Music you just can't stand

quote:

Originally posted by graham55:
Well, if that's what you wanted, why not just ask, instead of posting yet another snide topic starter?

I like both of these composers whom you affect to dislike, but I wouldn't waste my time trying to convince you.

I don't affect to dislike either Richard Strauss or Bruckner. I spent a great deal of time with both these composers over decades, and now find that I have worn them out.

Graham, I would be interested to hear your views, but that entails more than just recommending a recording. I can't recall you ever moving beyond a simple recommendation of a recording.

So instead of taking the easy way out, why not express your views now?

Meanwhile, I think this thread has been some fun, and have enjoyed it.

Celine Dion, something about her singing just bugs the crap out of me

quote:

Originally posted by Joe Bibb:

quote:

Originally posted by mikeeschman:


When I started this thread, I hoped someone would rise to the defence of Richard Strauss, Bruckner, or both, causing me to give another listen.



That hasn't happened.

I get where your intention was Mike, I guess the thread title just provoked the usual "slag fest" of artists people don't like. With plenty of "I don't like (insert to taste) .......so therefore I'm somehow smarter than the people who do" type posts.

It certainly would make for a more interesting read to hear why people 'like' stuff and I hope someone will come to the defence of the artists you mention.

Joe

Well the OP just stated the reason for those 2 artists, no indication he wanted a discussion on them in particular.

"Music you just can't stand" seems to lead to exactly what has happened , people have done just that.

What else can you say? I for one can't really tell you why I don't like some artists or genres and love others.


There are plenty of "I Like xxxxx" and you don't so you must be a moron or whatever threads /comments too.

Seems like the nature of forums.

I'll give it some thought to whether I can give some coherent reason why some do and some don't make it on to the bigh goodness tree!

All replies to the thread are welcome, especially just a list of who you loathe.

I had just hoped the comments on R. Strauss and Bruckner might result in a lively conversation about them, without any personal attacks.

So much for that!

The responses have mostly been good fun.

quote:

From me: I'll give it some thought to whether I can give some coherent reason why some do and some don't make it on to the bigh goodness tree!

Smiths singer , on account of him seeming to be singing to a different tune, than the rest of the band.

Lighthouse Family. Music for people who find Simply Red a bit too raucous.

Phil

In defense of people venting about music they do not like in this thread, it does let you know where you stand with various members tastes, sometimes it is surprising that someone has a lot of similar likes to you can dislike someone you thought was in the same area musically.

It also lets you know that if someone is raving about a certain artist, but they hate your favourite artists, that it might be worth getting some other opinions on the artist before getting a copy of that album.

quote:

I don't actively hate any music but I will take exception to many on this thread hating Hip Hop through shear ignorance a style of music that gave hope and belief to many impoverished in the Black and Hispanic communities of New York in the late 70's and it is something that I hold dear to my heart. Rap is only aspect of Hip Hop as it is a movement consisting of Rap, Turntablism, Graffiti, Break Dancing.

Whizzkid, I think you're being a little paranoid. I haven't seen anything that would lead one to think there was anything untoward in the comments. It's just an expression of people's likes and dislikes.

steve

Not being black or Hispanic or even living in New York, I can't fid anything in what I have heard that makes me want to hear any more.
Rap to me is boring repetitive and much of it is downright disgustingly dangerous in it's message.

As I said before not wanted , needed here.

Loads more to find move on.

Opera. Strained/forced melodic shouting to me. Highly objectionable. I have to leave the room.

Music is a strange and fascinating beast. Most classical music leaves me cold. No involvement whatsoever. I feel I am missing out sometimes.

I'm currently enjoying a Kraftwerk/Neu/Harmonia/Michael Rother revival. Why does this arguably robotic, repetitive, electronically generated sound engage me, and a Beethoven symphony does not?

I detest the musical snobbery of "Ah, but you don't understand it". As with any piece of art - either it connects with one on a basic, visceral level or it doesn't.

Screaming, over-driven, distorted guitar? Oh yeah! Now what's all that about?

My theory of enjoying distorted, wailing electric guitar is that it's akin to crying or a soul in torment, so has an emotive connection.

Some of our sensual responses are hard-wired into the core of us and defy logical explanation. I enjoyed a visit (with others) to a friend's place with a wood burning stove recently. We all commented that we couldn't take our eyes off the fire.

The indefinable enigma of music and art can really enrich our lives. So why do so few people possess a decent quality sound system, when virtually everybody professes to like music?

"Illogical Captain?"



You betcha.


John.

quote:

Originally posted by J.N.:
Music is a strange and fascinating beast. Most classical music leaves me cold. No involvement whatsoever. I feel I am missing out sometimes.

