Some bands have battled with rock critics during their careers.  It�s the most common gripe for critics and fans that whenever a band might start to sell a few records they must have motives that revolve around the almighty dollar.  If you are not starving for your art then it must not really be art.  This isn�t going to be another column on the ridiculous idea of selling out; it�s about the ridiculous idea that rock and roll can be fun.

Def Leppard is the first band that comes to mind.  I had the privilege to see a Def Leppard show for the first time after being a fan for 15 some odd years.  All of the cliché�s you could imagine at a Def Leppard show were in full force.  Mullets, tube tops and other questionable attire was fully represented.  When the band hit the stage none of that mattered because we were treated to a band that was having a good time playing some great and memorable songs.  There was no pretense, declarations for world peace or songs about how miserable life is.

I had fun.  This was mindless fun that reminded me exactly why I started listening to music in the first place.  This couldn�t have come at a better time. After years (specifically those lame college years) of every day being revolved around music in some way, I started to get tired of the seriousness and the constant need to be listening to something that was important, meaningful or revolutionary.

So I turned the stereo off.  I have enough problems without worrying about what some miserable guy in a band has to say about his thoughts and feelings.  I stopped trying to find the next CD that could change my life and move me to see something in a brand new way because it seemed like everyone was looking in the same direction.
 
Just as quick as it took to turn the switch the stereo off I was lined up with tickets to see Collective Soul and Def Leppard within three weeks of each other.  Standing in the crowd I started to remember just what it was that made me like music in the first place.  Loud guitars are awesome and there is nothing better than a good rock and roll song.  It really is that simple.  
 
It is great to have a place like antiMUSIC where you can come and learn about music you have never heard of or just appreciate artists that are working hard and deserve to be listened to.  Just remember it's okay to relax and enjoy a little mindless fun.  Music is a lot of things to a lot of people, but in the end it�s just entertainment.