What ever happened to rebellious youth and musical eras

I would like to argue with the youngsters on here about their current culture

In my eyes ..... you have none, here is my explanation

50s - Teddybodys
60s - Hippies, mods and  Rockers, beatlemania
70's - Hippies, Punks, glittery people, progressive rockers
80's - new romantics, mods again, Hip hop starts, weirdo's and goths
90's - Rave, Acid, dance musical culture, but its fading away you see
00's - ............hmm maybe rap is big, but its all gone a bit quiet for our youths, maybe a bit gothy but they are the minority, everybodies gone square or Chav.

what you all think of my observations.

Some of us youths are looking for another Mod Revival. I'm sure when the country is run by narrow minded, south driven conservatives again more and more people will be turning back to the true meaning of socialism which is what the Mod Scene is based on in the first place.

With bands like The Rifles and The Enemy and Paulrobbo   on the up, I think the Mod music is making a come back as well.

We are the Mods
We are the Mods
We are
We are
We are the Mods

^^^ 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.

^^^^

What a post!

Clearly you know plenty about music history, explained some stuff to me, very interesting.

@ robbyr -The majority of working class kids now are the by- product of Thatchers 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.

Very good post, apart from I didn't like this part.

Puts a bad reflection on my generation I reckon, I don't even think music needs a 'theme' to be decent.

Very good post, apart from I didn't like this part.

Puts a bad reflection on my generation I reckon, I don't even think music needs a 'theme' to be decent.

Thanks Ross. In reply to your concern: I was only answering robby's original question on rebellious youth and music. I did mention 'majority' and masses and I'm sorry if you count yourself in that. However it would be daft of me to suggest; a) that a lot of kids only listen to manufactured drivel and b) music was theme-less - wouldn't be much of a song without a theme or subject, eh?

The 'theme' I was alluding to was, in the context of robby's question - that 'theme' being rebellion. Nothing else. I'm not saying today's music is sh*te: to be honest, i believe that music today is better, in terms of quality and variety, than it's ever been. 

Thanks Ross. In reply to your concern: I was only answering robby's original question on rebellious youth and music. I did mention 'majority' and masses and I'm sorry if you count yourself in that. However it would be daft of me to suggest; a) that a lot of kids only listen to manufactured drivel and b) music was theme-less - wouldn't be much of a song without a theme or subject, eh?

The 'theme' I was alluding to was, in the context of robby's question - that 'theme' being rebellion. Nothing else. I'm not saying today's music is sh*te: to be honest, i believe that music today is better, in terms of quality and variety, than it's ever been. 

I wasn't concerned as such, I just got the impression at first that you thought the music of today is sh*te basically, obviously not though!

I understand where you are coming from now though mate.

^^^ 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.

I think that's fair, as most of the "Mod" groups come from the south. Although I wouldn't say the north, and in particular Liverpool, was decked out in the leather. A lot of the city, due largely to the many different races in Liverpool, were taken by the reggae and Ska music that hit around the similar time. More and more people of the city wanted to retrace their family's history and a lot of it went back to the Caribbean or Africa.

So Liverpool, being a multi-racial city, had it's own sounds apart from the rock and roll. In more recent years (80s), there's been a more pop feel to the city with the likes of the Lightning Seeds, Dead or Alive, Echo and the Bunnymen, Frankie goes to Hollywood and so on. That was the revival of Merseyside music, which has also faded in recent years with the last big thing to come out here...atomic kitten.

I think the "Merseybeat" sound could actually be put in the original post by Robby. The 60s, led by the Beatles, was a huge time for Liverpool's music. The bands such as Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Meyseybeats, The Fourmost as well as solo stars like Billy Fury an Cilla Black. Most of whom were in the sharp suits rather than the leather. And then there was the "revival" in the 80s which I mentioned earlier.

I think that's fair, as most of the "Mod" groups come from the south. Although I wouldn't say the north, and in particular Liverpool, was decked out in the leather.

Yeah, I'll call that writer's or poetic licence, DLS.

The point I was illustrating was that when the 'Mod' scene was nascent, Liverpool lads n lasses were still into Rock n Roll and the North /South divide (in music) existed. Like everything else, I didn't take long spreading.  

We are the Modernists
We are the Modernists
We are
We are
We are the Modernists

Doesn't have the same ring, eh? Well not 47 years on anyhow. 

Yeah, I'll call that writer's or poetic licence, DLS.

The point I was illustrating was that when the 'Mod' scene was nascent, Liverpool lads n lasses were still into Rock n Roll and the North /South divide (in music) existed. Like everything else, I didn't take long spreading. 

We are the Modernists
We are the Modernists
We are
We are
We are the Modernists

Doesn't have the same ring, eh? Well not 47 years on anyhow. 

Maybe a Mod revival can't happen again mate, doesn't stop me wanting one though

And 47 years on or not we'll

Still be the Mods
Still be the Mods
Still be
Still be
Still be the Mods

I thought JD, redkenny, Ayrton and Court and all that lot were the mods?

Some very good posts in here. Post quality extraordinaire!

I thought JD, redkenny, Ayrton and Court and all that lot were the mods?

Some very good posts in here. Post quality extraordinaire!

Can you imagine Kenny on a Vespa?

Can you imagine Kenny on a Vespa?

Would it look anything like this?

Having had some experience of the so called mod era I think its safe to say that the culture was quite isolated indeed in large areas of the UK it was non existant.Where it did manifest itself it was predominantly in the larger cities i.e. London,Birmingham Liverpool and Manchester and at certain clubs in the places mentioned mods would gather to show off their new gear(clothes),dance and do drugs mostly speed,one club in Manchester was famous at that time and went by the name of the Twisted Wheel and people would travel there from all over the country.
             After saying that these groups would be anonymous within their various communities and only when they adopted the mod ID would it all come together this scenario was the same nationwide, as for it kicking off first somewhere or other it is irrelevant, theire were aspects of the genre peculiar to specific regions it may have had a bigger following say in London but the basic mod conception was uniform.(no pun intended)
                                          

The posts in here are class.

