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Many many years ago, as my little sister was getting into rock and roll, I mentioned my theory that one reason American teenagers gravitate towards it, is that

Many many years ago, as my little sister was getting into rock and roll, I mentioned my theory that one reason American teenagers gravitate towards it, is that the sound of a distorted guitar resembles the sound of an engine, and that cars symbolize freedom and coming-of-age in our society. "Okay, so what exactly do you mean by 'distorted', anyway? I hear that term thrown around..." So we sat down in front of dad's stereo, turned it nice and up, and I played her the intro to _Sorrow_: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdKNlGfkyhc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdKNlGfkyhc 2 minutes and 14 seconds later: "Oh. Okay. I think I get it now." ... "You got any more of that?"

ilamont 6y ago
That's an interesting theory. But wouldn't the same people who like distorted guitar also like the sound of sports cars and motorcycles? I know there's some overlap, or at least many motorcycle owners listen to rock, but among the total population of rock fans are relatively few motorcycle owners. (Anecdata: committed rock fan since getting Boston's "More than a Feeling" on 45 in the mid 70s, later played in several punk and hard rock bands ... but I can't stand the sound of Harleys or loud engines)
kitotik 6y ago
A lot of the basic rhythms and tempos (aside from the ones directly taken from west African music via American blues) were mimicking locomotives / steam engines. Personally I think distortion does a good job of conveying emotion / passion as it intuitively gives you a sense of “wow they are really pushing stuff beyond it’s intended limit”.