All those ‘desert island’ music selection posts got Java and me wondering about how some folk get stuck in a particular era with regard to the music they appreciate. This, it seemed to us, is particularly relevant to ‘pop’, ‘rock’ and the other modern off-shoots like ‘hip-hop’, ‘rap’ and stuff. Needless to say, we’re firmly entrenched in the 60s and 70s rock, R ‘n B and fusion (fusion was pretty new in them days), with jazz and classics taking equal standing in the value system.
Of course the reason for the individual niche is pretty obvious – ‘conditioning’ being the name of the game, as in just about everything. A few of the younger folk I know are pretty heavily influenced by their parents’ collections and so slant towards that type of stuff, but for the most part it is has to do with what the peer groups are into. And then, it seems from our observations that as younger folk get older and possibly get turned on to ‘other stuff’ that influences and maybe changes their appreciation of what they considered to be ‘good’, their choices also evolve accordingly. I know there were some rock bands I thought were outta sight in them early days, won’t even warrant a listen now – amazing how tastes change! On the other hand, some of those early groups and the music they created will always stand the test of time and are listened to frequently even some twenty-plus years later.
As for what is listened to in any given piece or album – this would vary considerably based on (again) the early conditioning. RD, we know, listens closely to the drum rhythms – perhaps more than he does to other aspects – or at least is more aware of those rhythms than say the lyrics to the song. Others I know are very turned on by lyrics and how the music fits the mood that seeks to be conveyed by the words. Still others I know let the ‘spirit’ of the number get to them by getting into a total-absorption state of mind, being oblivious to all other peripheral goings-on. Some are blown away by the sheer energy of the group, the beat that gets the bod responding, the singer’s vibe and delivery, the backbeat and even the ‘act’ (if it’s live, that is). Then there are those that find certain lyrics tug at those heart-strings and put them on a trip that relates to their current personal dilemma or dream-state – awakening all sorts of emotions concerning the loves of their immediate lives.
We also found that music appreciation manifests in more than occasional ego-trips – in the sense that one will diss another’s choice as being unworthy of serious consideration due to this ‘n that reason. Looking down on someone else’s choice is by no means uncommon, as this drummer we know remarked the other day, referring to Zaney’s take on Elton. For sure, no problem with critiques, but then in the end it’s ‘to each his own’ isn’t it?
And so it goes.
Java’s got ‘Soft Machine’ doing ‘Out-Bloody-Rageous’ going and has a cold brew in one hand and neat looking pipe in the other one. So time to call a halt to these mullings and pay closer attention to the music – and stuff.
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August 24, 2007 at 6:16 am
RD
An interesting post Mr Jones. I have always been drawn to the rhythm of a song and can remember when I was about 11 or 12 and just getting into music as many do at that age. When most of my friends used to play air guitar or be aspiring singers I was always drawn to the drums. I’d just pick out the drums from a song, disect (sp?) the part and be fixated by it.
Then, as I’ve got older and started to play, I’ve realised that the drum part (if there is one) is the thing that so often dictates the feel of a song. I’ve been captured by the beauty of the way in which two drummers can play exactly the same groove and make it feel totally different from the other.
Nicely thought provoking post.
August 24, 2007 at 6:36 am
javajones
Thanks RD. Glad you liked it. Those subtleties you mention – maybe worth a mull and a post. What say? But then I’ve got another one for you. Stay tuned.
August 24, 2007 at 8:46 am
Theena
Different strokes for different folks.
I can honestly say that my love for music in general – and the music that I listen to regularly – has little to do with conditioning.
I like to think of music as a reflection of one’s personality. I am by nature someone who enjoys art when it’s introspective, brooding and dark. I suppose that explains why I have, of recent, been drawn to progressive metal (especially black and death metal) and have been going away from more straight up rock, punk and metal (I can’t, for instance, sit down and listen to thrash metal for long periods nor can I entertain myself with these new pop rock bands; such music bores the hell out of me).
To echo RD’s sentiments, good post.
August 24, 2007 at 10:05 am
javajones
Thanks Theena .
But think about ‘conditioning’ – it’s how things work. For instance, your personality, of which your music is a “reflection”, is completely ‘conditioned’ (as in fashioned by experiences and environment)
August 24, 2007 at 10:22 am
Janus
Different strums for diff’rent bums.
Yup. Ego does play a big part for some people, as is with any art form I guess. Lovers of ‘Messiah’ may not like ‘Young Messiah’ and rockers would look down on those who listen to pop music.
But in the end, it is all down to how music appeals to you isn’t it? It may start off as a conditioned taste, but as you grow older and less prone to environmental influence, you just choose what appeals to you. Like what Theena said.
August 24, 2007 at 10:54 am
javajones
Janus – Unfortunately (or fortunately) there’s no species or organism that can get beyond the ‘conditioned’ state. It’s part of the natural selective process . Just ask Darwin (Charles, that is).
“Less prone to environmental influence”? No such animal!
August 24, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Theena
Java,
Essentially, you are saying that there is a direct and indirect conditioning? If that is the case, I agree and would clarify my earlier statement thus: I don’t think I’ve been directly conditioned to listen to the stuff that I listen to.
As for ego, I’ll put my hands up and plead guilty.
Not to be apologetic here, and going purely by personal experience, I haven’t met a music lover – you know, the type that reads up on it day in and day out, would probably list his/her CD/Vinyl collection as their most important possessions – who is not egoistical.
From personal experience, I can think of several instances where my friend and I have this competition on who has the most obscure rock/metal albums. I don’t know how it is in jazz circles, but metal and punk communities are (in)famous for being egoistical when it comes to what music you’ve heard; the more obscure, the more underground cred.
For the record, I have the more obscure collection 🙂
August 24, 2007 at 2:32 pm
javajones
Theena – ‘Conditioning’ can not be subdivided, it’s just the nature of ‘stuff’. There’s no ‘controlling’ it and we’re all subject. Maybe it deserves a separate post!
The ‘ego’ number – we’ve all had that happen, right?