Mark Lee deconstructs a mega-hit:
LMFAO, a dance pop music duo, is boldly advancing its "party rock" music, one that is devoid of any musical aspects of rock but seems to be channeling the broader culture of rock. It’s easy to write this off as a careless misappropriation of one art form into an highly dissimilar form. Like evoking nineteenth century impressionist oil paintings when talking about a crayon drawing just because they’re both renderings of a tree.
I don’t entirely disagree with this statement. But do give LMFAO credit for boldly defying the commonly accepted use of the word "rock" in music. And lest we forget, rock music was born out of defiance of social and musical norms. So perhaps it’s only natural that once "rock" itself has become a norm, "rock" will come along to challenge it.
Official music video here. Update from a reader:
The excerpt from Mark Lee's article is egregious. LMFAO aren't rock 'n rollers, but rather are claiming an ancient hip-hop tradition of "rockin'" a party, as either DJs or MCs. I hope this video clears things up.
Another:
I'm glad to see the site carrying Mark Lee's post is called "overthinking it." Slapping a label on something does not change its essence or its meaning (or lack of meaning). I realize marketers and advertising people believe otherwise, and I suppose I also realize that if the relabeled product is shoved down our throats aggressively enough it takes on a life of its own. But a sham is a sham.
I was subjected to a visual-only assault by "Party Rock" while I was at the Y a few weeks ago – flailing dancers, someone wearing a box over their head, closed captioning that said something like "If you're sexy and you know it clap your hands, party rock." That was enough to make me want to smash the television.
The use of the word "rock" in the title of that "song" title ought to have no significance; I would be willing to bet that its "writers" have no concept of what rock music is. Let's just call it what it is – a crass grab for attention and dollars foisted on an audience that has been conditioned to expect nothing better.
And you kids better stay off of my lawn.
The Dish 