In among the over-produced, musical pap that provides dross for the overexcited morons: the mass produced crap of the Voice and Simon Cowell, the regurgitated unoriginality of the tribute bands and the sanitised Muzak of the radio, there is still some acts that stand out for me.
My favourite band of the moment is the North Mississippi Allstars. They produce raw, authentic Blues of the Mississippi North Hill Country in the hypnotic style of the likes of RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. Their musicianship is incredible and they are loud, lively and exciting.
Then there’s the raw sounds of Wilko Johnson with his unique stage presence, great guitar-work and superbly backed by Dylan Howe on drums and the wonder of Norman on Bass. Norman Watt-Roy must be the best bass player in the business.
The Magic Band are formed from the ashes of Captain Beefheart. They are by no means a tribute act and remain one of the best acts in the world. Their incredible guitar work, amazing vocals and brilliant bass are doing real justice to Don Van Vliet’s songs. One of the best acts around. They blow you away.
The late James Varda has produced one of the best albums of the decade with Chance and Time. It was a suitable epitaph but saddens me to think that we will never get any more than that.
Laura Marling scores with her beautifully crafted songs. Edwina Hayes with her incredible voice and songs. The Eels continue to be innovative and pertinent. The Blockheads (with Norman Watt-Roy on bass) even without Ian Dury are an exciting live band.
Rock is still alive but there is no focus of rebellion or movement that I can discern. Perhaps something will rear its head! A new Roy Harper/Bob Dylan will emerge? Or a new Beatles will be formed. Maybe they’re all playing in High Schools right now!