Beauty of music

At the bar last night with some co-workers, we talked a little about music. As it was piped through the speakers, most of the songs I did not know, or barely recognized. And even when I did recognize the song, I didn't always know who sang it. Many people know about my hatred for the music of today and the radio stations that play them. In fact, one of the best pieces (I believe) that I have written was about music.

We talked about my lack of current music education. I am proud of the fact that I have no idea who sings Tick Tock (the first song that came to mind that was playing last night) or who has a new album out, or what 'band' has the most VMA nominations. Granted, there are some very talented musicians out there that can write and sing and play their own instruments (Taylor Swift. Yeah, I said it.) My hatred has opened doors. It has driven me to look elsewhere and to different genres I would not have normally listened to. It has also driven me back in years to find music and bands that I have never really heard of. I just recently, and by recently I mean a couple of hours ago, downloaded Doolittle by The Pixies. And everyone who is older than me is going to think 'you are just now listening to them?'. Yes. I grew up in a smaller town that had two pop stations, a couple of oldies stations, country stations, talk radio, and the college station. I was too young to really listen to and appreciate the college station. Hell, I was too young to really get grunge music. Other than the fact that it was loud, fast, and angry, I didn't really understand.

I have also listened to a little more Clash. Something other than the London Calling album. I am convinced that after listening to that album repeatedly that the song London Calling is a bit overrated in comparison to some of their other songs. I haven't ventured much past the Clash as far as punk music goes. I tried listening to bands like the Sex Pistols and the Ramones, but their style of music just doesn't suit me. But how can that be when I claim to enjoy listening to the Clash? The Clash expanded their music past fast songs and thumping bass. Their music has substance in the lyrics and instrumental variations as they progressed through the years.

There are current bands that I enjoy, but not as many. People throw out suggestions for bands and songs to me, but when I go and listen to them, I don't feel it. It. The unknown factor when it comes to stuff like movies, books, and music. Something either has IT or it doesn't. I give these suggested bands a try, I listen to snippets of their popular songs on itunes. I know it is difficult to judge a song by the thirty seconds you get to listen to it, but you can gauge how the rest of the song will sound, generally speaking.