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| One of the sled dogs listening to music coming from a gramophone. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Another Battle of the Bands is coming up this week-end--on Sunday March 1st to be precise. A number of my readers regularly participate in this music appreciation event and seem to enjoy it or at least tolerate it. I'm always pleased when I get enthusiastic comments indicating people have enjoyed the Battle that I've presented. It's even fine when I'm offered intelligently reasoned comments that tell me what they didn't like about a musical piece.
Occasionally, someone who stops by will comment that they decline to vote. I'm glad that they let me know they stopped by, but it also indicates that my Battle posts could have an effect on their future visits to my site when they see a Battle of the Bands post. If it's only a matter of not liking the genre of music I've used or not liking the song or artist then I feel that those readers will continue to return. Others just might not like the Battle of the Bands and my continuing to do them could lose them as readers. I hope that's not the case, but it's a risk I take.
The biggest item of puzzlement for me though are the occasional comments from people who say they don't listen to music or those few who have said they don't like music.
Say what? Are there really people who don't like music? At all? Any kind?
That's the one answer that I really would like to know more about. Maybe it's the nature of any kind of aural stimulation and the effect that it has on those particular people. Or something about their upbringing or sociocultural influences. Perhaps the music hurts their ears or discombobulates their mental faculties in some way. What exactly could it be?
Are you one who doesn't like music? Have you ever known someone who doesn't like music? Do you know why some people don't like music or never listen to it? If it's merely a matter of limiting the types of music you listen to, what are the types of music you do listen to?
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Don't like music? The horror!
ReplyDeleteI'm a musician - of course I love music. I listen to it every day, probably several hours' worth, and practice one to three hours as well. Music is my first passion, even over writing.
I can appreciate a variety, although certain types I just can't listen to - like country. I like progressive rock best because it's just that - progressive. It's complex and ever-changing, always progressing and developing into something new and fresh. While I can appreciate older songs and sometimes listen to older metal, I don't want to be stuck in certain time with my music. I always want to hear something new. It challenges me as an artist.
Not liking music is almost unimaginable to me. You're probably quite aware that I'm very receptive to nearly all kinds of music.
DeleteLee
When I was a kid, my mom hated music. My dad would say sound waves held the house up. My brothers and sisters and I would listen to any music when we got a chance and that included my dad's country music which he played whenever he wanted to.
ReplyDeleteNow I go down to my mother's room. She will be off in her sewing room and she'll have the Sirius station on the television turned up loud playing music from the forties and fifties.
I guess she was trying to keep the sound waves from exploding the house. Six kids can be pretty loud to begin with.
A houseful of people can be a bit noisy especially if everyone is listening to their own music. Maybe you mom didn't hate music so much as the cacophony of so much of it.
DeleteLee
I do like listening to music. I just don't appreciate it like my husband (who is a musician) who can tell if someone is off key or can hear the different instruments in a song while it all sounds relatively the same to me. I prefer a quiet house when alone to a house with music, but I do appreciate the beauty of music.
ReplyDeletebetty
I person trained with a more discriminating ear for the quality of music can often have a greater appreciation or an endurance of listening than the non-musically trained. As much as I like my music, I do also enjoy times of silence.
DeleteLee
I've always listened to music. We have a huge CD collection. The record collection is finally dwindling now that I can record them digitally. (Such a wonderful Christmas present.)
ReplyDeleteI listen to a variety, from pop-rock (not Pop Rocks), new age, soundtracks, hard rock, and even some metal and progressive rock. Some of my favorite artists are Pink Floyd, Chevelle, Jean Michel-Jarre, Icehouse, and Def Leppard.
A good collection of music is like having a good collection of books--it all makes for a great resource library.
DeleteLee
My husband couldn't care less about music. He doesn't like it or listen to it at all. He can sing along with oldies....stuff from the 70s and early 80s....but actively listen? Nope. He has zero interest and he doesn't get his kids' love of music at all. His son plays guitar and is in a bad and daughter is big time into the local heavy metal scene. And of course I'm a Deadhead. But lately I seem to prefer peace and quiet over music or TV.
ReplyDeleteThere is much to be said for times of quiet. I find it easier to think creative thoughts in quiet and silence is preferred when I read or write. When I'm driving long distances I particularly enjoy having music to listen to.
DeleteLee
I can definitely understand some people not liking certain types of music, but all music? It just seems so strange. My music tastes are a bit limited, though--most kinds of rock, a little pop, and the occasional Broadway musical soundtrack.
