I HATE YOU AND I HATE THE BANDS THAT YOU LIKE

There, got that inevitable reference out of the way.

I like to think I have fairly eclectic taste in music.  Just a quick scroll-through on my MP3 list contains rock, punk, pop, blues, jazz, techno, classical, metal and rap.

Rock:  Boston, Blue Oyster Cult, The Who, Muse, Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Queen, etc.
Pop: Michael Jackson, Talking Heads, Beatles
Punk:  NOFX, The Offspring, Dropkick Murpheys, Rancid, etc.
Blues:  Muddy Waters, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc.
Jazz:  John Coltrane, Miles Davis
Techno:  various videogame soundtracks, Daft Punk, The Crystal Method, The Dust Brothers
Classical:  Beethoven, Mozart
Metal:  Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Testament, Anthrax, Pantera, Dethklok (hey, it counts)
Rap:  Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Jurassic 5, Run-DMC, Outkast

I can't really say my taste is eclectic as I'd like it to be. My metal and prog folders are much, much larger than any other music folder on my computer

Also I completely don't get the reference ._.

You know I find it hilarious that there are apparently at least thirty different subcategories for metal and you have no problem throwing them left and right, and people STILL lump everything choral/orchestral under "classical", nevermind the fact that classical in itself is a very specific era of music which only a few major composers fall into (Beethoven, for example, bridges the gap between the Classical and Romantic eras), and within each era you have what you'd call "genres", and what composers would call "forms" their music falls into. Minuets, scherzos, trios, sonatas, sonatinas, concertos, quartets, symphonies, operas.... and don't even get me started on twentieth century.

But that's the music major in me talking. 🙂

I listen to a fairly eclectic variety, anywhere from Rush to Schubert, from Elton John to Duane and BrandO, from The Beatles to Minori Chihara, from Yes to Vanessa Carlton, from Mendelssohn to Noriyuki Iwadare, from the far reaches of Bach's two-part inventions to the soft flute of Golana of the Cherokee.... you'll probably find it on my computer and CDs.

I love music 8D

~Shadowednavi

I will listen to pretty much anything, and I do mean anything. A majority of my collection leans towards metal and video games, but you will find an example of pretty much any genre (Major genres, not subgenres) therein.

Everything from Gallhammer, to Pavaroti, to The Prodigy, Backstreet Boys, Daft Punk, Bjork, Hellyeah, Godsmack, The Beatles, Celldweller, Reba McEntire, Kamelot, Alice In Chains, Wu-Tang Clan...

Seriously. Everything.

Even Lady Gaga.

Everyone listens to Gaga.  If they deny it they are a big fat liar.

I've broken through my aversion to techno.   So now I have to defeat my dislike of country and the myriad of things collectively now called "hip hop" and I can be as cool as Gyser.

I'll just never be as cool as his avatar.

~Tobe
I'll leave you alone forever now.

We'll always love you though, even if we don't like being seen in public with you. =D

You know I find it hilarious that there are apparently at least thirty different subcategories for metal and you have no problem throwing them left and right, and people STILL lump everything choral/orchestral under "classical", nevermind the fact that classical in itself is a very specific era of music which only a few major composers fall into (Beethoven, for example, bridges the gap between the Classical and Romantic eras), and within each era you have what you'd call "genres", and what composers would call "forms" their music falls into. Minuets, scherzos, trios, sonatas, sonatinas, concertos, quartets, symphonies, operas.... and don't even get me started on twentieth century.

But that's the music major in me talking.

I listen to a fairly eclectic variety, anywhere from Rush to Schubert, from Elton John to Duane and BrandO, from The Beatles to Minori Chihara, from Yes to Vanessa Carlton, from Mendelssohn to Noriyuki Iwadare, from the far reaches of Bach's two-part inventions to the soft flute of Golana of the Cherokee.... you'll probably find it on my computer and CDs.

I love music 8D

~Shadowednavi

I think that may be in due part because of the fact that Classical Music is a bit hard to get into due to the fact that all major composers can have multiple interpretations of each piece. I mean, because of that, it makes it hard to get into "Classical Music" and one isn't really aware of its own sub-categorizations.

Most people that find metal off-putting laugh at the notion of anything other than "Heavy Metal" and "Death Metal" being legitimate genres, so its not like I can't relate.

