Nothing to lose

NewsPress Editorial Board

April 26, 2008 11:58 pm

— Oklahomans will get the chance to vote for an official state rock song.
Once upon a time, no self-respecting rock musician would even allow his or her work to be an official anything of government. But in a day when The Who can sell three of the greatest rock anthems ever to be used as television show theme songs, such acceptance of official government sanction should not be a surprise.
But it is a disappointment. Rock and roll used to scare government. Rock and roll used to speak for those who didn’t have a voice. Rock and rollers used to smoke, drink and cavort. Rock and roll used to be about rebelling. Now it seems to be a force for societal homogenization. Another arm of government, if you will.
There’s a hall of fame for rock which, if rock was still rock, would be boycotted by rock musicians (They want recognition? That’s called sales). There’s an increasing number of legendary songs being used to sell us stuff we don’t need. And some of our biggest stars didn’t toil in dive bars across the country, but got where they are by succeeding in a series of TV tryouts.
Sure, let’s give Oklahoma an official rock song. What’s the genre got left to lose?
For those who desire, you can vote at www.oklahomarocksong.org.