ReplyDeleteTo dislike music is the thing that puzzles me the most. How does that come about? It must have something to do with sensitivity to sounds or a brain disconnect that doesn't interpret music in the same way most of us hear it. I'd love to know.
DeleteAs far as your limited preferences, perhaps you just need to gradually expose yourself to more different types of music and learn about them. I think the more we know about something, the more we can appreciate it.
Lee
I don't think I've ever met anyone who actively dislikes music. But I have met people who are pretty ambivalent about it.
ReplyDeleteMy Brother likes some music but it's not nearly as important to him as it is to me. I'm definitely on the HIGH END of MUSIC-LOVERS.
What puzzles me most is why some people have strong reactions to certain songs or types of music while others don't have the same reaction. I'm guessing that part of it might have to do with our personal vibration rates.
One song rhythm might make my toes immediately start tapping in time with it, while you might sit there and feel no effect from it at all. And vice versa.
For example, the melody of 'MY FAVORITE THINGS' is totally addictive to my mind. If I hear that song (or even just an instrumental version) just one time, it will run through my mind like it's on a tape loop for hours or days. If I hear it a couple of times in a short period of time, it's likely to play in my head for a week or more.
And yet some people are blasé about that song's melody. Why does it ingrain itself into my mind but doesn't do that to everyone?
I was just telling FAE recently that I learned the hard way (after experiencing this several times) that I can't play my Johnny Mathis CD '16 Most Requested Songs' too close to bedtime. If I do, one or more songs will play over and over again in my mind and keep me from falling asleep. On a few occasions I have gone to put that CD on but then looked at the clock and thought: No, I better not. It's 5:00 PM. It's too late, too close to bedtime.
If I play it earlier in the day, however, I won't have that problem. Probably because I'll hear other music afterwards which kind of nullifies the addictive chemical in the Johnny Mathis songs.
Music is one of the greatest mysteries of life, in my opinion.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I second that puzzlement. I continue to ponder that concept of preference which to me mostly comes from adaptation, willingness to accept, education that leads to greater appreciation, and connections our minds make to the music.
DeleteI can recall a period when I was going through my separation and divorce when there were some times when I couldn't stand to listen to music, which I guess had something to do with emotional connections between my marriage and our love of music. Paradoxically, at other times during this period I was writing songs and playing music with others--maybe music then became my personal outpouring of grief and wasn't much interested in what others had to say musically. Thankfully that period didn't last long.
But, yes, music is a great mystery that connects us to many things in many ways. I'm just puzzled when people have such an aversion to music that they don't want to hear it at all. Or religions that don't permit music because they think it's the work of the devil or some such nonsense. To me music is the language of heaven that is at times profaned by satanic influence, but when attaining the highest heights almost allows us to hear the voice of God.
Lee
>>... To me music is the language of heaven that is at times profaned by satanic influence, but when attaining the highest heights almost allows us to hear the voice of God.
DeleteI agree with you on that. I believe music is, at its core, a "spiritual" thing. I have sometimes said that music is the most spiritual of all the art forms. Oh, I think that at times spiritual qualities can be found in other art forms also. But I believe music is INHERENTLY the most spiritual form of art. It has something to do with vibrations and vibrations in the unseen spiritual realm.
>>... that concept of preference which to me mostly comes from adaptation, willingness to accept, education that leads to greater appreciation...
I agree with this statement too, but partially rather than fully.
Some of our affinity to certain songs or types of music is immediate. I can hear a song or piece of music for the first time and immediately my toes are tapping or I just feel this love for it.
Sometimes a song doesn't grab me immediately but upon repeated listening (maybe the fourth time or the twelfth time) I find I've developed a "taste" for it. And, yes, sometimes learning about how it was created and performed gives me even greater appreciation for it.
However, I don't agree with your use of the word "mostly". There is some "music", some songs that I know instantly that I dislike and no amount of repeated listening or learning is going to change that.
In fact, in 55 years of hearing music - lots of different kinds - I can think of only ONE instance when I actively DISLIKED a song the first couple times I heard it and then shortly afterwards I found that my mind had changed about it and I came to really like it.
If I'm ambivalent about a certain piece of music, there is a chance I might eventually come to enjoy it after I've heard it more times and I somehow wrap my mind around it later. But if I detest it the first time I hear it (other than that sole exception), there's about a 99.99% certainty that I will never learn to like it. It's just not a vibrational match for me.
One other thing that I find really curious is how sometimes songs I strongly dislike or even hate can also get stuck in my mind and repeat over and over like on a tape loop.
