I started to write this long justification of how I'm a huge indie guy, how I go out of my way to be as anti-mainstream as possible but will always have a soft spot for Journey. But then I realized how trivial that is because you will never like it and the people that love it just do. And the people that love the song, have loved it for a quarter of a century now. That's substance. You can ignore it by trying to make your criticism sound like a social science by adding historical anecdotes but dropping names isn't dropping bombs. Schlock is putting down a song then dismissing any argument because "you're not buying it." That’s cheap. That Brittney Spears or Soulja Boy you list might be on a soundtrack 10 years down the road, but it'll be put there ironically. And by the way, Soulja Boy's 'Crank That' is the Macarena of the 21st Century. You can say that a message of "Don't Stop Believin'," is 'hyperemotional' but is it really more shallow than a song that’s about "Supermannin’" that ho and has a dance to go along to it??? Oh, and Brittney? At least Steve Perry was writing his own shit.

If I just gave you the middle finger and told you to fuck off would be pretty rock n' roll but I won't since I'm not from the "rebel generation." I'm inheriting an earth that could possibly be facing mass extinctions in 50 years with enough nukes to destroy the world ten times over. I have to go to grad school now, on top of college, just to stay competitive, just so I get a job that makes me wait in line for the Baby Boomer that decided to put off his retirement until he turns 75. So, in those moments where I can let my guard down, allow my heart to shake my cynicism- if only for 4 minutes- give me a song that espouses optimism. I’ll listen to my indie, electronic, and underground hip-hop at home so let us all sing the chorus drunk or sober in the bar. Is it cliché? I don't know anymore. It’s a post-modern world where every "heresy" and taboo has been upended. Don't you think it’s a little more edgy, more “rebellious,” these days to sing songs of determined hope?

If I understand you correctly, I think you are right. Journey is schlock, but the schlock of yesterday is actually pretty authentic art compared to the soulja-boy-brand-schlock of today.

I think Journey is mildly annoying and amusing in equal doses, but nonetheless, its light years ahead of soulja boy.

Satori, thanks. These are actual thoughts, you hippy punk.

It's easy to rag on Journey. DSB is the only song of theirs I really like. I think it's the drumming, and that they captured what the characters would be feeling in that situation. And the cool bass sound.

But it's no more schlock than New York, New York or Strangers in the Night. Somehow Mr. Christgau has the guts to rag on Journey, but not the old guy who bump-started a sagging career with those gems. And you know, except for that one album, I never cared much for Tony Bennett either. I really can get by without Paul McCartney and Britney from here on in.

But enough of my negativity. I'm sorry I won't be able to retire before I'm 75. It's not really something I "decided". Don't take it personally. And hey, did you catch the Joe Strummer movie? That's inspiring, and that annoying Bono is only around for a few seconds. You'd like it.

Yeah, the 75 thing was a tad flippant on my part and I certainly don't want to isolate the demographic that includes my still working, freelance father. Definitely want to see, I believe its called, The Future is Unwritten? My apologies- its errors like that remind me I actually need to, like, think and develop my thoughts if I ever have hope of making onto the best of the Fray. I'm going to go listen to DSB, have a beer and put things in persepective.

I hope you're being sarcastic (or at least a tad flippant) about "errors". It really made me think about the economic trap we're all stuck in - all the folks saying "wow, I can't make it in Bushonomicland by working, George is saying I should invest, maybe I should leverage a house... " Nyaaaa...sucker.

But back on topic, do dinosaur rock tours drain the livelihood from young bands who are doing something NOW? I really liked that tv show with Cream at Royal Albert Hall - they played as well a or better than when I saw them at the Fillmore on their first tour. But nothing beats wandering around stumbling on something you never heard of. That's how I heard Mad River, The Haze, and The Looters. You can see where I'm headed. Youtube.

And how about that Tinariwen?