padraig (u.s.)
a monkey that will go ape
psychedelic vibes ain't just about lush immersion
In the late-60's hard rock was not once captured in the studio. on live albums and bootlegs there's tons but as far as studio goes it's as hard as warm piss.
giant steps is 1960 so seems like a good dividing line.
i'm obsessed with drums so i personally jump on board once elvin jones and tony williams become prominant. other than that you're right. giant steps is essentailly taking the piss of bebop; it's a vision of the future without free jazz or modal jazz, it's just wizzing through more and more chords faster and faster.
Also there are always obsessives who groove to rockabilly, swing, show tunes etc.