Are you really picky with your music? Or do you like a lot of things?

[CJ2008]

I am so picky with my music.

I notice this whenever I'm around other people (which isn't often).

During Thanksgiving a few people were playing music from their phones, all different genres and artists, and I didn't like any of it.

I do like music, and there are songs that I love, but in general I notice I dislike most songs and music than most people.

It feels a little odd to be so picky. :/

Part of me wonders if it has to do with my introverted nature somehow.

Then today I was in a rental car and just put on the station that was programmed and I heard a song I loved.

Freak Like Me by Adina Howard.

I hardly ever listen to the radio so I thought it was a new song but when I looked it up it's like from 1995.

But it felt good to hear something I liked - must be nice if all different kinds of songs can bring that kind of joy.

So are you picky or do you like a lot of stuff?

 

[stracci2000]

I like pretty much everything except rap and country music.
"Sittin' on the back porch after church with grandma and the baby, eatin' BBQ and God bless us all"
---bleccchhh!!!!

 

[kenny]

... but in general I notice I dislike most songs and music than most people.

It feels a little odd to be so picky.

No no no no no.
Accept and embrace your taste.

Lots of music I don't like.
I'm not picky; I'm refined.
Not superior, just selective.
Everyone's taste is refined ... to them.

There's no honor/superiority or shame/inferiority in liking all music.
There's no honor/superiority or shame/inferiority in liking only 1% of what's out there.
Everyone just likes what they like.

Music and art are not entitled to equal rights.

I'll add one thing.
I had an art teacher who said something to the effect of, "In museums and galleries spend some time looking at art you don't like or understand. There's a reason it's up there."

 

[jordyonbass]

I'd say ridiculously picky, I spend my day bouncing around like a lunatic on the driver's seat of my truck while listening to mostly thrash/speed/melodic death metal

The radio literally makes my brain feel tired....

 

[missy]

CJ great topic. I don't know if I am picky because in almost all genres there are artists and songs I love but there are lots of artists and songs that are not my cup of tea so not sure if I fit the definition of picky about music.

If a song evokes strong emotions of happiness or sadness I love that song vs if a song just gives me a strong headache lol. So I think I am probably on the more choosy side but again will add there is no genre I can't find a song in that I don't like even if generally I don't care for the genre overall. If that makes sense.

Stracci I used to feel like you about country music but then I found some really amazing country influenced songs/artists I love and well suffice it to say I no longer say I don't love country music. I love Chris Isaak (I know he is rock but country influenced to some degree and man I just love his music) and Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline to name a few.

Favorite genre are music from the decades I grew up in namely the 70s and 80s. IMO the greatest music decade ever was the 70s. Eagles are one of my all time favorite bands.

One of my all time favorite genres are the blues/jazz genre and Chet Baker was one of my all time favorite artists. I went through a decade of listening basically to all blues/jazz and talk about music that moves you. Wow. Just unbelievably emotionally moving music. And I love music that makes me feel intense emotions like sadness and joy. So if a song/artist does that I am a fan.

 

[ksinger]

Picky, definitely.

Classical is, well, classic. Most of the time it has what I value. Pop music? Dicey.

The things I value in sort of an order:

Discernible melody line that sticks in my head and that I can sing. If the melody is shallow in range, or lacking altogether, boooring. A lot of pop music loses me for that reason.
Complex rhythms. I'm a singer and we are often (so I'm told) rhythmically challenged, but I do love me a lot of stuff going on in the rhythm section.
Complex harmonies. I adore harmony. If there isn't seriously fat harmony in a song, done well with voices that blend, then I suspect the person who wrote it is musically stunted. Or cheap. Unless it's a killer melody that stands on its own. Most melody, IMO, can be improved by the addition of harmony.
Decent lyrics. Subjective on steroids I know, but a one or two semi-sentences endlessly repeated really doesn't cut it for me.
If they can manage to work in a countermelody with different lyrics? Heaven.
Good voices. In lieu of a standout vocal instrument, you can have one that is interesting and unique and I'll not write you off. Think Stevie Nicks or Rod Stewart in their younger years.

This song has quite of bit of what I value.

 

[lyra]

I tend to get stuck on certain artists. I listen to the point where I get sick of the sound or can't stop the internal playback that I manufacture. Can't explain that part, but it's like having one song on repeat in your head to the point of distraction.

I recently found Agnes Obel and love 2 of her albums, but mostly Aventine. How to explain though? Haunting vocals where you can't tell the words sometimes (like Radiohead), and somewhat classical music. Complex, but easy to listen to.

 

[CJ2008]

OK this thread is feeling so fun, I wasn't expecting that!

I'll be back later to answer more individually, but in the meantime, can you guys post a sample of what you mean?