I'm not too clued up on Mod culture, or even the music (I like The Jam and The Clash but I'm not throwing them in that box because they mightn't be Mod and I'd look a bit thick. ) but I support the Mod revival.

Anything that encourages Fred Perry and Ben Sherman t-shirts is good by me. As long as you get the Adidas Sambas or Gazelles going with them.

The posts in here are class.

I'm not too clued up on Mod culture, or even the music (I like The Jam and The Clash but I'm not throwing them in that box because they mightn't be Mod and I'd look a bit thick. ) but I support the Mod revival.

Anything that encourages Fred Perry and Ben Sherman t-shirts is good by me. As long as you get the Adidas Sambas or Gazelles going with them.

I think I'd class the Clash as more punk to be honest mate. A bit angry who think the louder the shout the better their music, where as I'd actually say the Jam sing.

I think I'd class the Clash as more punk to be honest mate. A bit angry who think the louder the shout the better their music, where as I'd actually say the Jam sing.

Cheers mate.

You can be my Mod Guru fella.

Recent musical revolutions have been shocking.

Nu Rave was potentially the most annoying. The music was sh*t. They dressed funny. Just not good enough really.

Goths were a bit heavy too. The decent music around the time was all lumped into the Goth culture though, which was a wind up. You'd listen to the Foo Fighters, and people would say 'Goth'. Why?

Goths then sort of turned to Moshers (I think), and then subsequentially Emos (Diet Goths I call them). Their music was a bit touch and go. Lots of 'My Mum and Dad support me too much, I just want to be my own person, etc, etc.' : Get over it you spoilt numpties.

None of their clothes were any good either.

I never understood all that goth and the sub-goth malarky to be honest. A lot of lads in our school were goths/moshers/emos and it was just F***ing stupid.

Best line I ever heard in school though was me mate Jack. "Can you only be considered a goth when you know enough Slipknot songs"

Emos are just a F***ing joke. They bang on about wanting to die, but rather than doing us all a favour and dying they continue to moan to us about wanting to die. Just go and do it then. And stop pretending to slit your wrists on the blade from a pencil sharpener. F***ing wierdos those people.

I never understood all that goth and the sub-goth malarky to be honest. A lot of lads in our school were goths/moshers/emos and it was just f**king stupid.

Best line I ever heard in school though was me mate Jack. "Can you only be considered a goth when you know enough Slipknot songs"

Emos are just a f**king joke. They bang on about wanting to die, but rather than doing us all a favour and dying they continue to moan to us about wanting to die. Just go and do it then. And stop pretending to slit your wrists on the blade from a pencil sharpener. F***ing wierdos those people.

Madness isn't it?

I think all the emos may have gone and done it though, haven't seen many around recently.

Either that or they've turned into one of these 'Indie kids.' Pisses me off all this labelling, especially when it's music you listened to before all these numpties made a bandwagon.

I think all the emos may have gone and done it though, haven't seen many around recently.

It's ever since Rod Hull died. The emo craze kind of died down a bit then. And to be honest, they hadn't really been on the telly for years anyway. They were restricted to Pontins and panto. Shame really.

It's ever since Rod Hull died. The emo craze kind of died down a bit then. And to be honest, they hadn't really been on the telly for years anyway. They were restricted to Pontins and panto. Shame really.

I know what you mean. There was a sharp decrease in Gothbags as well.

@ robbyr -The majority of working class kids now are the by- product of Thatchers 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.

Very good post, apart from I didn't like this part.

Puts a bad reflection on my generation I reckon, I don't even think music needs a 'theme' to be decent.

The simple fact of the matter is that music in the naughties is absolute crap, contrived, manufactured, souless sh*te mate. there is always some exception but it seems a little bit tuneless, do you ever remember what has been number one for the last 10-15 weeks ....how many memorable tunes are there.

I think I'd class the Clash as more punk to be honest mate. A bit angry who think the louder the shout the better their music, where as I'd actually say the Jam sing.

Class D.L.S...... I assume your tongue was buried firmly in your cheek there.  

In 1977 The Jam really did personify the 'angry young men' ethos of Punk and many (irrespective of Weller's love of all things 60's) considered them to be a major part of that scene. The Jam played in punk venues and their debut album "In The City" was fast, furious and very loud. They were very much of that scene and were taken under the wing of The Clash who invited them, along with The Buzzcocks, on the 'White Riot' tour, in 1977, ; their breakthrough, if you like....(I caught that tour, as a 16 year old, in the Rainbow Theatre London).

The Jam's songs contained overtly political lyrics (as was the Punk norm), for e.g. they condemned  police brutality on the title track ...'In the City'. However, their most openly political song (off the album) was 'Time For Truth' and this is were the differences with their punk contemporaries began to show. For whilst bands like the Sex Pistols' called for anarchy and destruction or The Clash's called for revolutionary change; Weller longed for a return to Empire and bemoaned it's loss. The band gradually started displaying the Union flag and, when Weller's announced that The Jam intended to vote for the Conservative Party in the 1979 general election, the split from their Punk contemporaries was complete........ it made more sense, financially, that the Mod' revival should begin.  

"They got Burton suits, ha you think it's funny. Turning rebellion into money"

I did catch Bruce Foxton once more after Weller fu**ed his mates in The Jam off, to form The Style Council, (pile of sh*te b.t.w.) .... he was playing with a wee Mod' combo called Stiff Little Fingers! ....... shouting his f**king head off, he was.