Ongoing History of New Music: The 100 Greatest Rock Moments of the Millennium So Far - Part 10: (10-1)
Host: Alan Cross
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Introduction
In the tenth and final installment of the "100 Greatest Rock Moments of the Millennium So Far," host Alan Cross delves deep into the most pivotal events that have shaped the rock music landscape in the first quarter of the 21st century. Acknowledging the inherent subjectivity in ranking such moments, Cross invites listeners to engage in discussion and reflection on his curated list.
10. The Death of the 12-Year Pop and Rock Cycle
Timestamp: [05:30]
Alan Cross begins the countdown by addressing the demise of the traditional 12-year cycle that alternated dominance between pop and rock music. This cycle, rooted in rock's rise in the 1950s and its periodic resurgence, was disrupted by the advent of streaming and the fragmentation of music consumption.
“The monoculture in music that we had before the Internet is gone. All the consumer behavior that went into creating and sustaining the 12-year pop and rock cycle has pretty much disappeared.” — Alan Cross [05:45]
Key Points:
- Historical context of the 12-year cycle alternation between rock and pop.
- Impact of streaming services and the decline of traditional gatekeepers like record stores and radio.
- Fragmentation of music genres leading to a lack of consensus on popular tastes.
- The inability to predict music trends without the cyclical pattern.
9. File Sharing and Music Piracy
Timestamp: [15:20]
Cross delves into the tumultuous era of file sharing and piracy that began in the early 1990s, peaking around the year 2000. This period saw a dramatic decline in physical sales, forcing the music industry to reinvent itself in the digital age.
“Piracy forced the record labels to completely reinvent themselves for the digital era.” — Alan Cross [15:35]
Key Points:
- The rise of file sharing platforms and their impact on CD sales.
- Economic repercussions: revenue declines, job losses, and the collapse of record stores.
- The industry's legal battles against piracy exacerbating the problem.
- Notable impact on artists, with Linkin Park cited as the most pirated rock act.
- The eventual emergence of streaming as a solution to piracy.
8. The Death of David Bowie
Timestamp: [25:50]
The passing of David Bowie in January 2016 marks a poignant moment in rock history. Bowie’s influence spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on music, fashion, and art.
“Bowie's death marked the end of an era. Few have been as influential as he was over his 50-year career.” — Alan Cross [26:10]
Key Points:
- Bowie’s battle with liver cancer and his dedication to his art until the end.
- The cultural and emotional impact of his final tour with the Tragically Hip.
- Bowie’s legacy and timeless contributions to various facets of culture.
- Public and industry reaction to his passing, underscoring his significance.
7. The Resurrection of Vinyl
Timestamp: [35:40]
Vinyl, once deemed obsolete, experienced a remarkable resurgence in the mid-2000s. This revival was spearheaded by indie bands and independent record stores, culminating in the creation of Record Store Day.
“An idea based on comic books floated at a meeting of indie record store owners. Not only saved their businesses but also brought vinyl back from the dead.” — Alan Cross [36:00]
Key Points:
- The decline of vinyl sales due to CDs and digital formats.
- The emergence of Record Store Day in 2008 as a catalyst for vinyl's comeback.
- The role of major retailers and artists in embracing and promoting vinyl.
- Statistical evidence of vinyl outselling CDs in several markets by 2024.
6. The Introduction of iTunes, the iPod, and the iTunes Music Store
Timestamp: [45:25]
Cross highlights Steve Jobs' pivotal role in transforming the music industry through the introduction of the iPod and the iTunes Music Store. This innovation not only countered piracy but also reshaped how consumers accessed music.
“Steve Jobs' introduction of iTunes and the iPod saved the music industry from the brink of disaster caused by piracy.” — Alan Cross [45:45]
Key Points:
- The music industry's initial response to digital piracy and failed attempts with Press Play and Musicnet.
- Steve Jobs' strategic partnership with major labels to launch the iTunes Music Store in 2003.
- The monumental success of the iPod and the subsequent financial turnaround for Apple.
- The long-term dominance of streaming platforms, with a focus on Apple’s market ascent.
5. The Impact of Social Media on Music
Timestamp: [55:10]
Social media platforms revolutionized music discovery and artist-fan interactions. Cross discusses both the opportunities and challenges presented by this digital transformation.
