NationStates Jolt Archive

So I am primarily a classical musician, having played piano and flute from an early age, and loving schubert, bach, beethoven and the rest.

I've recently been playing around youtube and have discovered some things I really like: Pink Floyd "Comortably Numb", Radiohead "Creep", Nickelback "hero", Nina Simone "feeling good", some things by Green Day... and I'm feeling hungry for more! what can you recommend me to try? why do you like the songs you recommend?

and on a more general note, does music have to "strike a chord" (sorry, bad pun) with you, or is a catchy tune enough?

The Bond, Shine is pretty good.

So I am primarily a classical musician, having played piano and flute from an early age, and loving schubert, bach, beethoven and the rest.

I've recently been playing around youtube and have discovered some things I really like: Pink Floyd "Comortably Numb", Radiohead "Creep", Nickelback "hero", Nina Simone "feeling good", some things by Green Day... and I'm feeling hungry for more! what can you recommend me to try? why do you like the songs you recommend?

and on a more general note, does music have to "strike a chord" (sorry, bad pun) with you, or is a catchy tune enough?

What next? Go sit in the naughty corner for half an hour for admitting liking a song by Nickelback. We here at NSG are not angry with you, just disappointed.

What next? Go sit in the naughty corner for half an hour for admitting liking a song by Nickelback. We here at NSG are not angry with you, just disappointed.

but, but... I didn't know I wasn't supposed to.... and it had a cartoon for the video!

*goes to corner in a huff*

but, but... I didn't know I wasn't supposed to.... and it had a cartoon for the video!

*goes to corner in a huff*

Its for your own good. You hear a Nickelback song on the radio, think "hey, thats inoffensive, I might as well buy it" Your friends encourage you to do so, maybe as a dare. You think you've got your bland radio rock habit under control, but there's always the craving for something even blander. Before you know it, you're addicted to Creed and projectile vomit whenever you hear anything remotely musically challenging. Its a very slippery slope.

Its for your own good. You hear a Nickelback song on the radio, think "hey, thats inoffensive, I might as well buy it" Your friends encourage you to do so, maybe as a dare. You think you've got your bland radio rock habit under control, but there's always the craving for something even blander. Before you know it, you're addicted to Creed and projectile vomit whenever you hear anything remotely musically challenging. Its a very slippery slope.

Hey, I happen to like Creed.

But, then, my favorite song at the moment is "Lecher Bitch" and I modded Doom 3 to replace the heads of all of the demons with people I don't like.

It's hard to say, as you're just beginning, whether you would like a particular genre or just some songs. It is better to start with the more popular artists, as you're doing, not necessarily because they're better, but because they're more accessible.

Jimmy Smith (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Vk0jSsoxM&feature=related)

Amanda Fucking Palmer! (http://de.youtube.com/user/amandapalmer)

So I am primarily a classical musician, having played piano and flute from an early age, and loving schubert, bach, beethoven and the rest.

I've recently been playing around youtube and have discovered some things I really like: Pink Floyd "Comortably Numb", Radiohead "Creep", Nickelback "hero", Nina Simone "feeling good", some things by Green Day... and I'm feeling hungry for more! what can you recommend me to try? why do you like the songs you recommend?

and on a more general note, does music have to "strike a chord" (sorry, bad pun) with you, or is a catchy tune enough?

Eisbrecher (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm7AgP6C_4w)...

And there's nothing wrong with enjoying Nickelback, or any other band that you happen to take a liking to.

"Crossing The Briney", Instrumentals, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder. Sample here. (http://www.amazon.com/Crossing-The-Briney/dp/B000XUUYWG)

And music ought to "strike a chord" as you say. Catchy pop tunes with no substance or internal connection will be at best a bit of nostalgia in 5 years.

Go here (http://www.pandora.com/). Give it a list of all the songs you like and it will play songs that share common features of the songs you like.

For example it chose to play "Haunted" by Evanescence when I opened it just now because some of the songs I told it I like have one or more of the following features:

electric rock instrumentation
a vocal-centric aesthetic
minor key tonality
vocal harmonies

And it suggested three similar songs.

For starters:
The Alan Parson's Project - Almost a classic (Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvwrSdMY7dQ))
Waltari - Finnish Metal Band (One Day (http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=KmFsr57NAD8))
Kabat - Czeck hard rock Band (They appeared at the 2007 Eurosong contest with this song Mala Dama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Op25NXvCDQ&feature=related))
Miles Davis - Tutu Medley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrK5FxKKteI)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hkjkTe5kZE
Buy Dark Side Of The Moon.

If you play piano, I'm guessing you might like a bit of keyboard stuff. With that in mind, The Who did a lot of progressive stuff with synths (their album Who's Next is the first example of songs using synth to play rhythm rather than just lead). Moreover, The Who just plain rock hard. They inspired all of punk (their first album), a lot of rock (Who's Next is probably the best rock album ever), and inspired Zeppelin.

Now, if you don't know Zeppelin, and you're over the age of 15, you should probably go hang yourself now. Check out Stairway to Heaven, and you'll be in love forever.

