"The '80s seem a real positive force. The '70s were deadening, in a lot of ways"

Paul Kantner's quote, "The '80s appear a genuine positive force. The '70s were deadening, in a great deal of methods", can be interpreted in the context of the cultural, social, and political landscapes of those years, showing Kantner's perspective on the evolution of social dynamics and artistic expression.

In this statement, Kantner juxtaposes the two years with contrasting adjectives: "positive" for the '80s and "deadening" for the '70s. This suggests a considerable shift in the cumulative spirit and innovative energy as perceived by Kantner. The 1970s, often described as a time of disillusionment following the troubled '60s, were marked by financial instability, the aftermath of the Vietnam War, and a sense of cynicism post-Watergate. For many artists and musicians like Kantner, an establishing member of Jefferson Airplane, this period might have felt stagnant or uninspired as the countercultural movements of the '60s dissipated.

On the other hand, the '80s heralded a renewed energy and optimism, capturing the spirit of reinvention and innovation. The decade was marked by technological developments, such as the increase of personal computers and the growing MTV culture, which revolutionized the music market. These modifications potentially supplied a fresh platform and audience for artists, encouraging experimentation and the birth of brand-new genres fresh wave and electronic music. Politically and socially, the '80s saw the ascension of vibrant neoliberal policies and the materialism of the Reagan era, which promoted both entrepreneurial spirit and review, providing abundant material for creative exploration.

Kantner may have viewed the '80s as a time when society started to reawaken, embracing modification and brand-new possibilities, breaking free from what he perceived as the 'deadening' effects of the '70s. This shift could be seen as renewing for artists who thrived on the innovative and transformative spirit obvious in this brand-new age.