Also, any fans of The Cocteau Twins here? I just got into them and I think I'm in love <3

Well no, I'm fairly sure people don't pay too much attention to classical music and don't bother to look deeper into it because it's not "cool", opera is "obnoxious", and it's hard to dance to (see: sway back and forth in some form of rhythm while trying to stay balanced with all the alcohol in their system).

(they're also ironically wrong, because the vast majority of baroque to classical era music IS dance music. Just not the sort of club crap you hear on the radios and whatnot)

As for interpretations, that's actually what makes choral/orchestral fascinating because until the late 19th century, composers didn't put markings in their music to play it a certain way, they just assumed the performers would know what they were doing. Then again, music back then was treated like how pop music is today - once it's no longer relevant, it's no longer played. It wasn't until Mendelssohn revived and reinterpreted Handel's "Messiah" that people realized "hey! we CAN actually play those amazing pieces that Mozart wrote, and let's not forget about those Handels and Haydns and -- hey, what about that one guy, J.S. BACH?"

By that time though, they had to write in their own dynamics and articulations, and thus the revival was born.

just a little music history lesson for you all 🙂

~Shadowednavi

Well I can tell you why I personally don't like Classical. I am well and truely tone-deaf with no sense of rythm or anything. I have next to no ability at auditory learning and I'm simply unable to appreciate it for what it undoubtedly is.

I'll listen to whatever is on the radio and if I find it catchy enough probably like it. I am pretty much completely unable to memorise lyrics by ear simply because I struggle to hear words against any significant background noise (the backing track), or if it sounds significantly different from the normal speech I'm used to. Makes it a pain in the arse to have convosations by busy roads or in restraunts. It also means I don't appreciate lyrics at all; music to me is just a bunch of noise that makes patterns. Sometimes i find the patterns easy to remember and then i'll probably like the song. As such I don't listen to definate genres, although it's pretty much all mainstream.

I have never disliked a song because it's "uncool" or "obnoxious". In fact the vast majority of my friends think I'm the one with the wierd music tastes.

Long story short, I am musically retarded.

It's like asking a completely colourblind person what they think of a VanGogh.

Actually I'd disagree with that. I know people that pretend to listen to it so they can claim they are smarter than everyone else, so in a sense they are trying to make themselves cool by listening to it.

Also, Susan, you have no right to complain about weird tastes. I live in the deep south and if anyone knew I listened to black metal (Mostly 1st/2nd wave and "terrible" (In quotations because a lot of people seem to hate them) atmospheric black metal bands) I'd probably be sent to a loony bin.

This is a pretty good example of what I mean (Warning: Harsh vocals, so if you're the HURRITSNOTSINGING type, you've been warned).

Emperor - Into the Infinity of Thoughts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tccZs_veliA

Maybe I just have bad taste in music but harsh vocals don't bother me unless they're -core style vocals. At the very least there's some awesome album art!

I tend to look for atmospheres in music. I like the kind of song that transports you away to a different world, and as you listen to it you can start writing stories to it in your imagination.

I'm somewhat stuck in the past with my music tastes - I'm not terribly keen on most modern stuff, and prefer things that my dad or seven-year-elder brother would like. I also have a strange tendancy to like one or two songs from a particular artist/band, and dislike the rest of their catalogue.

In terms of genre, 70s/80s synth electro is by far my favorite. Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Jean Michelle Jarre, Rick Wakeman's solo albums, that kind of thing. I also like pop/rock from the same time period (Moody Blues, Van Halen, Big Country, etc.), and am a big fan of Prog Rock bands like Yes and Genesis. I also like some (and I believe the term is) 'Celtic Rock', like the Scottish band Runrig - I like it's slightly more melodious tone than most rock songs nowadays, which come across to me as just noise. That's one thing that a song really needs for me to be able to get into it, a good melody. Not just speech or a loud beat that has no tune to it, an actual melody that undulates and goes somewhere.

Coming from a partially Irish background, my extended family have always played traditional folk songs together, so I've gotten into those as well. Dance music - eeehhh, I like some of it, but again only the more tuneful offerings. Those with just a beat I don't care for.

Beyond that, I'll listen to pretty much anything, but I won't particularly like it or dislike it. It just won't really affect me in any way. The only genres I definitely dislike are rap, RnB and hard rock/metal. Oh and some modern pop is really bad, but that goes on a song-by-song basis not on the entire genre. Classical I tend to find a little awkward as many classical pieces keep changing tempo or inserting long pauses into their makeup, which spoils the mood for me. And (I hope it's not a crime to say this lol) some classical pieces sometimes bore me a little. But most I don't mind.

