Rockin The Year: A Look at 2009

This looks like to be my last post. It's the curtain call for me, but it's been a fun ride.

It seemed almost a long time ago since it was 2009, 7 days to be exact. Many things happened, some good, some bad (mostly bad).

I'd like to say that country definately made a move this year. With Taylor Swift's "Fearless" and Tom Petty's "Anthology", there has been a rebirth in the country industry. Taylor Swift has helped get many fans into what sounds like rock but is really country, which people are okay with.

Another addition is the up and coming. Lady Gaga made a breakthrough with "Fame Monster" and is now a/an (in)famous idol (you decide). She has created many pop hits like "Poker Face" and "Paparazzi". Drake has also stepped up to the stage with songs such as "Best I Ever Had" and "Every Girl".

However, it's hard to avoid the many faults. The deaths of many stars shocked the world. Michael Jackson, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, Britanny Murphy, and more have died untimely and will be missed.

So what will be expected of 2010? Who knows, anything can happen.

"The Rev" found dead

Jimmy Sullivan, known to many as The Rev, died in his house in Huntington Beach on December 28. He was 28 years old.

For those who don't know who he is, he was the drummer for metal band Avenged Sevenfold. The Rev was known to many as "one of the greatest metal drummers of all time". He is known for his amazing talent in the studio and in concert. Currently, the causes of his death are "natural", but the toxicology is being performed on him to find out what killed him.

He was a great drummer and husband to his wife, Leana MacFadden. I can personally say that he was one of my influences in started to play. Avenged Sevenfold's music is exceptional and talented. He will be missed by the metal community. Rest in peace.

ABBA inducted into Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame

Legendary Swedish group "ABBA" is finally getting its much needed praise as they will be inducted into the 2010 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

Started around the 1970's, Bjorn, Anni-Frid, Benny, and Agnetha started their performances and since then, they have hit the big time. What was once just four friends singing original songs has become a cultural phenomena.

ABBA is famous for songs such as Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia!, and Waterloo. They are one of the best-selling artists of all time, selling over 370 million records worldwide. No matter what genre you listen to, they are a great relaxing band to just dance and sing along to.

Even though it took 30 years to do so, ABBA is finally getting the credit they deserve.

The Tony Hawk Effect Hits Guitar Hero

Being the big Guitar Hero/Rock Band fan i am, i have to talk about the latest trend Activision has been doing with the franchise. Well, it's related to music in some way, right?

For those who don't know what the Tony Hawk effect is, it's simply this. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1-4 were great games. However, they started to constantly come out with games throughout the year and the quality of the games started to deterioorate. In the end, the Tony Hawk franchise hit a downfall in "Tony Hawk Ride" and the company needs to stop it now.

Well the same thing is happening with Guitar Hero. The first 3 Guitar Hero games were great and unleashed everyone's rock fantasy. However, Activision started to "milk" the franchise by releasing unneeded rip-offs such as Band Hero and DJ Hero. Hopefully they realize this and stop making these terrible spin-offs. Oh, and lol at the picture above.

All We Are Saying Is: Give Classic Rock A Chance

Classic rock, known to teenagers as "that boring genre" is quickly being forgotten and for the wrong reasons. No. The Beatles is not the only classic rock band in the world.

People underestimate the amazing skills these classic musicians contain. Frontman Steve Miller is an excellent example of great classic rock. He composed great ballads such as "The Joker" and "Fly Like An Eagle". The terrible stereotype of classic rock is that it's "boring" and "lame" to listen to. In reality, some classic rock songs are actually energetic and get the mood going. "Helter Skelter" by The Beatles and "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd are good songs that relieve a lot of mental stress.

So try to give this falling genre a chance. At least make an attempt to listen to these songs. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Lady Gaga Is Talented

Now, I know for a fact that all of you are saying, "Nuh uh! She's just a wanna-be pop singer!" It's hard to see through all of her make-up and beauty, but she actually has some talent inside.

Unlike other pop singers, she is not just a vocalist. She is multi-instrumental since she plays the synthesizer and the piano in most of her songs. Her voice isn't "whiny" or "powerful". Her voice is more like a whimsy and sensative tone that gets straight to the point. Lady Gaga is known for her weird dress styles. She wears them because each dress expresses the song she is playing and it is a symbol of her love of fashion and style. Her music is very special also. Songs such as "Poker Face" and "LoveGame" are just catchy tunes everyone can listen to.

I fully understand that most kids are into the "metal" and "hardcore" music. But at least give pop a chance. It's a great party starter and can really lighten up a mood.

Ska Is Dead: But Is It Worth Reviving?

It is noted as the underclassmen of music. No one really appreciates it as much as it should. But does ska have a chance to revive, or will it crash and burn with the other fallen genres?

Ska is considered the "fun" genre. It contains trumpets and other brass instruments that makes people dance. Old ska bands such as Sublime, Reel Big Fish, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Less Than Jake, and Goldfinger rules the genre of ska. However, because of other rising genres, it fell to the ground. Ska bands have decreased over time and is slowly dissipating.

Luckily, some bands decided to take this problem head-on. New ska bands have arrived, such as Streetlight Manifesto and Big D and the Kid's Table to bring back the genre. Now i want to know what you think: is there a chance or not for ska?