Lollapaloser

Whether or not you agree with Armstrong's assessment, that kind of passion is what rock and roll should always inspire, whether you're playing it or listening to it, buying it or selling it. It's not about wearing the right clothes or making records for the right label or whether you sell five million records or five hundred. It's not about adhering to some murky concept of cool or staying true to some lofty principals no one can even clearly define. I don't know what it's about exactly, and I would never pretend to. But I think it has something to do with belonging -- the feeling that comes when you hear the right song the right way; like you've found a kindred spirit, a kindred voice, even if that feeling lasts only as long as the song is playing. That's what makes paying attention to this stuff worthwhile, worth the time, money, and effort. Sadly, there were few such moments during last week's Lollapalooza. There were just too many voices missing, and too many other voices griping about too many stupid things. It's hard to have fun amid that kind of nonsense. I think Bill would agree.