And I mean, I KNOW I dislike the song, there's NO mistake about that. I find it annoying or irritating - very unpleasant - and yet there can sometimes be some aspect of the melody that can make it stick in my mind (just as some songs I like do) even though I just want it to STOP ALREADY!
Music... who REALLY understands it? Maybe God alone.
~ D-FensDogg
"Music... who REALLY understands it? Maybe God alone." Best comment of the day.
DeleteThanks! Plenty of competition here though. Lee got quite a response with this post.
Delete~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I'm the same way. We always had music in our house when I was growing up.
ReplyDeleteLee
I love music. It has gotten me through rough times and keeps me entertained most of the day. The only music I'm not a fan of is country and that sappy rap they have out now. The kind my 15 year old daughter loves.
ReplyDeleteI almost changed the format of my blog a few years ago because I feared I was keeping people away with my topic but then I realized, I write what I love and know, that's what's important to me.
I second that love of music, though I do enjoy country music. Even certain rap is okay, but I'm really turned off by the disrespectful gangsta stuff and the songs that are filled with profanity and unpleasant language.
DeleteI do think it's important to write about what we like in order to stay enthused and inspired otherwise we'll probably lose any readers we have anyway.
Lee
I can take it or leave it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I figured as such.
DeleteLee
Of course there are the tone deaf.
ReplyDeleteThat's something else I can't totally fathom. Is that like being color blind or having no sense of smell?
DeleteLee
I have never actually met anyone who claimed not to like music but I supposed there are some. I can't imagine riding in a car alone without music.
ReplyDeleteI do listen to talk radio much of the time if I'm just driving around town, but if I'm in the car a very long time I like to have music. I find it hard to believe that there are some people who don't like to hear music of any kind at any time, but I guess it must happen.
DeleteLee
Music was my first love Lee, playing tunes on the piano at 2 yrs old, then going for lessons at 4. Passed many examinations. I just adore music, all sorts from Chopin to Daniel.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
I know you're a music fan!
DeleteLee
I've loved music all my life, Lee. When I listen to music, that's what I'm doing. I can't write or read or study when I do. I can, however, listen to music and do house cleaning or yard work, drive, etc. I enjoy the oldies best, nothing jarring. Thanks for sharing this with your readers, Lee.
ReplyDeleteMusic is great background for doing something physical.
DeleteLee
I can't even fathom someone not liking music. o.O
ReplyDeleteI know, but still some have told me this in my comments.
DeleteLee
I don't think I know anyone who doesn't like some form of music. Taste varies greatly, of course. As a kid, I grew up listening to my mom's favorites - songs from WWII and Broadway show tunes - then I found my own favorites, mostly 60's rock and folk music. I followed the popular music of the day through the 70's and 80's but somewhere in the 90's I reverted to the old stuff.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I kind of regressed back to an earlier time in about the 90's. I kept up with some new music, but not like I had once done.
DeleteLee
I love music! And if you pick rotten songs, I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteSo does that mean no Sex Pistols or John Lydon (formerly Johnny Rotten)?
DeleteLee
That does mean no Sex Pistols, and I never heard of Lydon, but he does sound Rotten.
DeleteI have never met anyone who does not like music. I have met people who don't like a certain type or only like one type but all?? I wonder what happened to them in their early years to be so put off by music. people may equate something negative with something nice and then it turns into actively disliking it. Music might be a "guilty by association" with some of these people. Thankfully they are in the few. Music, more than anything else, can bring in a torrent of emotions and has been around for as long as we have
ReplyDeleteI think it's more unnatural to dislike music than to enjoy it. A person who doesn't like music have have been conditioned to have such feelings or maybe dealt with something traumatic that they associate with music. The concept is hard for me to understand.
DeleteLee
I love music. I was raised on classical (thanks dad) and then got a dose of The Beatles and The Doors thanks to my mom. But. I usually can't listen to it while I write and I spend a lot of my free time writing. The problem is it usually distracts me from the writing, pulls me into a different creative space. Interestingly, music is perfect for when I'm doing any kind of art (painting/drawing mostly). Occasionally however I'll find the perfect piece for what I'm writing and then it can fuel the creative process. Finding the perfect music, however, can be a challenge.
ReplyDeleteI will say Mozart's Requiem works pretty good if there's some deep dark unpleasantness happening in my stories...
We've had a similar musical journey from the sound of it. I can have classical music on when I write, but if there is music with words then I get too distracted. I like Bruckner symphonies when I'm writing because they play like thought processes.