If you're feeling truly adventurous, here are a few recommendations:
- Loituma
- Clannad
- X-Japan
- Mediæval Bæbes

So I am primarily a classical musician, having played piano and flute from an early age, and loving schubert, bach, beethoven and the rest.

I've recently been playing around youtube and have discovered some things I really like: Pink Floyd "Comortably Numb", Radiohead "Creep", Nickelback "hero", Nina Simone "feeling good", some things by Green Day... and I'm feeling hungry for more! what can you recommend me to try? why do you like the songs you recommend?

and on a more general note, does music have to "strike a chord" (sorry, bad pun) with you, or is a catchy tune enough?

Jimi Hendrix! I always wanted to hear a piano concerto version of All Around the Watchtower

thank you everybody so far, for all your suggestions. Having a listening session now, and will report back :)

For starters:
The Alan Parson's Project - Almost a classic (Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvwrSdMY7dQ))
In the Lap of Gods (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB5dH_2uh3Y) is better. ;)

And of course the Tales of Mystery and Imagination (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tales_of_Mystery_and_Imagination) is worth looking up.

I've had some success in making classically minded people listen to Klaus Schulze (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaus_Schulze) especially X (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_(Klaus_Schulze_album)) and Ludwig II von Bayern & Friedrich Nietzsche...Of course being 25 minute epics you won't find 'em at youtube. However you can find Frank Herbert (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vtE7--vetE) which is of somewhat different style reminiscient of the masterpiece Blade Runner (the piece was released 4 years earlier than the movie). :D

Won't go into rock beyond Deep Purple and Child in Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJCTrolF3CY); the best version of which is on the Scandinavian Nights live album (roughly 20 minute set). :)

What next? Go sit in the naughty corner for half an hour for admitting liking a song by Nickelback. We here at NSG are not angry with you, just disappointed.

I'll assume you're kidding. People are free to like whatever they perceive as pleasurable to them. The only thing worse than an average band getting more press than they deserve for what skill they have are those who would chastise people for liking them. Isn't it enough to say you don't like them without diving into the sea of pretension by mocking those who do?

I'll assume you're kidding. People are free to like whatever they perceive as pleasurable to them. The only thing worse than an average band getting more press than they deserve for what skill they have are those who would chastise people for liking them. Isn't it enough to say you don't like them without diving into the sea of pretension by mocking those who do?
It's for the fleeting sense of superiority. Then you read what you've just posted (or, IRL, play back to yourself what you've just said) and realise what a dick you (not you personally, just to be clear) are.

Obviously the best thing to do would be to say you don't like them, then start a detailed argument as to why you think people shouldn't listen to 'x band' or buy their music. However. This is Nickelback we're talking about. ;)

As for the OP, check out Apocalyptica. I've yet to find a person who doesn't like them.

I'll throw one more in to the fray: Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-vXEJrU9i0) :)

As for the OP, check out Apocalyptica. I've yet to find a person who doesn't like them.
As long as they stick to their Metallica covers...

To the OP:

Glad you noticed Nina Simone. Look for Cassandra Wilson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Lisa Henry, and Dianne Reeves (she was the woman singing in the recording booth in the George Clooney film Good Night and Good Luck). It's jazz vocals with bluesy or R&B hints in them.

Motown gets a modernization, too with a group I'd recommend named Was (Not Was). The Was brothers are Detroit-based producers, and their band, though not prolific -- their latest album, Boo!, is their first since 1990 -- but the combination of Sweetpea Atkinson and Harry Bowens on vocals along with Don Was' eclectic and sometimes downright weird sense of musicality is irresistible to me. Yes, they had a one-hit with 1988's "Walk the Dinosaur", but it's a solid song despite its popularity, and the same album features "Dad I'm in Jail" which was featured during the chase scene in the cult film Pump Up the Volume.

Other excellent acts, in my opinion, that you might check out:

They Might Be Giants
Steely Dan
XTC
The Bobs
Squeeze
Roger Waters (even without Pink Floyd, he's worth a listen, especially Radio KAOS)
Dire Straits
Ben Folds Five/Ben Folds (if you dig the piano lead)
Owsley
Jill Sobule (easily one of the best living songwriters in the USA)

The most important thing is that you keep searching. If you hear a style you like, try to quantify it and search for similar stuff. Good artists will give you what you like and take you into at least slightly new directions at the same time. Happy hunting!

So I am primarily a classical musician, having played piano and flute from an early age, and loving schubert, bach, beethoven and the rest.

I've recently been playing around youtube and have discovered some things I really like: Pink Floyd "Comortably Numb", Radiohead "Creep", Nickelback "hero", Nina Simone "feeling good", some things by Green Day... and I'm feeling hungry for more! what can you recommend me to try? why do you like the songs you recommend?

and on a more general note, does music have to "strike a chord" (sorry, bad pun) with you, or is a catchy tune enough?

Personally, if you like Radiohead and Pink Floyd, I'd expect that your tastes probably lean more towards the sort-of ambient type of rock that both of those bands typify. Personally, Wish You Were Here is one of my favorite albums, and having owned it (it was the third CD I ever bought--in sixth grade) for the past eleven or so years, I've never considered selling it back. The title track is something that will just kind of show up in my life every so often, and its almost soothing.

