It has often been said that the Stranglers are probably the most enduring band of the UK punk/new wave era. A number of present day bands cite the Stranglers as an influence; their concerts are always packed; and the loyalty of their fans is legendary, regularly following the band from gig to gig (both domestically and internationally).
Jean Jacques Burnel, bassist and predominant figure in the band, suggested that they are currently enjoying a revival because "a lot of younger people are a bit cynical of bands their own age. It's because we've lasted the test of time, there's a certain credibility to what we're doing." The touch of arrogance in the comment is widely accepted, because of The Stranglers' success. But was it true that the younger generation was cynical of bands their own age? I decided to find out.
Those I asked seemed to have mixed opinions, although none said they totally agreed with Burnel. Hugo Lynch, 16, of Chiswick, said that "age shouldn't come into good music" and that a "good band is timeless." Another 16 year old, stated that he though Burnel had a point, as "people listen to bands with good reputations and that they know the music will be something that they like, whereas newer bands won't be as tight knit."
Peter, 16, said that he preferred bands of his own age, because they "reflect the music scene today and not that of the scene 20 years ago." Another Chiswick resident, Andrew, aged 15, said that "many teenage bands make music for totally the wrong reasons - not for the music itself, but for the girls and status that come with it, and that makes the music less credible in its essence." However, he also pointed out that "this isn't always true - some young bands are extremely talented, which is important for the country's music scene in the future."
I'd have to disagree with Burnel. Music nowadays is more varied and more available these days, which inevitably means that there is going to be some music which isn't as good as others. Advancements in technology means that more sounds are used today, meaning that music is more exciting when it is done right. Although my favourite band ever are The Smiths, a band who formed and split up before I was born, the lyrics can still relate. As Hugo so rightly put it, good bands are timeless, whatever their age. Alsol, some of my favourite artists are songwriters and bands who are not much older than myself. So in response to Burnel's accusation; our generation are not cynical of bands our own age, we just hve the ability to respect good music, whatever year it comes from.
Jack Collins
July 21, 2009