DeleteLee
Love music. All genres and decades.
ReplyDeleteI come from a long line of musicians. I sing... okay. Not the best, though I've been asked to sing at events.
Maybe many people who claim a hatred to music grew up hearing only a couple of types and, instead of widening their search, gave up altogether. I truly believe music is like food, something for everyone.
Music is food for the heart, soul, and mind. Gosh, even the body for dancing and motivation. Great analogy of music being like food.
DeleteLee
Lee, music is to me like a flower to the bee. Some days I cannot get my fill of a certain artist. I've been known to play a cd over and over all day. It's like a rising feeling - not escape - simple joy in the height of thought that follows. Or, even lack of thought that brings joy. I agree with vibrational, electrochemistry, and elf sciences. We don't collide, we intwine.
ReplyDeleteThe issue I've faced with BOTB is learning eras, and artists within perspective eras. I experience no time breaks, and appear to view them simultaneously. I'm not sure if that makes sense to anyone, including me, but it is in perfect alignment with my sporatic type thinking. Like listening to four conversations going on at the same time, and being able to tell you what each person is saying. So regarding BOTB, I'm looking for charts, as such, that define boundaries of music times, genres, and basic terminologies, associated with each. I've been guessing and listening with my gut.
My knowledge of eras and what goes with them is pretty good prior to the 90's and then that's where I become less knowledgeable. But I know what I like so that's what I go with for the most part. And really in a way, if I'm understanding what you're saying, good music should be kind of timeless and have no real boundaries.
ReplyDeleteLee
"And really in a way, if I'm understanding what you're saying, good music should be kind of timeless and have no real boundaries."
ReplyDeleteBingo, thank you!
A world without music, I don't think so. I can't imagine anyone not liking ANY type of music. I understand and someone not liking certain types of music; I fall into that category myself, but not liking any music. I don't know anyone like THAT.
ReplyDeleteI've read through your other comments and more than one person has mentioned vibrations. I had an interesting experience last weekend when I attended a 'Gong Immersion Session'. You can't really call the sound of a gong alone music, but the tonal vibrations really set a mood for meditation and some deep introspection. This session lasted for a full hour and it seemed like less than ten minutes tome. It was also accompanied by some interesting thoughts and images in my mind. I find that music, 'good music' does that for me also.
There are times when I like silence, but I do write (and do most things) to music. Actually, when I write my characters each have their own songs or type of music and I find that it helps me get into their heads.
When you mention "vibrations" I think of that feeling we get from the music and recall hearing how even deaf people can feel the music though they might not experience it aurally. Music is an innate part of us. It is hard to understand how anyone could not like music.
DeleteLee
I have never met anyone who didn't like music, but hubby sometimes pleads with me to turn the volume down, when the hard rock or metal is cranked up.☺ I haven't been following your Battle of the Bands, Lee, not because I don't like music, but, I'm not online that much Saturdays and Sundays and wasn't aware. Will try to stop by.
ReplyDeleteI think maybe there are gradations of how much different people are enthused by music, but to not like any music at all strikes me as pretty extreme. My wife likes to sing and enjoys music sometimes, but see doesn't see overly interested in listening to music much of the time. She also prefers that I keep the volume down when I listen to music.
DeleteLee
I would agree, Lee. ☺ At home, my husband seems to prefer TV to radio and doesn't play music on his own, but he does enjoy going to rock concerts with me.
Deletethere are people who don't like music???? Maybe they just haven't heard the right one? I mean I'm sure most of the new generations don't even know what real music is because they're served with absolute crap in last ten years, but to not like music?!?
ReplyDeleteI like music which has emotions, especially the music that carries the spirit or a story of a nation or some people inside it.
There have been people leave comments here who say they don't care for music or tell me stories of people they know like that. Maybe you're right about not finding the good music.
DeleteLee
I'm always surprised when I hear somebody say they don't like music. It's like saying "I don't like food."
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I like most about being old is that I was totally into music during the 60's and 70's. In my humble opinion, there has never been a better and more influential musical period.
Good analogy. If people say they don't like music I think they are probably being a bit untruthful and it's more of a way of saying, "I don't like the kind of music you like".
DeleteI think their is a strong argument to be made regarding your opinion. That's the era when my favorite music was born. Maybe in the decades of the early 19th century or the 1920's and 30's an argument could also be made, but in the 60's and 70's thanks to the available media forms and innovations in recording music was more widespread than ever before. It was a great time of innovation in many realms of thinking.
Lee