Radiohead, I will always recommend their most recent album, In Rainbows, as well as The Bends

If you're feeling something similar to Pink Floyd, but with a major dose the crazy-prog-rockness, go with Rush.

I'll assume you're kidding. People are free to like whatever they perceive as pleasurable to them.

People only like Nickelback out of ignorance of the fact that there's much better pop-rock music around which maintains with the melody a faint edge, rather than just being the musical equivalent of beige. I refuse to believe that those exposed to a wide range of music outside that on commercial radio could possibly like Nickelback. Its the musical version of false consciousness.

The only thing worse than an average band getting more press than they deserve for what skill they have are those who would chastise people for liking them.

And the only thing worse than that are those who try to defend liking Nickelback as a legitimate choice:p

Isn't it enough to say you don't like them without diving into the sea of pretension by mocking those who do?

I've never been to the Sea of Pretension. Is it anywhere near Bullshit Creek?

Wish You Were Here is one of my favorite albums, and having owned it (it was the third CD I ever bought--in sixth grade) for the past eleven or so years, I've never considered selling it back. The title track is something that will just kind of show up in my life every so often, and its almost soothing.

What about Dark Side Of The Moon?
Surely it's as good if not better than Wish You Were Here?

What about Dark Side Of The Moon?
Surely it's as good if not better than Wish You Were Here?

I'd have to disagree. Dark Side of the Moon is good, but I've never had the attachment to it that I've had to Wish You Were Here.

Not to mention the fact that Wish You Were Here has a far better album cover.

People only like Nickelback out of ignorance of the fact that there's much better pop-rock music around which maintains with the melody a faint edge, rather than just being the musical equivalent of beige. I refuse to believe that those exposed to a wide range of music outside that on commercial radio could possibly like Nickelback. Its the musical version of false consciousness.

That may be, in your opinion, but that doesn't make the group a somehow illegitimate choice for people who haven't got the inclination to look further. You don't do anyone any favors when they reach out to new genres by telling them what they've found (on their OWN, I add, because it's significant in a world where reaching is no longer something we're expected to do) is not worthy to be heard. Why not encourage them to listen to stuff you consider better instead of pissing all over what they discovered?

And the only thing worse than that are those who try to defend liking Nickelback as a legitimate choice:p

When did I do that? I don't like the band myself, but I'm not going to castigate someone else for liking them. You obviously have a strong opinion, but that doesn't make it any more valuable than the OP's.

I've never been to the Sea of Pretension. Is it anywhere near Bullshit Creek?

No, but denial flows into it.

What about Dark Side Of The Moon?
Surely it's as good if not better than Wish You Were Here?

A fine opinion. Now tell us why.

People only like Nickelback out of ignorance of the fact that there's much better pop-rock music around which maintains with the melody a faint edge, rather than just being the musical equivalent of beige. I refuse to believe that those exposed to a wide range of music outside that on commercial radio could possibly like Nickelback. Its the musical version of false consciousness.
Fail (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14111298&postcount=36)


And the only thing worse than that are those who try to defend liking Nickelback as a legitimate choice:p

So people are only allowed to like music that you like? What a load of BS.

I'd have to disagree. Dark Side of the Moon is good, but I've never had the attachment to it that I've had to Wish You Were Here.

Not to mention the fact that Wish You Were Here has a far better album cover.
I much prefer Dark Side Of The Moon's.
However, Shine On You Crazy Diamond is my favorite Floyd songs bar Echoes.

A fine opinion. Now tell us why.
Because every song means something to me, I love the way the album flows and ends.

Fail (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14111298&postcount=36)




So people are only allowed to like music that you like? What a load of BS.

That's only fitting. He knows where the creek is.

That's only fitting. He knows where the creek is.

lol

Because every song means something to me, I love the way the album flows and ends.

Excellent.

I apologize for sounding pedantic, but A) occupational hazard (music teacher), and B) it means more to hear why something is perceived as better or worse than just to hear that judgment. Thank you for providing a bit of back-story.

Excellent.

I apologize for sounding pedantic, but A) occupational hazard (music teacher), and B) it means more to hear why something is perceived as better or worse than just to hear that judgment. Thank you for providing a bit of back-story.
Yes, I should have explained why beforehand. Do you like Echoes and their early stuff?

That may be, in your opinion, but that doesn't make the group a somehow illegitimate choice for people who haven't got the inclination to look further. You don't do anyone any favors when they reach out to new genres by telling them what they've found (on their OWN, I add, because it's significant in a world where reaching is no longer something we're expected to do) is not worthy to be heard. Why not encourage them to listen to stuff you consider better instead of pissing all over what they discovered?

Ah, but they haven't "found" it, my dear. They've just got in the car and turned on the radio. "Finding" that is about as difficult as finding the fridge in the morning. Its hardly investigative work of the highest order, and not a level of initiative that merits praise.

When did I do that? I don't like the band myself, but I'm not going to castigate someone else for liking them. You obviously have a strong opinion, but that doesn't make it any more valuable than the OP's.

Yeh, thats exactly what I said. You said that any choice of music is equally legitimate as another, defending the choice made, and effectively making a statement that there is no objective "good" or "bad" in music, when Nickelback are clearly to the informed listener made of fail in its purest musical form.

