Has There Been Good Music Since 1980? Yes.

So I'm watching Real Time with Bill Maher because I pay for HBO and feel I have to watch it 24/7 to make it worth my money. Anyway, his guest is Billy Bob Thornton and he's talking about how he got in a discussion with a PA on his last movie set about the quality of rock music since 1980. His main point being that she couldn't list on a sheet of paper more than three bands that people will listen to 100 years from now and praise them as visionaries. But before 1980, he says he can rattle off a hundred.

Now, I went to a Beach Boys concert a couple years ago and a woman at the concert turned to us during the intermission (yes, the rock concert had an "intermission") and said something to the same tune. I told her the same thing I'd say to Billy Bob - you're ignorant.

Whether or not I like the bands, there are a lot of acts out there who I could see being remembered down the road.

Radiohead, R.E.M., U2
These are the three that anyone who remembers the era of vinyl will agree with, because they like their music. I agree these people will be on "oldies" radio down the road, if there is such a thing as radio anymore. But there are more bands from the 80s and 90s who won't be tossed aside.

Guns & Roses
Sure they couldn't handle a come back, but they owned the 80s... and "Sweet Child of Mine" will never get old. Ever.

Dave Matthews Band
As terrible as their last 5 albums have been, the band created a unique sound that bridged hippy jam and pop tunes. Plus, they consistently sell out outdoor venues every summer. To think they won't have a lasting impact is ridiculous.

Ben Folds Five
I have always been a fan. Dude can write some songs, that's for sure. And I could see him getting some additional success down the road.

The Clash
London Calling came out in December of '79, so I'm throwing them in the 80s category. And I'm using this as a main reason that Billy Bob Thornton is full of crap.

Green Day
Not only were they huge in the early 90s, they made a comeback and got huge again. You can't sit there and tell me people will forget about them.

Pearl Jam
I'm a big Pearl Jam fan, but that isn't the reason I included them. It's because they're a solid act with a huge catalog.

Nirvana
Our parents had the British invasion, we had grunge. To discount the importance of that is straight up bull shit.

Sublime
Their music has crossed boundaries from alternative to Top 40. I even hear "Santeria" on 101.9 The Mix, which is basically preset one here in Chicago for soccer moms.

Hip-Hop
I think older people who make these arguments ignore hip-hop because they don't like "that damn rap music". But people like Jay-Z, Snoop, Dre, Notorious, Tupac... they're all super popular musicians who will be listened to down the road because they're good. Fuck, even Kanye will have a spot. As much as you want to hate the guy, he has put out three albums worth listening to and one that uses a robot voice.


These are just a quick list of artists. But I'm sure we can brainstorm more and send a nasty letter to Thornton so he can stop talking so much shit. Because let's be honest, when it comes to good music - he can't really say much with that band of his.