Whatever you feel shows what you like or don't.

Like maybe...

missy, a favorite song from that country artist
lyra, a favorite song from Agnes Obel,
jordy, your favorite thrashy song
kenny, a favorite song (and you didn't answer the question)
ksinger, I know you already posted one, but would love to hear another one. Maybe something you "'should" like based on your criteria, but don't? I don't know. Something fun.
stracci maybe a favorite song from your favorite genre? or your most hated song? lol

 

[lyra]

Favourite song, Riverside by Agnes Obel. It has been used in a couple of soundtracks.

 

[ksinger]

OK, here's one that doesn't hit all the stuff I like, but is different and hits enough of them, that I like it.

It's got a melody with enough range to not be flat, a good voice at the core of the electronic effects, unusual kind of non-standard harmonies that sound like they were enhanced or maybe even made by a vocoder, and lyrics that have something to say.

The original - Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek

Song done by a choir (covers of any kind are always a good sign for the original piece)

 

[PierreBear]

Hmm in a party setting, it's all background noise to me so I don't think I'm listening to much at all. I enjoy theme music at parties though. Halloween party, please play some monster mash.. hahaha Christmas party, please play Santa Baby... : )

 

[rainwood]

I like all genres in music, but then it comes down to the actual song or piece. My categories are: like it enough to add to my personal collection; it's okay but wouldn't spend money to buy it; and turn it off, please. Certain genres I tend to like more of - jazz, standards, classical, traditional R & B, pop (from multiple decades) - and some genres like country and rap where there's fewer I want to listen to. The songs I like tend to have a great bass line, especially jazz, pop, and R & B.

I keep adding songs that are new to me to keep my collection fresh and interesting. I have a ridiculous amount of music in my iTunes library (like days' and day's worth), having ripped all of my favorites from my CD collection and bought a lot directly in mp3 form. And I have lots of playlists so I can call up anything from Brunch to Hit the Dance Floor to Classical Relaxation to Broadway to Jazz Standards to Doin' the Decades (which goes from 50's to 90's). Listening to music is my jam.

I am super picky about Christmas music though. I have lots of it too, but much of it tends to be off-beat, secular, and non-traditional. Most versions of 'Silent Night' and 'Little Drummer Boy' make me want to run from the room, but I love 'Mambo Santa Mambo.' For years, I burned different CD's every year for friends and families with that year's holiday discoveries. I don't do it anymore because so few listen to CD's now, but it was a very popular gift.

 

[PintoBean]

@jordyonbass is definitely my bestie from another planet (and he probably thinks the same of me) based on the YouTube music videos we send to each other... it's eye opening to see what music is trending on planet ABC of solar system XYZ in the DEF galaxy.

 

[PintoBean]

@LAJennifer is my wiki when I want to try something new.

One of the new bands she introduced me includes my future husband. Oh he will be mine...

 

[Bron357]

I love nearly all music that has a strong melody and / or good lyrics. A lot of “today’s” music is pretty ordinary in my books. One thing I do find is I’ll be watching a utube video and there will be a song I find I love used, then I have to track it down just using a line or two of lyrics if the artist hasn’t been mentioned. I love that challenge. I play a number of musical instruments (as does my daughter) so I’ve always loved classical music. I have a massive CD collection which is basically useless now with all the music apps etc available but I still have an old fashioned music system that takes CDs so I still listen to them. Even in the car these days you stream music from your phone rather than inserting CDs. I laugh (and cry) now that turntables and vinyl records are back in fashion (cry because I chucked out all my old records and they would be worth $$$ if I still had them). Times change but some songs never seem to date.

 

[kenny]

...
kenny, a favorite song (and you didn't answer the question) ...

Sorry, I thought I did when I wrote:
"Lots of music I don't like.
I'm not picky; I'm refined.
Not superior, just selective."

IMO "picky" is a derogatory term, especially when used for things that are in no way negative such as preferences for foods, art, music and a zillion other things.
I object to the prevalent idea that we should like everything, and to be otherwise makes you picky.

My favorite song?
Oh Gosh ... impossible to pick one, but off the top of my head this ranks highly.

 

[PintoBean]

These are some of my go tos - I think they reflect my personality or a good portion of it lolololol

These were songs I was introduced to through camp when I was 14-15. CTY was one of the few places where I was truly happy in my youth. I wonder if The songs shaped me or I found something to connect with in the music.

This song was my life at 15 and I feel like it's still a fair representation of my life now (oy ve)

I wanted this to be the first dance song at my wedding but was talked out of it. Ughhhh.... this song is sooo meeee esp when I'm hunting a man!!! (Probably learned it from this song)

I feel like I talk like the lyrics of this song in real life

 

[Dancing Fire]

The best music was the soul hits of the 70's. IMO, The music stop after 1982.

