Tynan's Anger

SONGS OF THE DECADE #52

[For more info, read the Ground Rules of The Song of The Decade List]

The Black Keys - 10 A.M. Automatic (2004)



This decade was sorely deprived of anthems from good young rock bands, and the tragic (if spurious) role of "10 A.M. Automatic" in helping facilitate the credit crisis may explain why. In a close-minded punk community, writing a rock anthem meant losing cred. In the twisted logic of commodified dissent, this made writing an accessible rock anthem more daring. With less competition, it was also easier to write a good rock anthem that carefully applies its balls to the wall, but also doesn't get lost in the cracks (commercially or critically). Complaining about this song's user in a Visa ad would assume that "indie bands" selling out is somehow exceptional. It's been the norm for the better part of the past 20 years, and addressing it now would be more important if music was still an economic force. I'd rather wax nostalgic about my spite when it comes to O.J. Simpson and healthcare. Meanwhile, I'll let the Black Keys rock out to 11, and use my credit card wisely.

Labels: 10 a.m. automatic, 2000s, black keys, lists, pop music, songs of the decade