Two men in the trenches of the Midwest dared ask a question, What is ‘grocery store metal?’ At the risk of their own peril they quickly defined the genre. Mostly classic rock from the late 70’s through mid 80’s. With clean, pop sensibilities and a touch of progressive rock. I.e. Journey. Although the list doesn’t stop there.
I once read an article with RUSH when they reunited in 2003. In the interview bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee mentioned that ‘You wouldn’t hear RUSH in a grocery store. Unless it was a really weird grocery store.’ Well, now, nearly all grocery stores across the nation are becoming really weird. It’s really not uncommon to hear ‘Tom Sawyer’ when you walk in. Or ‘Heat of the Moment’ by Asia. Or any other myriad of slightly crunchy pop rock that doesn’t scare grandparents.
While 20 years ago it may have seemed crazy to hear these classic rock staples at your local food emporium, it’s now pretty much everywhere. And not just at places like Trader Joe’s. We’re talking mainstream grocery chains in the mid-west as well. It’s really kind of funny when you think about it. Last time I walked into a grocery store, which was three weeks ago almost, they were playing ‘In The Air.’ A classic grocery store metal ballad from Phil Collins.
So what are some of the bands that fit the criteria? Here’s an extended list: Kansas, Yes (Trevor Raban years), Genesis, Journey, Styx, Boston, REO Speedwagon, RUSH, Foreigner, Kenny Loggins, Jethro Tull, Supertramp, ELO, Queen, Heart, Lita Ford, Ozzy Osbourne (mid 80’s solo), Meat Loaf, Zebra, Huey Lewis and the News, The Baby’s, Night Ranger, Loverboy, Asia and to an extent, Elton John. There’s characteristics that all these bands share: One, they’re not particularly threatening. Two, the bands have a minor bit of crunch somewhere. And three, they all have some emphasis on instrumentation. And are just the slightest bit lame. But without being actually lame. There’s even a little bit of cool. And of course, it’s all fun. ‘WE BUILD THIS CITY ON ROCK ‘N ROLL!’ So lame it out and rock on in your quarantine!! Stay safe when getting food, maintain six feet and keep your hands and mouth covered.