 

[CJ2008]

I like pretty much everything except rap and country music.
"Sittin' on the back porch after church with grandma and the baby, eatin' BBQ and God bless us all"
---bleccchhh!!!!

that's good, you're lucky i agree with kenny that one way is not better than another, but it must be nice to enjoy a lot of stuff.

I am so curious to see what you'll think about missy's country artist/s (you might already know songs by them, and not that you have to share! Just curious.)

No no no no no.
Accept and embrace your taste.

Lots of music I don't like.
I'm not picky; I'm refined.
Not superior, just selective.
Everyone's taste is refined ... to them.

There's no honor/superiority or shame/inferiority in liking all music.
There's no honor/superiority or shame/inferiority in liking only 1% of what's out there.
Everyone just likes what they like.

Music and art are not entitled to equal rights.

I'll add one thing.
I had an art teacher who said something to the effect of, "In museums and galleries spend some time looking at art you don't like or understand. There's a reason it's up there."

Sorry, I thought I did when I wrote:
"Lots of music I don't like.
I'm not picky; I'm refined.
Not superior, just selective."

IMO "picky" is a derogatory term, especially when used for things that are in no way negative such as preferences for foods, art, music and a zillion other things.
I object to the prevalent idea that we should like everything, and to be otherwise makes you picky.

My favorite song?
Oh Gosh ... impossible to pick one, but off the top of my head this ranks highly.

OMG kenny I don't know how I completely missed the top portion of your reply! Sorry.

I agree with you that picky is derogatory. I will start describing myself as selective too.

All kidding aside, it's amazing the effect a single word can make not only in how it makes US feel when we say it, but what others will do with the statement. "Picky" invites judgment.

Thank you for sharing your song.

I'd say ridiculously picky, I spend my day bouncing around like a lunatic on the driver's seat of my truck while listening to mostly thrash/speed/melodic death metal

The radio literally makes my brain feel tired....

Do you like regular heavy metal?

Hope you'll share a favorite song.

CJ great topic. I don't know if I am picky because in almost all genres there are artists and songs I love but there are lots of artists and songs that are not my cup of tea so not sure if I fit the definition of picky about music.

If a song evokes strong emotions of happiness or sadness I love that song vs if a song just gives me a strong headache lol. So I think I am probably on the more choosy side but again will add there is no genre I can't find a song in that I don't like even if generally I don't care for the genre overall. If that makes sense.

Stracci I used to feel like you about country music but then I found some really amazing country influenced songs/artists I love and well suffice it to say I no longer say I don't love country music. I love Chris Isaak (I know he is rock but country influenced to some degree and man I just love his music) and Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline to name a few.

Favorite genre are music from the decades I grew up in namely the 70s and 80s. IMO the greatest music decade ever was the 70s. Eagles are one of my all time favorite bands.

One of my all time favorite genres are the blues/jazz genre and Chet Baker was one of my all time favorite artists. I went through a decade of listening basically to all blues/jazz and talk about music that moves you. Wow. Just unbelievably emotionally moving music. And I love music that makes me feel intense emotions like sadness and joy. So if a song/artist does that I am a fan.

Well, one of the ways I can tell I'm selective (see, kenny, I'm already learning!) is that at parties, gatherings, etc., I dislike most of the songs.

I hope you'll share some of your favorite songs - maybe one that evokes strong happy/joyful feelings, one that evokes strong feelings of sadness.

Picky, definitely.

Classical is, well, classic. Most of the time it has what I value. Pop music? Dicey.

The things I value in sort of an order:

Discernible melody line that sticks in my head and that I can sing. If the melody is shallow in range, or lacking altogether, boooring. A lot of pop music loses me for that reason.
Complex rhythms. I'm a singer and we are often (so I'm told) rhythmically challenged, but I do love me a lot of stuff going on in the rhythm section.
Complex harmonies. I adore harmony. If there isn't seriously fat harmony in a song, done well with voices that blend, then I suspect the person who wrote it is musically stunted. Or cheap. Unless it's a killer melody that stands on its own. Most melody, IMO, can be improved by the addition of harmony.
Decent lyrics. Subjective on steroids I know, but a one or two semi-sentences endlessly repeated really doesn't cut it for me.
If they can manage to work in a countermelody with different lyrics? Heaven.
Good voices. In lieu of a standout vocal instrument, you can have one that is interesting and unique and I'll not write you off. Think Stevie Nicks or Rod Stewart in their younger years.

This song has quite of bit of what I value.

OK, here's one that doesn't hit all the stuff I like, but is different and hits enough of them, that I like it.

It's got a melody with enough range to not be flat, a good voice at the core of the electronic effects, unusual kind of non-standard harmonies that sound like they were enhanced or maybe even made by a vocoder, and lyrics that have something to say.

