A few weeks ago we were visiting friends when my eyes fell upon a media rack. Inspecting the music, I discovered a fine collection of classic 90’s alt-rock. There amidst all the flannel I saw it: Bush’s second album, Razorblade Suitcase.
I hadn’t listened to that album in almost a decade. Needless to say I borrowed it and wore out my car stereo. I had strapped on my headphones and gone back to happier times of bad lunches and math homework, oh middle school.
After some research I came across the new Gavin Rossdale single on YouTube. Suddenly, the image of Bush’s former front man rocking “Machinehead” was replaced with a faux-Lenny Kravitz. What did Gwen Stefani do? Seriously, was there a surgery performed, and he lost the ability to rock?
I was distraught at how generic “The Love Remains the Same” sounded. Man, “Swallowed” was at least about addiction and love; it was even played at my 8th grade semi-formal, this new tune was pure fluff. I first heard it while watching an episode of So, You Think You Can Dance – not by choice I swear – I couldn’t believe it was Gavin.
This would be the equivalent of Dexter Holland making dance pop, or Scott Lucas not ripping off Nirvana. It is sad to see some former good front men making real mediocre music. This move ranks up there with Scott Stapp trying rap music, although I cried because I was laughing so hard. Stick to what you know.
I’m a mere fan and amateur music critic, but if you’re good at producing a sound, why would you completely change? I’ll never understand it, so I keep listening to find an answer. Maybe I’m just being a greedy fly.