No, but denial flows into it.
With the talk of "seas of pretention" and invoking the wishy-washy "nothing is objectively good or bad" postmodernist nonsense, I'm inclined to wonder which of us is the pretentious one here. I'm doing the common-or-garden ordinary activity of criticising stuff thats rubbish, you are the one trying to make it into some grand philosophical point about all music being of equal worth, hun:p

A fine opinion. Now tell us why.

My answer to that would be that I just like the songs better, don't really know why and don't care to put thought into it, I just do.

Yeh, thats exactly what I said. You said that any choice of music is equally legitimate as another, defending the choice made, and effectively making a statement that there is no objective "good" or "bad" in music, when Nickelback are clearly to the informed listener made of fail in its purest musical form.
And yet you are still wrong, I like Nickelback and my musical tastes certainly aren't limited to what can be easily found by listening to the radio (I suggest you actually follow my link and see what it is that I like).

With the talk of "seas of pretention" and invoking the wishy-washy "nothing is objectively good or bad" postmodernist nonsense, I'm inclined to wonder which of us is the pretentious one here. I'm doing the common-or-garden ordinary activity of criticising stuff thats rubbish, you are the one trying to make it into some grand philosophical point about all music being of equal worth, hun:p
Nothing is objectively good or bad. I can't stand Death Metal, but I also wouldn't (seriously) say that anyone who listens to it has no taste. Except for in reference to yourself you don't have the "right" musical taste.

Ah, but they haven't "found" it, my dear. They've just got in the car and turned on the radio. "Finding" that is about as difficult as finding the fridge in the morning. Its hardly investigative work of the highest order, and not a level of initiative that merits praise.

So just where was someone who is a lifelong classical listener/performer supposed to go if he or she doesn't know? You're expecting YOUR level of sophistication with regard to popular/rock (whatever it's all called now) music in someone who simply hasn't had your experience with it. It's wrong to take the piss out of someone who hasn't had your level of experience with the genre.

Yeh, thats exactly what I said. You said that any choice of music is equally legitimate as another, defending the choice made, and effectively making a statement that there is no objective "good" or "bad" in music, when Nickelback are clearly to the informed listener made of fail in its purest musical form.

Nope. Read again. Of course there's levels of craftsmanship or artistry or thought in music, but that's not what I was talking about. Far too many people go for far too long buried in their ingrained genre of music. No one genre is inherently "better" than any other, but within genres there are better examples, and even THAT is subjective. You chose to pillory someone for merely trying to see what was going on in other genres, and deliberately missed his choice of Pink Floyd to piss on him for Nickelback.

With the talk of "seas of pretention" and invoking the wishy-washy "nothing is objectively good or bad" postmodernist nonsense, I'm inclined to wonder which of us is the pretentious one here. I'm doing the common-or-garden ordinary activity of criticising stuff thats rubbish, you are the one trying to make it into some grand philosophical point about all music being of equal worth, hun:p

But you're not criticizing the stuff -- you criticized the listener. If you don't like Nickelback, then by all means explain why. To say you're "disappointed" in someone who's breaking out of his genre mold to find new things to listen to is rubbish itself.

If I were saying that the MUSIC ITSELF were equal to every other music, you'd have a point. I wasn't. I was saying the CHOICE to go outside of one's sphere and expand one's listening horizons is very important and shouldn't be ridiculed. It's like mocking a kid who fails the first time she tries something -- you run the risk of stifling any further attempts to try anything new for fear of similar rejection.

If you wish to characterize my arguments, I'd appreciate you being accurate about it.

Also "my dear" and "hun"? Pretentious. If you can't make your case without being snide, that says a lot about you.

Sorry, but I don't like Nickelback either.

My answer to that would be that I just like the songs better, don't really know why and don't care to put thought into it, I just do.

Fair enough.

And yet you are still wrong, I like Nickelback and my musical tastes certainly aren't limited to what can be easily found by listening to the radio (I suggest you actually follow my link and see what it is that I like).

Well, in that case I can only presume you have a case of musical coprophilia. If you are informed of a wide variety of music and still listen to Nickelback, the only logical conclusion is that you are someone who fetishises shit:p

Nothing is objectively good or bad. I can't stand Death Metal, but I also wouldn't (seriously) say that anyone who listens to it has no taste. Except for in reference to yourself you don't have the "right" musical taste.

There might not be such thing as a definitively "right" music taste, and there is perhaps substantial room for variety of taste. Some things, however, are just lyrically and musically so low quality that they are just wrong (also see Linkin Park)

Fair enough.

That's how I approach all music, if I enjoy listening to it, I enjoy listening to it. I don't need my musical tastes to say something about me, and I don't mind admitting that I enjoy listening to some music which isn't exactly what could be called stellar quality. Such as Nickelback and t.A.T.u. one of which is mindless pop/rock and the other bublegum pop.

