Miley and the White Stipes

Before my Miley phase began, I'd probably have to say that my favorite artist was the White Stripes. Unfortunately, their last two albums haven't been all that great, but their first four were awesome. I think I have a theory behind my admiration for both artists and their commercial success:

In case you haven't noticed, rock and roll is pretty much dead. Forty years ago the Beatles and Stones did pretty much everything there is to do, and most rock and roll since then has consisted of concious or unconcious rip-offs of those two groups. Don't get me wrong: there have been a lot of really great bands over the last twenty years. Still, all of the really great ones: the Smiths, Radiohead, etc. have been odd-balls.

Yet, for the big moments of our lives - sad and happy - we want something a little more than witty lyrics or sonic innovation. We want pounding guitar and soulful singing. That's why we see regular old rock and roll - basically just send ups of the Beatles and Stones - keep coming back.

Unfortunately, after all the damage done to regular rock and roll over the years, it is hard to get up and play a song like "Sympathy for the Devil" or "Wouldn't It Be Nice" with a straight face. We're being pulled in two different directions: we want good, classic rock but we're embarrased as hell at what rock's become. So, how does the enterprising artist get around this problem? He or she dresses up as someone else, plays with different identities, and generally does anything he can to distract you long long enough for good, classic rock and roll to sneak up and kick you in the ass.

The White Stipes executed such a plan beatifully when they first came out. They pertended to be brother and sister when in fact they used to be married. They dressed up in silly outfits. As we all know, Miley and her handlers have provided us with just as complicated a mythology. We're so worried about Hannah/ her hick father/ her place in the culture that we let out guards down long enough to let her music get to us. If Miley were just any old 15-year-old singning rock songs, I'm sure I'd still love her. But the whole package taken together is what makes Miley such a great artist.