Mind on Music

Let's face it: the music industry is dead. Evidence of this casualty (to list a few reasons) are the decline in album sales, increase in ticket prices, or even the increase in MTV's propensity to show My Super Sweet 16 rather than actual music videos. Still, I am not worried: Music will always be made, even if no one is listening.

Look no further than the jam band, the last of a dying breed that can be considered true musicians. Armed with a copious amount of musical influences and virtually limitless creativity, these masters of musicality have built a dedicated following. The Grateful Dead were the forefathers of this movement, and Phish kept the legacy alive; in its absence, a diverse group of bands has emerged to fill the void. The showcase for these bands are their live shows, which turn into three-hour cosmic marathons (dancing is mandatory) that channel anything from soul-funk to gritty metal. Each night has its own unique stamp, which makes no two shows alike, causing most fans to attend multiple show runs. To quote Jerry Garcia, it is not uncommon for a jam band to "steal your face right off of your head."

Luckily, jam bands slip just under the realm of the popular music scene. There are no over-produced, highly promoted studio albums or radio-friendly singles for them to fall back on. Jam bands rely on nothing but talent and innovation, which cannot be imitated. Jam-band fans are true fans of music; their dedication, or borderline obsession, is the sole reason for the band's existence. Is it insanity to attend nearly 20 shows by jam- band heavyweights moe. in two years? Some may immediately commit me to a mental institution, but I ask you this in return: Is it insanity to accept anything as good, unaware that it is forced upon you, without considering the possible alternatives? The most redeeming quality of this type of music is that it is sought out rather than shoved down your throat. You can discover good music on your own terms. Simply turn off the radio and open your ears.

Recommended listening: "Rebubula" by moe., "Aimlessly" by STS9, "Wife Soup" by Umphrey's Mcgee, "Hang Tan" by Toubab Krewe, and "You Enjoy Myself" by Phish.