Oh, and I'm sorry, but I really dislike the Beatles

But yeah, a lot of modern songs just aren't inspiring in any way. Where are the great epic melodies and chord progressions from the older generation, like the iconic keyboard intros to Van Halen's 'Jump' and Europe's 'Final Countdown'? Or the atmosphere contained within Genisis' masterpiece 'Driving the Last Spike'? Or the simply spectacular 'Order of the Universe' by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe? Nothing captures that same epic quality nowadays, it all sounds the same, and that 'same' is dull and uninspired.

I tend to look for atmospheres in music. I like the kind of song that transports you away to a different world, and as you listen to it you can start writing stories to it in your imagination.

I'm somewhat stuck in the past with my music tastes - I'm not terribly keen on most modern stuff, and prefer things that my dad or seven-year-elder brother would like. I also have a strange tendancy to like one or two songs from a particular artist/band, and dislike the rest of their catalogue.

In terms of genre, 70s/80s synth electro is by far my favorite. Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Jean Michelle Jarre, Rick Wakeman's solo albums, that kind of thing. I also like pop/rock from the same time period (Moody Blues, Van Halen, Big Country, etc.), and am a big fan of Prog Rock bands like Yes and Genesis. I also like some (and I believe the term is) 'Celtic Rock', like the Scottish band Runrig - I like it's slightly more melodious tone than most rock songs nowadays, which come across to me as just noise. That's one thing that a song really needs for me to be able to get into it, a good melody. Not just speech or a loud beat that has no tune to it, an actual melody that undulates and goes somewhere.

Coming from a partially Irish background, my extended family have always played traditional folk songs together, so I've gotten into those as well. Dance music - eeehhh, I like some of it, but again only the more tuneful offerings. Those with just a beat I don't care for.

Beyond that, I'll listen to pretty much anything, but I won't particularly like it or dislike it. It just won't really affect me in any way. The only genres I definitely dislike are rap, RnB and hard rock/metal. Oh and some modern pop is really bad, but that goes on a song-by-song basis not on the entire genre. Classical I tend to find a little awkward as many classical pieces keep changing tempo or inserting long pauses into their makeup, which spoils the mood for me. And (I hope it's not a crime to say this lol) some classical pieces sometimes bore me a little. But most I don't mind.

Oh, and I'm sorry, but I really dislike the Beatles

But yeah, a lot of modern songs just aren't inspiring in any way. Where are the great epic melodies and chord progressions from the older generation, like the iconic keyboard intros to Van Halen's 'Jump' and Europe's 'Final Countdown'? Or the atmosphere contained within Genisis' masterpiece 'Driving the Last Spike'? Or the simply spectacular 'Order of the Universe' by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe? Nothing captures that same epic quality nowadays, it all sounds the same, and that 'same' is dull and uninspired.

Regarding what you said by "epic melodies", it all depends. Even the most abrasive death metal songs have melody to some extent (Albeit far less than what the average person is used to hearing ), but I think I understand what you're getting at. I think if you're willing to open up a bit, you'll probably find something nowadays that you like, even if its underground.

I consider this song to be absolutely beautiful and one of the greatest atmospheres ever, but you may not agree (There's both clean and harsh singing, but the first 6 minutes is clean-only and there's like 2 minutes of harsh singing tops), but we'll have to see.

In The Woods... - Yearning the Seeds of a New Dimension
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QydUu2uAhYU
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oe_HxN9wi0

The transition from the bluesy, almost pink floyd-ish soloing to the intense and brutal black metal riffage is amazing and it damn near makes me shed a tear hearing it. Of course, it isn't meant for everyone so don't feel bad if you don't like it, harsh vocals are a bit of an acquired taste (It took me a while to get used to them, but I haven't looked back once I got used to them). That song is one of my favorites of all time and the example I like to use when people say Harsh vocals show no emotion at all. To you I say, **** off.

Also, you mentioned Celtic Rock? If you're willing to open up your tastes to the realm of metal, there exists a plethora of folk-influenced metal bands, particularly with a Celtic/Gaelic theme (Some of it is a bit too cheesy for my liking, but you take what you can get).