“Social media makes it possible to get to the feeds of people around the world without the need for record labels or any kind of traditional marketing and promotion.” — Alan Cross [55:25]
Key Points:
- The evolution from MySpace to TikTok and other modern platforms fostering viral trends.
- Direct artist-fan engagement through live streaming, memes, and interactive content.
- Benefits: democratization of music discovery, enhanced fan communities, and global reach.
- Downsides: rise of one-hit wonders, homogenization of music styles, and algorithm unpredictability.
- Case studies of artists like Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez who emerged via social media.
4. Gord Downie and the Final Tour of The Tragically Hip
Timestamp: [1:05:30]
A deeply Canadian moment, Gord Downie's diagnosis with glioblastoma and the subsequent farewell tour of The Tragically Hip resonated profoundly across Canada, highlighting the band's national significance.
“The Tragically Hip became Canada's house band, and Gord Downie's final tour was the most emotional musical event the country has ever seen.” — Alan Cross [1:05:50]
Key Points:
- Gord Downie's battle with aggressive brain cancer and his commitment to his final tour.
- The cultural impact of The Tragically Hip as emblematic of Canadian identity.
- Massive public turnout and national mourning following Downie’s death.
- Downie’s contributions beyond music, including his work on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
3. The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Music
Timestamp: [1:15:45]
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the music industry on an unprecedented scale, leading to the suspension of live events and pushing the industry further into the digital realm.
“COVID-19 was unspeakably awful, but it did accelerate the music industry's transition into the digital realm.” — Alan Cross [1:16:05]
Key Points:
- The halt of concerts, festivals, and live music, affecting artists and venues financially.
- Shift to virtual concerts, livestreams, and increased reliance on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
- The rise of "COVID music" reflecting themes of isolation and resilience.
- Long-term changes: hybrid live-virtual models and increased use of NFTs for fan engagement.
- Post-pandemic challenges: inflated concert ticket prices and logistical hurdles in touring.
2. The Transition from Physical Media to Streaming
Timestamp: [1:25:30]
Cross examines the near-total replacement of physical music media with streaming services, which transformed revenue models and artist compensation.
“Streaming payouts can be more or less equivalent to what an artist gets when their songs are played on the radio.” — Alan Cross [1:25:45]
Key Points:
- The economic shift from high-margin physical sales to low-margin streaming.
- Implications for artists: reliance on touring, merchandise, and licensing due to reduced revenue from streams.
- Changes in music composition: shorter songs with immediate hooks to maximize streaming impact.
- The phenomenon of "lean back" listening versus "lean forward" engagement with music.
- The disparity in revenue distribution, benefiting top-tier artists while the majority struggle financially.
1. The Devaluation of Music
Timestamp: [1:35:50]
Crowning the list, Cross presents the devaluation of music as the most significant moment in rock and music at large in the 21st century. This devaluation stems from the ease of access and the diminished monetary value placed on music by consumers.
“Music has become a low-cost, low-margin commodity that requires a lot of money to make, but with little compensation in return.” — Alan Cross [1:36:10]
Key Points:
- Comparison of past investment in music (e.g., purchasing CDs) versus current streaming models.
- The oversupply of music leading to its perception as “organized noise” rather than a valued art form.
- Statistics on song skipping behaviors, highlighting lack of listener investment.
- Economic implications for artists: minimal earnings from streaming despite high production costs.
- Reflection on iconic long-form compositions versus today's trend of short, hook-heavy tracks.
- The broader cultural impact: diminished financial support for artists and a shift in how music is created and appreciated.
Conclusion
Alan Cross concludes the series by reiterating the transformative events that have shaped rock music over the past 25 years. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these changes to appreciate the current state and future trajectory of music. Cross invites listeners to engage in dialogue, share their perspectives, and remain attentive to the evolving dynamics of the music industry.
“Pay attention to what's happening in music. We can meet up at all the social media platforms.” — Alan Cross
He also encourages feedback via email and highlights his additional podcast, "Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry," which explores the intersections of true crime and music.
Final Thoughts
This comprehensive exploration by Alan Cross offers invaluable insights into the forces reshaping rock music and the broader music industry. From technological disruptions and cultural milestones to economic transformations and the enduring spirit of artists, the episode serves as both a reflection and a call to action for music enthusiasts and practitioners alike.
For Further Discussion and Feedback:
Drop a line to Alan Cross at allenallencross.ca or visit his website ajournalofmusicalthings.com to engage in conversations about the evolving landscape of music.