About Gabe Johnson Expertise I am an expert on the material in Radiohead`s songs. I can answer nearly any question related to lyrics interpretations and changes from album to album. I can also answer many questions related to specific band members such as their upbringings and musical influences.
Experience I have listened to Radiohead heavily for three years, and discuss/research Radiohead in order to further my appreciation and knowledge for the band.
I was reccomended by a Pink Floyd expert from this site to apply.
Publications Write monthly music review for school paper.
Question Rock music was born from the blues, which originated in America. Why then do you think the best ever pop/rock bands throughout the history of music tend to come from Britian? For example: The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and finally Radiohead. (Only to name a few)
Answer Dear Rob,
Excellent question. Although this is a rather general question related to music, I'll do my best.
Although you list some of the most important progressive rock arts such as The Floyd and Zeppelin, you may not recall the deepest origins of rock.
Elvis Presley, an American, basically created rock music. Then there was Chuck Berry, an American, Bill Haley and His Comets, and Buddy Holly. All of which directly influence Britain. The thing was, rock started in America. The Beatles began what is known as "The British Invasion", which you are probably aware of. The only explanation for this is that the Brits had so much pent-up creativity and talent waiting to be released. The Beatles were not yet progressive in the early 60's when they made their mark in America. They really were pop songwriters, using much of Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry in their music. America had already started it, it was up the Brits to move it along. Mass drug use started in the sixties, as well. In Woodstock, an American event, such artists as Neil Young and Janis Joplin were prominent Americans who also raised the bar. Then came The Velvet Underground, an American band fronted by Lou Reed that practically invented Punk and New Wave, which THEN went to Britain. So, don't put the evolution of rock into the hands of the Brits so quickly.
Modern Brit-Pop such as Radiohead and Blur is usually better than American pop simply because of the way American record companies have become, and what American children have come to accept. British people, simply put, are more creative than us because their media is more easygoing, general, and they live in less fear and control. While this is up for debate, I strongly believe it, having people I know who have visited G.B. for great periods and gotten to love the open-mindedness of them compared to us.
I agree that there are tons and tons of fabulous British rock artists, there are also tons of fabulous American ones.
