I always think the harbinger of a genre isn't the problem, it's the shills they get to do the same sound with less morals or principles.
- Nirvana has principles but Three Days Grace doesn't
- The White Stripes has principles but Rilo Kiley doesn't
- RATM has principles but Limp Bizkit doesn't
Again I think lumping The Stripes in with Death Cab, the Lumineers, and Sonic Youth feels a bit absurd. Maybe in 2002 it was fine. But now we need subgenres.
But his point about it not standing for anything, and catering to bored Midwesterners is an angle I've never really thought about. I was hardcore into Indie rock and to some extent other forms of indie bands.
Also his argument that Husker Du is an edgier REM was priceless.