I have a playlist called Rock and Roll Heaven (it’s short; about a hundred songs). The other night when I was listening to it, the first three songs that played were:
- Be My Lover by Alice Cooper
- John Lennon’s cover of Stand By Me
- Permanent Waves by The Kinks
Aside from reminding me that the 70’s wasn’t all disco and prog wankarama, what do they have in common? Well, if you made a Venn diagram of the three artists, you’d find humour in the centre.
Sure, John gives one of his overpowering performances where you believe Every. Single. Word.
But John was the funniest guy in a very funny band called The Beatles who were constantly amused that we all took them so seriously. Alice Cooper could never be accused of taking himself seriously. Ditto Ray Davies.
Yes, a lot of us are still hopeful that music can change the world, but it’s a healthy reminder that, although it might not be a joke, Rock and Roll really is just a bit of fun.