Well, in that case I can only presume you have a case of musical coprophilia. If you are informed of a wide variety of music and still listen to Nickelback, the only logical conclusion is that you are someone who fetishises shit:p
Meh, we get it you don't like Nickelback...
There might not be such thing as a definitively "right" music taste, and there is perhaps substantial room for variety of taste. Some things, however, are just lyrically and musically so low quality that they are just wrong (also see Linkin Park)
Ah, more elitist BS, "If I don't like it no one should"

Sorry, but I don't like Nickelback either.

Which is fine, a lot of people don't.

Sorry, but I don't like Nickelback either.

Outstanding!

But not the point.

Someone who does, especially if they're new to anything but one genre, doesn't deserve amateur carping from the peanut gallery.

So, he should buy Dark Side Of The Moon AND Wish You Were Here.

So, he should buy Dark Side Of The Moon AND Wish You Were Here.

I'd have no problem suggesting that

Meh, we get it you don't like Nickelback...

Ah, more elitist BS, "If I don't like it no one should"

No one should like it because they have extracted all that was bad from grunge and married it to dull and lyrically uninspired pop-rock. If stating these facts make me an elitist in your eyes, so be it. I'm not, I like a variety of pop music, which I'm presuming you'd think I would regard as "low culture" or something like that, but the condition is that it is lyrically and musically of a decent quality. Nickelback, I'm afraid, are neither.

So, he should buy Dark Side Of The Moon AND Wish You Were Here.

Yup, indeed this be good advice.

Miles Davis - Tutu Medley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrK5FxKKteI)

If you're going to suggest electric Miles, suggest it from when it was awesome. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn6yP7EiiK0)

In the same vein, Mahavishnu Orchestra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv_bkS5VVaA&feature=related) (alternate) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQG7XpCiSVA&feature=related), and maybe some Headhunters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuOo9v_FJLg&feature=related)

No one should like it because they have extracted all that was bad from grunge and married it to dull and lyrically uninspired pop-rock. If stating these facts make me an elitist in your eyes, so be it. I'm not, I like a variety of pop music, which I'm presuming you'd think I would regard as "low culture" or something like that, but the condition is that it is lyrically and musically of a decent quality. Nickelback, I'm afraid, are neither.

You're an elitist because you can't comprehend that different people have different tastes and take the attitude that people should be ridiculed if they like music that you do not.

You're an elitist because you can't comprehend that different people have different tastes and take the attitude that people should be ridiculed if they like music that you do not.

I can accept that people have different tastes and like different genres. I will not accept, however, that I am not allowed to criticise individual bands in any genre for being shockingly, awfully, piss-poor and thus not a good selection.

I can accept that people have different tastes and like different genres. I will not accept, however, that I am not allowed to criticise individual bands for being piss-poor and not a good choice just because some people like them.

Except you were criticizing people for liking them, not just criticizing the group.
I think Gwar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHHoJTrdrjE) is absolute shit, I would not, however tell people they shouldn't listen to it because I actually understand that different people have different tastes.

Jimmy Smith (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Vk0jSsoxM&feature=related)
Thank you! Why do all jazz snobs hate Jimmy Smith? I think he's fucking amazing, particularly those long duets with Wes Montgomery.

Except you were criticizing people for liking them, not just criticizing the group.
I think Gwar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHHoJTrdrjE) is absolute shit, I would not, however tell people they shouldn't listen to it because I actually understand that different people have different tastes.

Ah, but they are reasonably musically able, put a lot of effort into their costumes and surreal themes, which are often, intentionally, quite amusing, so while I do not like them, they are not objectively shit. Nickelback, on the other hand, release song after song of turgid nonsense with each song identical to the last, are completely lacking in musical imagination or emotional impact, have no redeeming qualities, and should be sent to the Tower to be flogged daily (and not in a fun way). Implicit in the band being this rubbish is a criticism or at least bafflement towards those who listen to them.

Thank you! Why do all jazz snobs hate Jimmy Smith? I think he's fucking amazing, particularly those long duets with Wes Montgomery.

I have never met a jazz snob who hated Jimmy Smith...maybe it's because I live on the west coast...dunno...I met him before I knew who he was. I wish I had known, 'cause he's awesome.

I have never met a jazz snob who hated Jimmy Smith...maybe it's because I live on the west coast...dunno...I met him before I knew who he was. I wish I had known, 'cause he's awesome.
Oh, well maybe it's a European thing. Here the jazz reviewers (e.g. International Jazz Journal) I know are sniffy about him.

Anyway, sorry Bewilder, have your thread back, with a recommendation: Oscar Peterson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHr6ZZxb3G4).

So, he should buy Dark Side Of The Moon AND Wish You Were Here.

Bingo.

No one should like it because they have extracted all that was bad from grunge and married it to dull and lyrically uninspired pop-rock. If stating these facts make me an elitist in your eyes, so be it. I'm not, I like a variety of pop music, which I'm presuming you'd think I would regard as "low culture" or something like that, but the condition is that it is lyrically and musically of a decent quality. Nickelback, I'm afraid, are neither.

Your argument about Nickelback's musical sources and mannerisms make you an astute listener and someone who knows what they like, what they dislike, and why. That is worthy of respect.

Your statement that "no one should like it" is what makes you an elitist. "Lyrically and musically of a decent quality" is an inherently subjective statement. Who's to say for anyone but you?

