What is Stoner Rock?

[Failure]

Ok, specifically speaking, whenever I read something about Queens of the Stone Age, they're always referred to as "stoner rock." I was just wondering why? What exactly is stoner rock? What separates QotSA from just say "rock?"

[Adam Tyner]

The All Music Guide (http://www.allmusic.com/) defines it as:


Though plenty of heavy metal bands have been regarded through the years as especially compatible with the effects of marijuana, stoner metal was a distinctly '90s phenomenon. Stoner metal bands updated the long, mind-bending jams and ultra-heavy riffs of bands like Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, Blue Oyster Cult, and Hawkwind by filtering their psychedelia-tinged metal and acid rock through the buzzing sound of early Sub Pop-style grunge. Stoner metal could be campy and self-aware, messily evocative, or unabashedly retro; in any case, bands like Monster Magnet and Kyuss were perfect fits for the eclectic tastes of the early-'90s alternative metal movement. Even after grunge had faded away, and the influence of industrial and hip-hop began to dominate alternative metal, stoner metal maintained a devoted cult following into the new millennium.

(Well, "stoner metal", anyway. The two are interchangable.)

[Andy Mancini]

I always thought that "stoner rock" were those Greatful Dead inspired jam bands like the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Rusted Root, Nadeski, Martin, and Wood.

[The Landstander]

I always thought that "stoner rock" were those Greatful Dead inspired jam bands like the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Rusted Root, Nadeski, Martin, and Wood.

i think that fits the term "stoner rock" more. stoner metal kind of developed from the original stoner rock (which started with the 60s, particularly the Grateful Dead, as mentioned). characteristics include incredibly long jam sessions and stoned fans.

and yes, i like "Stoner Rock" bands, particularly moe..

as for Queens of the Stone Age, i really haven't heard them, so i dont know if they would fit that description or not.

[Failure]

I always thought that "stoner rock" were those Greatful Dead inspired jam bands like the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Rusted Root, Nadeski, Martin, and Wood.

Those kinds of bands are referred more often as "jam bands" nowadays.

Thanks for the description Adam. Still seems kinda fuzzy to me though.

[Good Ol' Batmanuel!]

I think part of it is the strange sounds and repetition in some songs that would seem more "trippy" to someone "hepped up on goofballs." :p (I've never done this, so I wouldn't know) A good example would probably be "Regular John" by Queens of the Stone Age. It features that high voice and an odd guitar riff, repeated ad infinitum. Pretty interesting tune.

[Andy Mancini]

as for Queens of the Stone Age, i really haven't heard them, so i dont know if they would fit that description or not.
Queens of the Stonge Age, to me, comes off as the modern day answer to The Doors. I know that I shouldn't even compare these two bands, but their music have the same feel and drive that The Doors had.

[The Landstander]

Queens of the Stonge Age, to me, comes off as the modern day answer to The Doors. I know that I shouldn't even compare these two bands, but their music have the same feel and drive that The Doors had.

o...id consider The Doors "Stoner Rock", so i guess that means Queens of the Stone Age would apply.

[Enrique]

Queens of the Stonge Age, to me, comes off as the modern day answer to The Doors. I know that I shouldn't even compare these two bands, but their music have the same feel and drive that The Doors had.

i'm afraid i have to take issue with that... i love the doors, pretty big doors fan considering how long i've liked them (just 4-5 years). but i just CAN'T STAND queens of the stone age... bloody annoying... i'd as soon rather turn off my radio that listen to them.