^^^ The history of music, it's roots and "youth" culture has always intrigued me. Music has long been the vehicle of rebellion, the voice of the disaffected and disenfranchised. The Hippy and Punk movements, in particular, are renowned for instigating change and rebellion - true socialism, if you like.
The funny thing is; when the Mod movement first reared it's coiffured head there was a distinct North/South divide. In the North kids still clung to rock and roll. Liverpool was at the forefront, driven by the illegal import of rare vinyl through its sea trade with the US, and boasting a massive scene that would eventually spawn The Beatles. Meanwhile, down Saff (in London town), their sharper London counterparts were discovering new sounds: rhythm and blues, blue beat and ska - rich exotic sounds brought over with Caribbean immigrants.
London was full of wealthy, middle class, kids who were looking for the next big thing. Many of those in the know in this emerging scene were involved in the media. They were affluent enough to impose a crucial sartorial slant: fashion and style became vitally important. Where the streets of Liverpool were still decked out with leather, in London you'd find Pierre Cardin.
When modern jazz hit the scene, this elite set were labelled 'Modernists', or within a short space of time, 'Mods'.
The Mod movement quickly evolved and had it's own structures - At the top; the Aces, (on cutting edge, setting the pace and listening to the hippest tunes), very affluent faces who the rest followed and wanted to be. The next strata were the 'Tickets' or 'Numbers' (the instantly recognisable parka wearers) were the Ace faces lead, they followed, although with a more working class flavour. Sort of wannabes, I suppose.
I guess it's the 'Ticket' or 'Number' side of the Mod movement people would like to revive.
As for the music; well as with all genres (Punk being the exception) 'Mod' music merely evolved from rhythm & blues, blue beat and ska. That evolution progressed into hard Rock and so on.... Any revival (and there have been a few) of the music is limited. Simply put any revival of the 'Mod' sound, by it's very nature, is not revolutionary and will fizzle out because it can't evolve (it wouldn't be 'Mod' then). Much as I like the sound, it's of it's time; a snap-shot of history that's nice to look back on.
@ robbyr -The majority of working class kids now are the by-product of Thatcher's Britain. Hooked on measuring their status on material things; how much bling they can have or what designer labels are on display for all to see. They ain't 'hungry' and they ain't disaffected - the bland, theme-less, insipid music that the masses listen too merely reflects this.
« Last Edit: Jun 23, 2009 10:28:19 am by bad boy bubby »
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