Musical genres and YOU.

[Drago]

I'm listening to UB40. For this reason, I decided to make myself a music-related topic. Cool bananas.

Simply put, what musical genres do you like best? For me, it's either early 90s R&B (TLC, En Vogue, etc.) or practically anything from the 80s, especially 80s songs that have a certain kind of synthesized sound you don't often hear anymore. Best example HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbLsdp2tjYY).

And what kind of music do you most dislike? For me, it's death metal. Like the really hardcore death metal, which I consider to simply be horrible noise. Indeed, I don't like anything about that scene, from the sweaty, drug-addled musicians to the sweaty, drug-addled crowds they draw. Ech.

[classy_cat18]

For me, it's either early 90s R&B (TLC, En Vogue, etc.)

Really? REALLY? I didn't think that was your cup of tea! I guess it's because there's a lot of rock and indie fans around here. But 90s R&B? I sing that stuff out loud when I'm alone in the house!

So now you know what genre I like already. Add to that anime music and orchestral music (classical, soundtrack, etc.) and modern soul like India.Arie, and old school stuff like the 70s and 80s.

EDIT: Music I don't like? Death metal for me too. And most of modern rap and hip-hop (that stuff started to sound alike).

[mattbcl]

My tastes tend mostly towards alternative rock (Breaking Benjamin), hard rock (Disturbed), and nü metal (Linkin Park), but I find myself tending more and more toward progressive rock (Dream Theater, Children of Nova). I also favor symphonic rock (Evanescence, Within Temptation). But when I don't feel like listening to wailing electric guitars and chugging beats, I also appreciate classic rock like the Rolling Stones and The Who. And I'll even admit that I grew up on Neil Diamond, who really doesn't fit into any category except his own.

As a musician, though, I played and was raised on mostly true classical orchestral music, a la Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, and the like. Nary a day went by that my mom didn't play a CD chock-full of classical.

Like you, DragoKnight, I really don't care for most brands of metal - that is to say, heavy metal or death metal. It doesn't appeal to me. I might make exception for Atreyu (which brands itself as "metalcore") or All That Remains, depending on what song is playing, but beyond that, I can't stand screamo music. I don't consider that "talent". I also really despise most rap music, R&B (sorry), the nasal qualities of Billy Corgan's singing voice, and anything produced by the Beastie Boys.

[Magmar]

I like catchy, acoustic stuff, so I suppose I prefer "Indie" music. Right now, I'm rocking out to Matthew Ebel's Goodbye Planet Earth (the track "Everybody Needs a Robot" just popped up on shuffle), which is cute and catchy, kind of like They Might Be Giants, who I also adore.

Indie is a bit of a misnomer though because I like some mainstream stuff like Weezer as well :)

And of course, Bright Eyes, obviously ;)

And the Cure. Oh heavens yes. And the Smiths. YES.

[Blademaster]

Video game music.

Biiiiiiiiig fucking shock, I know.

I also enjoy rock, pop, assorted goodies from the '80's and '90's, and classical.

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

I don't actually hate any musical genre.

Here're the ones I mostly listen to.

Classical
Mozart, Vivaldi, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky, only to name a few...

Heavy Metal
My favourite here is indubitably Blind Guardian, a German Power Metal band.

Anime Music
From my favourite animes, Pokemon, Sailor Moon, Digimon, Naruto, Death Note...

Videogame music
From the videogames I mostly play, Final Fantasy (even if it's not Nobuo Uematsu), Pokemon and Super Mario.

I'll tell you if I forgot anything particular.

[Heald]

I went to Chase & Status last night.

Feel free to form a line to kiss my hand.

Thank you.

[Blademaster]

Mozart

+50 respect from me to you

[ChobiChibi]

I don't really like Mozart.

*avoids getting shot*

HEAR ME OUT. He's just so overrated as a composer. He wrote a lot (41 symphonies for one man is too many in my opinion) and it all sounds so similar. I'll give him credit for some things (for instance, the development section of the first movement of symphony no. 40 goes through a series of circles of 5th's, which shows that he's a true master of harmony) but I... just find most of it boring and repetitive :/ I studied Mozart 40 in the classicism module I had to take, and other than the middle bit I mentioned, it's just so dull D:

Mikachu, I don't like Vivaldi much either XD The Gloria in D is so over-sung, and again his music is again very predictable. It's not his fault, he's Italian. Bach, however, omg. His harmonies are so divine, so naughty for a composer of his time. I love how fiendishly difficult he and Handel make their vocal lines. "Oh, you sing? You must be able to sing the exact same line as this violin can. No need to breathe or anything, don't worry about semiquavers, they'll be over by the time you've actually read them". <3

Basically, I really don't like the "classical" era. Mozart, Haydn, early Beethoven... Just doesn't do it for me. Renaissance vocal music is epic, Baroque music is just delightful in every single way and Romantic... Oh god... I'd marry Schubert, Chopin or Schumann.

