Sequential Arts and the Desire for a Comeback: Prog Rock, Funk, A Cappella, and Vintage Animation

Long-time entertainment observer, myself at 63, can only recall that musical trends often fade away. Underground or marginal genres, once promising, inevitably succumb to mass market gentrification, turning into watered-down versions that cater to the lowest common denominator. Examples like heavy metal, country rock, glam, and rap illustrate this process.

Ironically, maintaining classic forms of music proves futile, particularly for those with short attention spans or averse to complexity. Expecting listeners to enjoy songs with discordance, diverse time signatures, and key changes is unrealistic to those who only appreciate mainstream sounds. Essentially, the simpler and more straightforward music tends to attract the widest audience, generating the largest profits for both artists and record companies.

Despite this, there are still pockets of underground music that refuse to disappear and continue to push the boundaries. For instance, Progressive Rock (Prog Rock) is still around, but it remains a niche trend. This genre often struggles to achieve mainstream popularity due to its demanding nature and complexity. However, I'd love to see Prog Rock make a comeback. Bands who put their heart and skill into creating masterpieces, often face financial challenges. Instead of being recognized for their passion and artistry, they sometimes struggle to secure support from major record labels preoccupied with profitability.

If Prog Rock was to take off once more, it would likely need to operate outside the mainstream, catering to a dedicated fanbase rather than chasing short-term commercial gains. Fans who appreciate the intricate storytelling, musical prowess, and diversity of this genre would be the driving force behind any resurgence.

Another genre I'd love to see make a comeback is Funk. Recently, artists like Thundercat brought some fresh energy to the genre, but a true revival would require even more influential figures like Bootsie Collins or Bobby Byrd. Funk has always been about capturing the raw energy and rhythmic diversity of African-American culture, and if the genre could reintegrate this essence, it would undoubtedly thrive again.

For those in the pursuit of A Cappella and Doo-Wop, the co-existence of harmony and voice is a beautiful art form. While much of contemporary a cappella music employs modern production techniques, the classic a cappella and doo-wop of the 20th century remains a cherished remnant of a bygone era. If revivalists could do justice to the purity and soul of these genres through innovative yet traditional methods, it would appeal to a wide audience.

Vintage animation, particularly the style pioneered by Ray Harryhausen and the original 1933 version of King Kong, evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia. Although the technology has advanced significantly, there's something undeniably charming about the stop-motion animation that breathed life into mythological creatures and epic tales in a way that digital effects sometimes cannot.

Lastly, it seems that Slashers are making a comeback. With recent releases like Fear Street (Parts 1, 2, 3) this summer, and A Classic Horror Story on Netflix, old-school slasher films are certainly experiencing a resurgence. While these might be produced in a rush, their adherence to traditional horror elements and mythology makes them a fitting tribute to the genre's origins.

Whether one celebrates the lyrical craftsmanship of Prog Rock, the raw energy of Funk, the harmonious melodies of A Cappella, the intricate movements of vintage animation, or the visceral thrills of classic slashers, there remains a desire to revisit and revitalize these forms of art. These genres, with their unique qualities and fanbases, offer a wealth of creativity and nostalgia that continues to captivate audiences.