go out of my way and piss off the Hammer consequences be damned. I like to think I have a very accute knowledge of what exactly to say to push someone's buttons and I know to get to the Hammer all you have to is bash any of his favorite classic rock artists. On this particular night I chose to shit on the Eagles because, well, becuse they are a fucking shitty band who I hate more than The Dude does. Yes I do not abide the Eagles.

Let me tell you the Hammer was pissed. He muttered under his breath "punk kid. Don't know what real music is. They did it better back in the day." IT was one of those instances where he tried saying it under his breath but also wanted to make sure I heard it. I really appreciatted that.

What later really stuck with me about the whole altercation was why would he bash current music. You would think that as music has evolved over the years that current artists would rock just as hard if not harder than his favorite bands from the 70's. This lead me down the rabit hole and made me wonder at what age or what specific event make most people decide "You know what? I've listened to some good music but I don't think it is going to get any better than this. I'm done with new music."

Every once in a while I think about it and I have come up with a couple hypothesizes that sound like they could be valid reasons why someone who loved Bruce Springsteen could give a fuck about The Arcade Fire. I would like to share them with you below and would also be curious if you have any theories as well.

1.) Like I said earlier, someone hears what they think will be the best song ever so why continue?

I know this sounds like a stupid theory but if you think about it it almost makes sense. I mean if someone really thinks Styxx's song Lady was the greatest song ever why continue to go on with keeping up with Pop music. After all wouldn't everything else be downhill from there. It's like fucking Megan Fox. Where do you go after that? Not Kirsten Dunst. Makes sense right?

2.) The mainstreaming of Rap

I don't know when rap became part of the mainstream conscience of America but I would not be suprised to find that it coincides with the year most people gave up on new music. Some of it might have to do with the race factor since most rap artist back in the day were black. I'm sure people really into in Lynard Skinner were not into Grand Master Flash. And race might not even be a factor. Just the fact that it is so radically diferent and alien to most people could turn these baby boomers off. Maybe they decided if this is where te future of music is going then let me off the train at the next stop.

3.) The introduction of Punk Music and the Alternative Scene

I lot of the same reasons from number two I think would coincide with the notion that alternative and punk music would turn people off from discovering new music. Also this music was directed to a younger crowd by artists who rejected the current music scene that is embraced by people like the Hammer.

4) My Generation Did It The Best

You hear this cookie cutter arguement from these baby boomers who are into Fleetwood Mac or whatever else was popular back in the day. This is the argument that I hate the most because you are basically saying that something was awesome just because you were there. You know I"m sure the people who survived Waco didn't find it awesome when the FBI raided their compound and shot the hell out of them just because they were there. I understand why people make this argument because if they don't it invalidates their entire existance but it is a really lame ass arguement. Its a good way to pigeonhole yourself whether it be pop music, movies, or birth control methods.

5.) Having a kid

When I asked my dad why old fuckers decide they are going to stop listeing to new music he said it was proably because they had a kid. I forget his reasoning but if you think about it this reason might make the most sense. Having a kid is hard work and I am sure that trying to keep up with the latest trends is the last thing a new parent wants to think about (coincidently this might be why most kids in my age bracket listen to classic rock unironically; because their parents do. One of the reasons I got into punk and alternative is because my dad listened to it). Also if you think about it having a kid is one of those events that defines your life and acts as a transitional phase; like your your first steps, getting a drivers license, your first blow job, and the first time getting arrested for urinating in public. It would make sense to stick with what you know.

Anyways what are your thoughts if any? Please share. Or at least tell me to fuck off or something.