I'm currently enjoying a Kraftwerk/Neu/Harmonia/Michael Rother revival. Why does this arguably robotic, repetitive, electronically generated sound engage me, and a Beethoven symphony does not?

I detest the musical snobbery of "Ah, but you don't understand it". As with any piece of art - either it connects with one on a basic, visceral level or it doesn't.

I think when you don't respond to some music, it is always because your frame of reference is different than the composer/performer.

I also think there isn't much you can do about it.

The music I have studied to try to develop an affinity becomes more understandable, but usually not more enjoyable.

It's much the same situation with novels.

Another disturbing reality is that you can wear out music.

It may be that for each of us, a given piece of music can only stand so many listens before it goes stale.

Thankfully, some music seems to refresh itself in the mind and heart.

quote:

I will take exception to many on this thread hating Hip Hop through shear ignorance a style of music that gave hope

I just don't like Hip Hop music - there is so much music I do like that I prefer to concentrate on what I like - I've no great desire to move outside my comfort zone - perhaps ignorance is bliss.

The new Kate Rusby elpee is superb, Dean, but I'm not sure you'd enjoy it as much as I do. If the guys from New York made music in the vein of Suzanne Vega or Lou Reed then I'd probably buy it (I have most of their records). It just different taste.

One poster (possibly more than one) has said they hate ELP/ELO and I'm stunned - Eldorado by ELO is a masterpiece in contemporary popular music and ELP's Brain Salad Surgery is a stunning work. However, it is again just taste (or lack thereof) - you won't find me playing Jackson Browne, James Taylor, the Eagles or anything of a similar genre because that doesn't appeal to me any more that Hip Hop. Nor will you find me playing Sinatra or Fitzgerald (who I admire as a person).

You will find me playing the Specials, Steel Pulse, Bob Marley and Eddy Grant though because I really like the music they made.

quote:

Nor will you find me playing ... Fitzgerald (who I admire as a person).

Dear ROTF,

How can you not enjoy Ella!

Best wishes from George

The Pet Shop Boys maudlin self-regarding and fey whailing is loathsome.

G

Perhaps that is it. "Narcissism" in performing musicians is fairly off-putting!

ATB from George

I can't stand female session singers doing covers for audiophile record labels. Souless perfection: utterly boring and shallow.

Plus also all the music I've heard in the Absolute Sounds' Hi-Fi demos.

quote:

Originally posted by ROTF:

One poster (possibly more than one) has said they hate ELP/ELO and I'm stunned - Eldorado by ELO is a masterpiece in contemporary popular music and ELP's Brain Salad Surgery is a stunning work. However, it is again just taste (or lack thereof) - you won't find me playing Jackson Browne, James Taylor, the Eagles or anything of a similar genre because that doesn't appeal to me any more that Hip Hop. Nor will you find me playing Sinatra or Fitzgerald (who I admire as a person).

You will find me playing the Specials, Steel Pulse, Bob Marley and Eddy Grant though because I really like the music they made.

I hate ELP with a passion as I find it a load of self indulgent discordant pretentious shite. I love ELO, El Dorado in particular. I don't understand why it's not regarded as a classic of our times. Perhaps it's because there are so many obvious influences in there, to the point of rip-off. Some great tunes and sounds but not much original. A great listen though. I'm listening to it right now in fact. Could almost be the Beatles if they'd lasted longer.

Sensing a loaded question I'll say yes, Yes were one of my favourite bands in the 70s. I still occasionally listen to them and I'm always surprised at how much I still enjoy them. I even bought Topographic Oceans a year or two back and enjoyed it much more than I expected to because even back in the day I was realising what a load of pretentious nonsense it was. Now I'm older and nowhere near as earnest about my music I can accept it may be pretentious shite but I still like it.

I found Tarkus just unspeakably awful and it coloured forever my opinion of ELP.

Who said music shouldn't be pretentious?

Rap, Hip Hop, Most middle of road soft rock, Jamiroquai, Simply Red aargh!!!

Most classical and opera

I must say in defense of Tom that I love Yes but have never manged to get into ELP, although many speak of them in the same breath.

While posting on this thread Pet Shop Boys are definitely worth a mention/repeat, around 1993 visiting a friend's house he said 'This is the new Pet Shop Boy's album', to which three of us replied 'No Kidding'. I suppose if you don't like a band much of their music tends to sound the same, and the Pet Shop Boys epitomise this.

quote:

Originally posted by munch:

quote:

Originally posted by TomK:
I found Tarkus just unspeakably awful and it coloured forever my opinion of ELP.

Have you ever gone back for a listen over the years?
Stu

I have occasionally considered it but it's too late now. There's too much music I know I enjoy listening to and not enough time even for half of that.

Perry Como