*nerdgasm over* ^^

[Crystal Mew]

I like bands like A Day to Remember, Every Avenue, Mayday Parade, Breathe Carolina and a bunch of other random bands...

I like almost everything though, so I guess it's easier to say I like everything except country.

[Shadow Wolf]

Woot! The only classical song I've listened and liked is Ode to Joy. :sweat2:

Well, I'm not a choose-a-type guy. I lean more for the lyrics of the songs. If the song has a good lyric and if I like the rhythm, then it will make its way to my playlist.

However, I do hate trendy groups/artists, bachata and reggaeton (of course, with its exceptions). The former is because most of the are overrated while their lyrics are as bad as my streak with girlfriends. The latter because most of the fans do not listen to what they're truly singing. Plus no-sense fan crowds make me sick. (ugh, sorry for my bluntness)

[ChobiChibi]

Woot! The only classical song I've listened and liked is Ode to Joy. :sweat2:

This is what I think of Beethoven:

bkJUB93muFU

[Becky]

Chobi, lol...XD

I can pretty much listen to anything, just depends on my mood. I get most of my music from iTunes but I've been listening to Pandora lately too. The past week I've been listening to country music, I like pop, classical, hip hop... I guess I don't really listen to heavy metal but it doesn't particularly bother me.

[shazza]

I don't really like Mozart.

*avoids getting shot*

HEAR ME OUT. He's just so overrated as a composer. He wrote a lot (41 symphonies for one man is too many in my opinion) and it all sounds so similar. I'll give him credit for some things (for instance, the development section of the first movement of symphony no. 40 goes through a series of circles of 5th's, which shows that he's a true master of harmony) but I... just find most of it boring and repetitive :/ I studied Mozart 40 in the classicism module I had to take, and other than the middle bit I mentioned, it's just so dull D:


Wow, are we listening to the same Mozart? Granted my knowledge of Mozart is considerably limited in comparison to Beethoven, but from what I have learnt and attempted to play, he seems to incorporate an array of styles. I've recently learnt -- although, certainly not mastered -- Mozart's K. 545 (First Movement).

Anyway, music. Shit is crazy and I don't really know where to start. So, I guess I'll do so on a chronological basis.

My dad was a musician -- he was part of a semi famous band in the 1970's, Cybotron (the first electronic band in Australia). Thus, music has had a profound impact on my life since a child.

I grew up with my parents music tastes of 1960's-1970's rock (progressive, pop rock, rock and roll, psychedelic, blues), and to this day that era would still be my favourite of all music. The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, Bob Geldolf, Ben E. King, David Bowie, The Doors, John Lennon (my dad in his 30's-40's had an uncanny resemblance to a hippie, bearded version of Lennon. He even won a look alike competition on Hey Hey It's Saturday!), The Beach Boys, Don McLean. And also some older stuff, too: Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, The Seekers etc. Sometimes some 1930's-40's blues, which Dad would play on the piano; sometimes This was the background music of my life for all of my childhood. I have numerous memories relating to specific artists of that period that I won't go into today.

When I started learning piano at the age of 7, Beethoven quickly became an idol of mine, far surpassing any other classical/romantic pianist. I recall my piano teacher at the time would want me to try and learn a Mozart piece as opposed to Beethoven, but I didn't have an emotional attachment to Mozart as I did, and still do, with Beethoven.

My first taste of contemporary metal came when I was 9-10, and my 15 year old cousin gave me some Korn songs. It was something quite unprecedented. I didn't know why, but I enjoyed the energy it generated. Along with South Park Chef Aid songs, I'd listen to Addidas, Freak On a Leash and other well known Korn songs while I played a Pokemon Yellow rom. :)

My dad noticed my like for Korn (not his thing), and showed me some 1970's-1980's heavy metal that he enjoyed: Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Iron Butterfly, Stephen Wolf, Status Quo, Led Zeppelin etc.

After my mum's in 2001 passing up until 2005, there seems to be a greatly reduced interest in music. I would scarcely listen to things here and there, such as listening to Eminem's new album in 2003 and playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4. I also remember I enjoyed Tatu - All The Things She Said.

It wasn't until I started to socialise in the middle of 2005 and begin underage drinking that I embarked upon a music renaissance. 80's music was not unfamiliar at these parties: Duran Duran, The Clash, The Chiorboys, Dead Or Alive, Tears For Fears, Europe, Men At Work, Nena etc.

The two main songs that remind me of this time of my life would have to be: Cutting Crew - I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight and Alice Cooper - Poison.

