NationStates Jolt Archive

Ok, for the last week I've been pretty much solidly listening to 'In The Heart Of The Pink Moon' by Ali Farkar Toure and Toumani Diabete. It is spell-binding.

But what are people's thoughts on world music? Most internet communities I frequent tend to like BVSC and maybe some Youssou N'Dour, and leave it at that. Given NS tends to be (a little bit) more international in its outlook, I thought I might have more luck finding some others interested in music produced outside America/Britain (although, yes, Bluegrass/Cajun/Folk do count as World, I guess).

So, my questions would be:

1) Do you like world music, and if so, which artists/albums?

2) If not, is it simply because of lack of exposure? (Or at least, do you think it's that?)

3) Is there something demeaning about classing diverse folk cultures under 'world' whilst preserving four separate categories for different types of metal ('thrash', 'death', 'speed' and 'organ-devouring')?

4) Should we try to be more accepting in our tastes, and promote more 'world' artists on commercial radio? For example, I thought it was shameful that the artists I mentioned above were relegated to Cornwall during the Live8 concerts.

Any other thoughts regarding world music?

1) Do you like world music, and if so, which artists/albums?
I'd like you to define "world music" (although I do have two albums that call themselves "world music" - they're ok but not much to my liking.

2) If not, is it simply because of lack of exposure? (Or at least, do you think it's that?)
I don't know

3) Is there something demeaning about classing diverse folk cultures under 'world' whilst preserving four separate categories for different types of metal ('thrash', 'death', 'speed' and 'organ-devouring')?
Don't diss metal. It owns. Actually, some of the metal I like was produced outside America/Britain - does that make it world music?

4) Should we try to be more accepting in our tastes, and promote more 'world' artists on commercial radio? For example, I thought it was shameful that the artists I mentioned above were relegated to Cornwall during the Live8 concerts.

We should listen to whatever sounds good.

Ok, I suppose by 'world' music I was going for 'the folk music of the world'. So flamenco from Spain, rhumba from Brazil, reggae from Jamaica, Xhosa from South Africa, and so on. And I wasn't dissing metal; I was criticising record companies and the way they categorise music.

Ok, I suppose by 'world' music I was going for 'the folk music of the world'. So flamenco from Spain, rhumba from Brazil, reggae from Jamaica, Xhosa from South Africa, and so on. And I wasn't dissing metal; I was criticising record companies and the way they categorise music.

Categorisation is usually done in such a way that the categories are of similar sizes. However, the names for different kinds of metal are probably invented by musically knowledgeable fans.

It was one example. Sheesh. It's not the basis of the entire thread. I was simply asking whether the tendency to group more varied sorts of music into one 'world' category was a little unfair.

3) Is there something demeaning about classing diverse folk cultures under 'world' whilst preserving four separate categories for different types of metal ('thrash', 'death', 'speed' and 'organ-devouring')?

:eek: only 4 categories of metal??! a world with only 4 types of metal just isn't one worth living in :( *thinks* Infact I count at least 9 sub-genres of black metal alone that I consider absolutely crucial to my continued existence :p .

But seriously, I'm also a big fan of various folk/"world" traditions... Especially the folk music of eastern and northern Europe, and some of the more classical inspired folk-y styles of Iranian and Indian music.

But seriously, I'm also a big fan of various folk/"world" traditions... Especially the folk music of eastern and northern Europe, and some of the more classical inspired folk-y styles of Iranian and Indian music.

Oh, that's interesting. I'm less into European folk at the moment, but I've been listening to some Hindustani classical music. And people like Shankar and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan always remain favourites.