Normally, I have no problem entertaining myself with the many cable channels we get. For some reason the other day, I decided to explore some of the extras that come along with our Tivo.

They had some special feature featuring music videos which I checked out. I didn’t have a lot of interest in a bunch of the videos I found. Then, I hit the jackpot.

I had to share it with Maria. We sat down and watched, just amazed at the whole scene. I don’t care what anyone says, “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey still kicks butt.

I know the song made a little bit of a comeback last year when they used it in “The Sopranos” finale, but the Mob just brought back the song, not the awesome concert video we saw.

The thing Maria loved the most was how the band was dressed so normally, well, except for the tight shorts on the drummer. They had on jeans and t-shirts and sneakers. No wild costumes or ascots to make them look mysterious or leather pants.

I’m sure Journey rocked the leather pants at some point, but they just looked like they had no pretension in this video.

As survivors of the 1980s, we loved this. I don’t like when I get into my cranky old man mood and complain about the things that kids today like. But, when I do, a lot of it revolves around the music scene.

I have found a bunch of new bands I like in recent years, but have a hard time getting over the whole “emo” aspect of many of them.

Somewhere along the line, musicians had to show that they are sensitive and brooding in order to get national attention. They had to carry the weight of the world even though they are in their late teens or early 209s. No one can certainly understand the troubles they have.

What happened to having fun in a rock band? What happened to making songs that get people dancing at a party? What happened to rock and roll?

I start thinking about stuff like that because, during the video, the guys in Journey just looked like they were having so much fun. And they were playing for a crowd in Japan which sat down the entire time and just clapped along to the beat.

That didn’t matter to the band. This was 1981, they had high-top Reeboks, and a great song to play.

Of course, Journey probably tries to dress and act the same way on stage now. A version of the band (lead singer Steve Perry isn’t involved anymore) tours in an 80s spectacular with Cheap Trick and Heart.

I think I’ll just stick with my videos. I might turn into one of those sad-looking “emo” characters after watching them try to pull off “Don’t Stop Believing” these days. Besides, the short shorts and Reeboks would be totally out of style.