The Cooper song was actually inspired by a Groove Coverage cover at the time, which I also enjoyed, and drove me to investigate its origins. This proved a great admiration for Cooper: Bed Of Nails, Steven etc.

It was during this time that my interest in contemporary metal, specifically metalcore and nu metal, resumed: System Of A Down, Trivium, Disturbed, Slipknot, Static-X etc. But, after talking with cool_daddy_47, I stumbled upon a band a bit different to the aforementioned bands: Opeth. Progressive. Death vocals, yet an evident influence from 1970's progressive rock. Opeth are still one of my most favourite bands.

Although having heard them in my childhood, I didn't really take much notice of Pink Floyd until July 2006. Sitting in my friends house at the time, we were enchanted by 'Have A Cigar' and 'Welcome To The Machine' while Winamp visualizations fluently accompanied the music. Everyone was high off weed but me, but I certainly did not need to be! Pink Floyd is probably equal #1 along with The Beatles as my all time favourite artists.

I feel I am rambling on, but since then music has been a pivotal aspect in my life. I have certainly not restricted myself to one genre. I think eclecticism in music shows what kind of individual you are. Some artists simply don't 'do it for me' regardless of the genre, and some do. Simple as that. Just some other artists I've enjoyed:

Classical/Ambient/Minimalist: Edvard Grieg, Gustav Hoist, Mike Oldfield (although he incorporates an array of genres!), Vangelis (composed the soundrack for Sagan's 'Cosmos'), Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Ludovico Einaudi, Brian Eno (mostly ambient after his first two glam-rock albums), Mogwai, God Is An Astronaut, TTOL, Carbon Based Lifeforms, Kitaro, Mushroom Giant.
Probably the main genre I wish to explore more of -- both classical composers that have passed on and contemporary ones.

I like some of the orchestration that's done from video game music. I need more.

Indie/Triple J: Gypsy And The Cat, MGMT, Tame Impala, Angus And Julia Stone, Foster The People, Bon Iver, Radiohead, The Wombats (saw them on Saturday night!)

That's just to name a few. I have an oscillating affinity with Indie/Triple J music (which is a very broad category). History tells me that I enjoy it more during the summer -- probably because of the festival season. Then there's two sub genres of this:

--Folk/Nu Folk: Johnny Flynn, Laura Marling, Slow Club, Boy And Bear, Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeroes, Stornaway, First Aid Kit, Noah and the Whale.

--Aussie Hip Hop: The Herd, Drapht, Bliss N Eso, Hilltop Hoods, Phrase, Pez.

Metal: Devin Townsend, Trivium's new album, Meshuggah, Dram Theater, Opeth's new album, some Blind Guardian, In Flames new album.

Although I do love metal (if Beethoven and Mozart were around today, they would as well), I just seem to be broadening into so many other genres that I don't listen to new stuff nearly as much as I used to. Apparently I need to get into Masadon.

Some old stuff: Frank Zappa, Meat Loaf (since his AFL fail), Alan Parsons Project, The Byrds, Alan Holdsworth, Donovan, Lord Sitar (this guy in the 60's got a sitar and covers Beatles and other 60's songs), Elmer Gantry's Violent Opera.

Then there's the diverse genre of electronica: Daft Punk, Cybotron (regardless of my dad's input), Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream. I like good dubstep (which is increasingly rare). I like good trance. I like good hardstyle.

Misc shit: Britney Spears. Wu Tang. Lady Gaga.

I like music. My complete playlist has 32,701 songs.

[Gavin Luper]

I mostly listen to variants of rock music: punk, grunge, hard rock, metal, folk-rock, singer-songwriters (both male and female), Aussie pub rock, classic rock, 70s glam, 80s pop, 80s hair metal and 90s alt-rock.

I don't mind some kinds of pop: pop-rock, singer-songwriters and some trip-hop and new age-y stuff does interest me.

I particularly despise most "club" and "top 40" songs, hip-hop and rap, although having said that, there are rare examples of all of these that I do like.

[Katie]

After nearly 2 years of dating a musician who grew up with classic rock obsessed parents, learned to kick ass at piano, guitar, drums, and a bit of bass while growing up, as well as having a beautiful deep bass singing voice, went to a fine arts academy for 6 years, sang in two different choirs that traveled the world, as well as sang in two different a capella groups.... I don't even know what genres I like any more. Living and roadtrippin' with such a hardcore musicnerd has changed my perception of virtually all genres. Bluegrass, country, contemporary/doo wop/barbershop a capella, choir pieces, top 40, things I would never have even considered listening to 5 years ago are now some of my favorite songs. I used to like the general rock umbrella, but I just can't narrow anything down anymore. Music <3