Anyway, sorry Bewilder, have your thread back, with a recommendation: Oscar Peterson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHr6ZZxb3G4).

Eh, it hasn't been his since the Nickelback war began. I thought about proposing some Peterson, but decided ultimately on Smith instead. Can't go wrong either way. I think I was trying to lean on some of the new sounds he was getting into, but then I didn't spend that much time on it. I thought, too, about some Sun Ra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfLpnXQpjvw)-that's not maybe the best representation, but it came up in a You Tube search and was too nifty not to link...

Sun Ra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfLpnXQpjvw)
Coolest thing ever. Thanks for linking.

As long as they stick to their Metallica covers...
Why? Most of their own stuff's immense.

Why? Most of their own stuff's immense.
Immensly bleh.

Not as bleh as Nightwish though.

So I am primarily a classical musician, having played piano and flute from an early age, and loving schubert, bach, beethoven and the rest.

I've recently been playing around youtube and have discovered some things I really like: Pink Floyd "Comortably Numb", Radiohead "Creep", Nickelback "hero", Nina Simone "feeling good", some things by Green Day... and I'm feeling hungry for more! what can you recommend me to try? why do you like the songs you recommend?

and on a more general note, does music have to "strike a chord" (sorry, bad pun) with you, or is a catchy tune enough?

You might would like the piano from Savatage's "Gutter Ballet" For one just off the top of my head.

Immensly bleh.

Not as bleh as Nightwish though.
As has been established in this thread, you are entitled to your opinion, and I'll admit that some of their music is reasonably unimaginative, with the only saving grace being that it's being played on cellos. However, Cult is a fantastic album, one I would recommend to anyone, particularly towards the end, and their recent album, Worlds Collide, has several excellent tracks on it, not including the frankly brilliant (:hail:) cover of Heroes. Although it also has the piece of crap that is I Don't Care.

Muse. Their's are the songs that the Universe would have been created to.

okie. first, I'm still working my way through all the recommendations and don't have any good feedback yet.

Second, I really do appreciate everybody taking the time to make suggestions - as Intangelon noted, trying to explore a completely new genre, with no frame of reference to start from, is pretty daunting albeit exciting. There's such a rich variety of music and culture readily available, its very difficult to know where to start.

Lastly, Nickleback. It seems I was mistaken in taking the early comments in this thread as light banter or teasing, which is a shame. Just to clarify, I didn't hear them on the radio or by chance, but found them when I was searching youtube. I liked the lead singers voice, the overall sound and the fact that it has a clear melody. Perhaps I will find them bland when I learn more, perhaps not. I mentioned them because I can hardly say "recommend me some music" without a starting point and hope to get anything useful out of it, not because I am suddenly their most avid fan.

To me, music cuts through all the bullshit and speaks to the essence of ourselves. It does what I am struggling to do here, and communicates perfectly, whether the words are just right or not. There is no place for elitism in music of any genre - in my opinion, to believe that there is a right and a wrong music is to completely miss the point; that every piece of music expresses something, for somebody.

A couple of other bands you might like would be "Tangerine Dream" and "Kraftwerk"

okie. first, I'm still working my way through all the recommendations and don't have any good feedback yet.

Second, I really do appreciate everybody taking the time to make suggestions - as Intangelon noted, trying to explore a completely new genre, with no frame of reference to start from, is pretty daunting albeit exciting. There's such a rich variety of music and culture readily available, its very difficult to know where to start.

Lastly, Nickleback. It seems I was mistaken in taking the early comments in this thread as light banter or teasing, which is a shame. Just to clarify, I didn't hear them on the radio or by chance, but found them when I was searching youtube. I liked the lead singers voice, the overall sound and the fact that it has a clear melody. Perhaps I will find them bland when I learn more, perhaps not. I mentioned them because I can hardly say "recommend me some music" without a starting point and hope to get anything useful out of it, not because I am suddenly their most avid fan.

To me, music cuts through all the bullshit and speaks to the essence of ourselves. It does what I am struggling to do here, and communicates perfectly, whether the words are just right or not. There is no place for elitism in music of any genre - in my opinion, to believe that there is a right and a wrong music is to completely miss the point; that every piece of music expresses something, for somebody.

Well said, and best wishes on your search. I envy you.

So I am primarily a classical musician, having played piano and flute from an early age, and loving schubert, bach, beethoven and the rest.

I've recently been playing around youtube and have discovered some things I really like: Pink Floyd "Comortably Numb", Radiohead "Creep", Nickelback "hero", Nina Simone "feeling good", some things by Green Day... and I'm feeling hungry for more! what can you recommend me to try? why do you like the songs you recommend?

and on a more general note, does music have to "strike a chord" (sorry, bad pun) with you, or is a catchy tune enough?

My musical tastes are a bit eclectic and I find that what music appeals to people varies wildly.