Mael Mórdha - Tá Mael Mórdha ag Teacht + A Path To Glory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgxgxSyHo3Y

The part where the flute transitions right to the awesome metal riffing is 10/10 in my book. Also, these guys use completely clean vocals, so need to worry.

Of course, no worries if you don't but I'd like to know what you think anyway.

I find that there is plenty of power metal that is of quality, sure melodic power metal and symphonic power metal have their share of 'flowery' mediocrity, but for every Rhapsody of Fire there is a Helstar, Stratovarius, Hibria, Wuthering Heights, etc. Really, throughout power metal is probably my favorite metal genre (then would come prog, heavy, doom and then the extreme styles).  But really as far as my tastes go I listen to way too much, dig way too often and have done so since 2004-- thus music snobbery has come out of my mouth as often. But generally I am pretty open-minded, though my biggest niche/comfort zone would have to be in the alternative rock/indie rock fields. Bands like the Pixies, Yo La Tengo, Sebadoh, R.E.M, The Flaming Lips are all pretty commonplace in my library. But that's why I keep RYM ( http://rateyourmusic.com/~Gowienczyk ) and last.FM ( http://www.last.fm/user/gowienczyk ) around, I think.

Nothing captures that same epic quality nowadays, it all sounds the same, and that 'same' is dull and uninspired.

I bargain you haven't explored enough music in the modern scheme if you think so..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzLoR2xEwVM

The majority of my music collection is pop, hip-hop, rock, soundtracks, international, plus bits of country, R&B, new age, and dance/techno/electronica/whatchamacallit. I prefer music that is energetic and high-spirited. As you can probably guess, my favorite genre is hip hop. Close behind are animation soundtracks, Broadway soundtracks, African pop, and top 40 pop. There aren't any genres that I dislike, but there are plenty that I don't listen to that much. But, I like to describe myself as an audiophile and always want to broaden my taste.

My favorite artists are...Angelique Kidjo, Atmosphere, Backstreet Boys, Beastie Boys, Big & Rich, D12, Eminem, Gorillaz, Gym Class Heroes, Junior Senior (sadly broken up), Kanye West, and t.A.T.u. If you don't already know, Eminem is the love of my life. =3

I haven't paid attention to modern music lately. The past year I've focused on expanding my collections of African music and Broadway soundtracks. Since I very much prefer owning the CD, I have a difficult time with that. I have to go with what they got at Best Buy, which isn't much--and even less now that I recently moved a smaller market. Border's has a much wider selection of non-mainstream music, but they're also very expensive. @__@ In fact, much of my African music is a compilation that I got with a $30 iTunes gift card!
The B'way soundtracks that I have so far are: Aida, Avenue Q, Hair, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Shrek, Tarzan, Wicked. I also have the film version of Chicago. HE HAD IT COMIN'!
I saw The Lion King for the second time earlier in the week. During intermission, the lady in front of me asked me to stop singing along. =P

Here's the link to my last.fm: http://www.last.fm/user/albinorapper   Please note that it's over a year since it last updated. Due to varying computer issues and housing situations, I just don't scrobble anymore.

Haven't you sought out any independent record stores? I'm sure there's at least one near you.

Haven't thought of it, but don't quite care to look.

Why is that?

Because I have a number of hobbies. If I'm not buying music (which -is- an expensive hobby), I'm buying DVD's, comics, books, collectibles, art supplies, or stuff for my hedgehog. I don't have a job (which I hope to change soon), so I don't have any income other than allowance from Mom. I don't drive, so I rely on my parents to drive me here and there when I want to go somewhere. When I want to buy music, I look in Best Buy or look for good deals at Border's or FYE; and what I see is what I get. An independent record store just isn't on my list of priorities.

Late reply, but I'm prone to them; Makes sense, though I'd probably say DVD collecting can be far more expensive than music, but that's just me. But eh, we do what we do. I'd recommend online independents like Bullmoose Music (and my local favorite) and Dearborn Music. Anyway, moving on. Anybody grab any new releases lately? I feel I'm a bit short, but I'm trying to catch up now I'm able to. So far the newest albums I've listened to were Cape Dory (2011) by Tennis and Pop Up (2007) by Yelle. The former was a nice indie pop record in the vein of Best Coast, though I probably enjoy them far more than Tennis has wowed me. The latter is a french synthpop record and is pretty fluffy and passable. It's gotten horrid user reviews from what I've seen though.

Eh, but that's how it goes.