Explain why Art rock is often called pretentious. Is it? To what degree was glitter an expression of homosexuality, and to what degree was it merely rebellion against those who were easily offended by it?

Solution

Art rock, also known as progressive rock or “prog rock,” is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and is characterized by its complex musical structures, elaborate instrumentation, and conceptual lyrics. It is often associated with a highbrow or intellectual approach to music, and as a result, has been criticized for being pretentious. This perception may be due to the genre’s focus on musical virtuosity and experimentation, as well as its association with a particular subculture of music fans who are perceived as being elitist or overly serious about their musical tastes.

Glitter, or glam rock, was a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the 1970s and was characterized by its flashy, flamboyant style and androgynous fashion. Glitter artists often used makeup, glitter, and other forms of theatrical clothing and accessories in their performances and public appearances. The genre has been associated with homosexuality, particularly due to the openly gay or bisexual identities of many of its prominent figures, such as Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, and Marc Bolan. However, it is important to note that not all glitter artists were openly LGBTQ, and for some, the style and flamboyance of glitter was simply a form of rebellion against societal norms and expectations. It could be argued that the association of glitter with homosexuality was largely a product of the time in which it emerged, when homosexuality was still heavily stigmatized and LGBTQ rights were not widely recognized.