So, I don't have specific recommendations for you. But, here is a list of some of my favorites in no particular order:
Nirvana
Jane's Addiction
The Pogues
The Grateful Dead
Rage Against the Machine
Liz Phair
Courtney Love
Social Distortion
Lyle Lovett
George Gershwin
Led Zeppelin
Hole
The Jesus and Mary Chain
Bauhaus
Robert Johnson
Prodigy
The Cure
Bob Marley & the Wailers
The Clash
BeauSoliel
Aimee Mann
Erasure
Cracker/Camper Van Beethoven
Blues Traveler
Tom Waits
The Pixies
Fugazi
Pink Floyd
The Doors
Wheatus
Hüsker Dü
The Velvet Underground
Siouxsie & the Banshees
Dead Kennedys
Echo & the Bunnymen
Black Flag
Fishbone
John Prine
Minor Threat
Government Issue
REM
Porno for Pyros
Shane MacGowan
The English Beat

I'm obliged to mention these guys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afL--w5KzhU), here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUqEdo7Jb-U) and (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8aabKr3vlk) here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5DzBY0WU4I).

My musical tastes are a bit eclectic and I find that what music appeals to people varies wildly.



Don't make me pigeon hole you again!

Don't make me pigeon hole you again!

But I liked it. Please can I have another?

The Clash
Rage against the Machine
The Pixies
Stiff Little Fingers
The Coup
The Pogues
Gnarles Barkley
Ramones
Sex Pistols
Velvet Undergound
OF course IGGY POP
more IGGY
The Who
Beatles
Rolling Stones
Mr. David Bowie
AND THE CLASH

THE CLASH

THE CLASH

and on a more general note, does music have to "strike a chord" (sorry, bad pun) with you, or is a catchy tune enough?

I'll listen to anything I like even if it's meaningless swill, but the music I like best is always political, and with a message with which I can identify.

I like ABBA and Elton John, but I love Against Me! and Evan Greer.

(Trust me, you don't want music recommendations from me.)

ooh a music question according to your likes probably
more pink floyd
more radiohead
more nickelback "the slow songs"
also
led zeppelin
jimi hendrix
king crimson
apples in stereo
radiohead
velvet underground
against me
pantera
nine days
scary kids scaring kids
rise against
seether
hinder
evenescencse
anarchy club
against me
the beastie boys
blink 182
weezer
jim croce
saving abel
and so so so much more....if you really want my whole list ask for it other wise thar you go

But I liked it. Please can I have another?

Oh no, I'm not falling for that again-first it's you then other people are all like, "Oh oh! Reduce my music tastes!" and then others and then that's all I'm doing and I find myself thinking about the time I saw the ad for Pandora when they were a start up looking for people to do that and I went, "I'm not using my powers for evil" and realize instead I could have been part of something cool but instead I'm just another dancing monkey on the internet and a little part of me dies inside...

Oh no, I'm not falling for that again-first it's you then other people are all like, "Oh oh! Reduce my music tastes!" and then others and then that's all I'm doing and I find myself thinking about the time I saw the ad for Pandora when they were a start up looking for people to do that and I went, "I'm not using my powers for evil" and realize instead I could have been part of something cool but instead I'm just another dancing monkey on the internet and a little part of me dies inside...But it's fun for us.

A couple of other bands you might like would be "Tangerine Dream" and "Kraftwerk"

Definitely given Kraftwerk a try. They've got a great sound.

Here are some others in addition to my earlier suggestions:
- Frigg
- Massive Attack
- Manu Chao
- Lowri Evans

Oh and I'd also include Nickelback in that list if a few others hadn't already mentioned them.

but I love Against Me!

Even their new stuff?

Your argument about Nickelback's musical sources and mannerisms make you an astute listener and someone who knows what they like, what they dislike, and why. That is worthy of respect.

Your statement that "no one should like it" is what makes you an elitist. "Lyrically and musically of a decent quality" is an inherently subjective statement. Who's to say for anyone but you?

Thank you Intag for for restating what I have been trying to get across, and obviously failing miserably at doing so.

Definitely given Kraftwerk a try. They've got a great sound.

Here are some others in addition to my earlier suggestions:
- Frigg
- Massive Attack
- Manu Chao
- Lowri Evans

Oh and I'd also include Nickelback in that list if a few others hadn't already mentioned them.

I´m with you regarding Massive Attack and Manu Chao. Both are amazing, especially Manu Chao. I also suggest Deep Forest, Adiemus, Sacred Spirits, Era, Masanori Sasaji, Yokko Kano, Unheilig, Joachim Witt and Eisbrecher. Assorted, but damned good.

Thank you Intag for for restating what I have been trying to get across, and obviously failing miserably at doing so.

IT'S A TRAP!!!

*sigh* You have realised by now that I was playing with y'all, surely? :p

I'm a little surprised just saying "no, but they're shit" whatever argument was thrown at me was taken so seriously to get people quite agitated and writing lengthy and repeated rebuttals stating the bloomin' obvious. I guessed when I started trying to counter-accuse people of being elitist and of being postmodernists people would have realised I wasn't being totally serious. Damn, as I was writing this I remember that I missed the step of suggesting that my opponent's suggesting there are no objective good or bad, rights or wrongs in the realm of music made them all by extension of the same logic Hitler apologists...

so yeah...all in all that should be enough music for ya!

To address the OP again after the threadjack...

I heartily suggest going through this post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14111298&postcount=36), there's bound to be stuff you like (and hate)...

Anyway, in the proper spirit of the thread before my drunken high jinks...

