rock (idea)

A simplistic, animalistic, and yet very popular variety of music, generally based on sexual desire or angst. Major practicioners include:

• Elvis Presley  (50's representative)
• The Beatles  (60's representative)
• Led Zeppelin  (70's representative)
• Poison  (80's representative)
• Nirvana  (early 90's representative)
• Limp Bizkit  (late 90/early 00's representative)

Rock should not be confused with "Rock and Roll", a 1950's term for the genre. As the language evolved (in this case via contraction), "rock and roll" became "rock" at about the same time that the 1950's "rockabilly" genre died out, thereby permanently associating "rock and roll" with a bluesy, country feel.

The distinction between "rock" and "rock and roll" is a subject of much debate. Some feel there is no distinction while others feel that "rock and roll" is a genre closely associated with the early days of rock.

Recent developments in rock music (see Limp Bizkit) have seen the genre infused with a wide variety of other genres, especially rap, reggae, and folk.

Sub-genres include:

• rock and roll
• acid rock
• metal
• death metal
• alternative
• hip-hop (debatable)
• ska
• punk
• country