"_____ is the new _____", Episode 1

I've decided to borrow another phrase from the hip kids' never-ending lexicon of hip vocabulary. "_____ is the new ______". It never gets old. We need some way to convey the ever-changing ideas of what is hip (man, I wish I had an mp3 blog... this is where I'd put a link to Tower of Power's seminal funk gem "What Is Hip?"). It's always tough to predict what, exactly, the next hip trend will be. There are lots of educated guesses, and what with "____ is the new ____" sounding so authoritative and bandied about constantly, we are endlessly bombarded by these cultural Nostradamus' predictions and their thoughts on the next paradigm shift of pop culture.

Now, in the world of DJ's, theres been some talk that 80's music is in a sort of cultural recession. I can't say as I agree, given the response that 80's music still gets at 2 am. I will, however, purport that:

Early 90's music is the new 80's music.

It's been slowly gaining momentum the last year or so. The time is ripe for a new wave of musical nostalgia. Kids who grew up on early-90's Z100 are at a time and place where the early 90's dance-pop and rock can be appreciated for the truly great works of musical craftsmanship they are. Certain songs and styles have withstood the test of time from every era of music, and this time period is no different. It has an immediate sound, which is instantly recognizable, and enough classic hits for at least a solid 60-minute set.

I don't think the fondness for the 80's will ever truly die out, at least not for quite some time. There are just too many good songs. And we're still three or four years off from a grunge revival (which WILL happen, eventually). The moment is upon us, however, to celebrate once again the magic of such acts as C+C Music Factory and Dee-Lite. I can hear some of you laughing, which is OK. You were either too young and missed the golden era of the early 90s, or have simply forgotten how great these classics are. Soon, you won't be able to escape it. This is the next wave, and it's a big one. Collect thy Funky Bunch LP's and go forth, preach the early 90's dance party!

[stay tuned for the ultimate early 90's dance party playlist...]