In no particular order, you might like:

(obviously more Radiohead, Pink Floyd and *shudders* Nickelback if you know you already like that stuff)

Massive Attack, The Arcade Fire, Snow Patrol, Paloalto, The Spinto Band, Muse, Howling Bells, The Flaming Lips, Beirut, Abney Park, Diablo Swing Orchestra. Oh, and to wreck my indie cred, and prove I was joking about calling other people's tastes crap, I also quite like Elliot Minor...

Well, thats all the music I like that has an easy to find tune and other people I know are able to put up with, and as you gave no inkling of liking avant-garde death metal or ambient electronica I think I'll stick with listing the more accessible stuff for nows:p

IT'S A TRAP!!!

*sigh* You have realised by now that I was playing with y'all, surely? :p

I'm a little surprised just saying "no, but they're shit" whatever argument was thrown at me was taken so seriously to get people quite agitated and writing lengthy and repeated rebuttals stating the bloomin' obvious. I guessed when I started trying to counter-accuse people of being elitist and of being postmodernists people would have realised I wasn't being totally serious. Damn, as I was writing this I remember that I missed the step of suggesting that my opponent's suggesting there are no objective good or bad, rights or wrongs in the realm of music made them all by extension of the same logic Hitler apologists...

Right. You got spanked and now you're "just kidding". Well then, fair enough.

I take all arguments directed at quantifying personal taste seriously. It's a bad idea and leads to things like Top 40. Ranking by popularity is one thing, but ranking by what's deemed by one person "better" or "worse" than anything else is quite another, and something I'll rail against whenever it arises.

You can play the "I wasn't totally serious" card if you like, but without any way to tell other than your own admission, we're not to be faulted for not catching on.

Finally, I'll ask you to stop hinting that I have EVER said that "there is no good or bad, rights or wrongs", because I never did. The choice to look outside one's own habitual genre is always good. What one finds to like -- the actual act of discovery -- is neither good or bad. You don't shred someone for reaching out -- it greatly reduces the likelihood of them reaching out again. That's something which, as a music teacher, I can't abide.

Anyway, in the proper spirit of the thread before my drunken high jinks...

In no particular order, you might like:

(obviously more Radiohead, Pink Floyd and *shudders* Nickelback if you know you already like that stuff)

Massive Attack, The Arcade Fire, Snow Patrol, Paloalto, The Spinto Band, Muse, Howling Bells, The Flaming Lips, Beirut, Abney Park, Diablo Swing Orchestra. Oh, and to wreck my indie cred, and prove I was joking about calling other people's tastes crap, I also quite like Elliot Minor...

Well, thats all the music I like that has an easy to find tune and other people I know are able to put up with, and as you gave no inkling of liking avant-garde death metal or ambient electronica I think I'll stick with listing the more accessible stuff for nows:p

Well, thank you for your recommendations, I shall give them all a try :)

now, what on earth are avant-garde death metal and ambient electronica? The last time I poked my nose out of the classical world, Milli Vanilli were being "exposed" for miming and after a quick and fairly horrifying peek at Top of the Pops, I went straight back to my piano :)

"Lyrically and musically of a decent quality" is an inherently subjective statement. Who's to say for anyone but you?

Actually this is the beginning of a serious objective critic. He is not saying that he doesen't like this music because he finds it too loud for him. Or that he finds it boring. He finds that they are of decent quality. What is missing is the expalaination of this critic (wich, i admit, could make his point subjective again).
Actually the assesment of quality is one of the major point adressed by music, art and literary criticists. Else you couldn't have a coherent field of study if it wasn't based on some objective quality.

I myself happen to like a pair of songs by TaTu. This is subjective. I also happen to know that these are not in any way comparable to the musical quality of Luciano Berio's (to name someone other than Bach, Beethoven or Mozart ;)). This is objective.

Well, thank you for your recommendations, I shall give them all a try :)

now, what on earth are avant-garde death metal and ambient electronica? The last time I poked my nose out of the classical world, Milli Vanilli were being "exposed" for miming and after a quick and fairly horrifying peek at Top of the Pops, I went straight back to my piano :)

For the first one Unexpect (http://www.myspace.com/unexpect) are sort of a good example, and for the second one maybe The Album Leaf (http://www.myspace.com/thealbumleaf) . You might like the second one, based on the list of what you like. The first one, well I think you need to be more than a little bit crazy to "get" that. I've had friends ask "what are you listening to?" and about four seconds after being given one of my earphones they tend to back away very slowly:p I'm slightly worried that they'll destroy your enthusiasm to explore the wide world of music.

So I am primarily a classical musician, having played piano and flute from an early age, and loving schubert, bach, beethoven and the rest.

I've recently been playing around youtube and have discovered some things I really like: Pink Floyd "Comortably Numb", Radiohead "Creep", Nickelback "hero", Nina Simone "feeling good", some things by Green Day... and I'm feeling hungry for more! what can you recommend me to try? why do you like the songs you recommend?

and on a more general note, does music have to "strike a chord" (sorry, bad pun) with you, or is a catchy tune enough?

Ohhh then there is plenty for you to try out.

What about the above grabs you?