http://www.geoscanners.com/images/ro...ions_small.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../flywheel1.jpg

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I like this explanation

well, the way I see it, the big difference is that metal uses heavier guitar riffs

Rock traditionally uses a distorted Blues Riff. Metal distorts that even further and incorporates elements of Classical and Opera. Not exclusively or even predominantly but time signatures and song structures (crescendos etc) borrow from Classical music and the theatrics of Opera.

So what then is rock and and pop? I like discussion questions like this trying to get a handle on illusive questions.

What do you think it is?

if you listen to the music you should be able to understand it.

The truth is there are too many sub categories. Many bands cross over themselves.

For example...is "We're Not Gonna Take it" rock or metal?

My deciding factor is: If older folks tap their feet it's rock. If they look at me like I'm the devil himself it's heavy metal. And it rules.

What about old metal heads?

Ah. A curve ball!

Old Metalheads are so cool they like both....metal is still #1 to them, though. See what happens when you make fun of Motorhead in front of them. It gets bloody.

I'm an old metal head but it's not #1 for me anymore.