The original - Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek

Song done by a choir (covers of any kind are always a good sign for the original piece)

ksinger, have you ever been surprised by a song.

That first song is captivating.

Thank you for sharing those songs.

I tend to get stuck on certain artists. I listen to the point where I get sick of the sound or can't stop the internal playback that I manufacture. Can't explain that part, but it's like having one song on repeat in your head to the point of distraction.

I recently found Agnes Obel and love 2 of her albums, but mostly Aventine. How to explain though? Haunting vocals where you can't tell the words sometimes (like Radiohead), and somewhat classical music. Complex, but easy to listen to.

Favourite song, Riverside by Agnes Obel. It has been used in a couple of soundtracks.

I tend to listen to songs I like over and over and over. I think it's because I find songs I like so infrequently then when I find one I want to listen to it a lot because it feels so good to have found one.

Like the one I found this week that I posted, I played it one time after another in the car.

I wonder if everyone does this though.

Thank you for sharing your song.

Hmm in a party setting, it's all background noise to me so I don't think I'm listening to much at all. I enjoy theme music at parties though. Halloween party, please play some monster mash.. hahaha Christmas party, please play Santa Baby... : )

hehe makes sense - if you're going to have a theme, go all the way with it!

I like all genres in music, but then it comes down to the actual song or piece. My categories are: like it enough to add to my personal collection; it's okay but wouldn't spend money to buy it; and turn it off, please. Certain genres I tend to like more of - jazz, standards, classical, traditional R & B, pop (from multiple decades) - and some genres like country and rap where there's fewer I want to listen to. The songs I like tend to have a great bass line, especially jazz, pop, and R & B.

I keep adding songs that are new to me to keep my collection fresh and interesting. I have a ridiculous amount of music in my iTunes library (like days' and day's worth), having ripped all of my favorites from my CD collection and bought a lot directly in mp3 form. And I have lots of playlists so I can call up anything from Brunch to Hit the Dance Floor to Classical Relaxation to Broadway to Jazz Standards to Doin' the Decades (which goes from 50's to 90's). Listening to music is my jam.

I am super picky about Christmas music though. I have lots of it too, but much of it tends to be off-beat, secular, and non-traditional. Most versions of 'Silent Night' and 'Little Drummer Boy' make me want to run from the room, but I love 'Mambo Santa Mambo.' For years, I burned different CD's every year for friends and families with that year's holiday discoveries. I don't do it anymore because so few listen to CD's now, but it was a very popular gift.

I am super super selective with Christmas music too (no surprise there since I started this thread lol)

Do you always have music playing in your house?

I hope you'll post a favorite song.

@jordyonbass is definitely my bestie from another planet (and he probably thinks the same of me) based on the YouTube music videos we send to each other... it's eye opening to see what music is trending on planet ABC of solar system XYZ in the DEF galaxy.

hehe

@LAJennifer is my wiki when I want to try something new.

One of the new bands she introduced me includes my future husband. Oh he will be mine...

oooooh I want to see.

These are some of my go tos - I think they reflect my personality or a good portion of it lolololol

These were songs I was introduced to through camp when I was 14-15. CTY was one of the few places where I was truly happy in my youth. I wonder if The songs shaped me or I found something to connect with in the music.

This song was my life at 15 and I feel like it's still a fair representation of my life now (oy ve)

I think this is why I'm enjoying this thread so much. I feel like by hearing the songs you guys like I am knowing you on a more intimate level somehow.

I wanted this to be the first dance song at my wedding but was talked out of it. Ughhhh.... this song is sooo meeee esp when I'm hunting a man!!! (Probably learned it from this song)

I feel like I talk like the lyrics of this song in real life

the more you ignore me the closer I get



You really wanted that for your wedding song?

The best music was the soul hits of the 70's. IMO, The music stop after 1982.

Do you still listen to those songs now?

Can you share a favorite?

I love nearly all music that has a strong melody and / or good lyrics. A lot of “today’s” music is pretty ordinary in my books. One thing I do find is I’ll be watching a utube video and there will be a song I find I love used, then I have to track it down just using a line or two of lyrics if the artist hasn’t been mentioned. I love that challenge. I play a number of musical instruments (as does my daughter) so I’ve always loved classical music. I have a massive CD collection which is basically useless now with all the music apps etc available but I still have an old fashioned music system that takes CDs so I still listen to them. Even in the car these days you stream music from your phone rather than inserting CDs. I laugh (and cry) now that turntables and vinyl records are back in fashion (cry because I chucked out all my old records and they would be worth $$$ if I still had them). Times change but some songs never seem to date.

I love that challenge too! And I get so mad when I can't track down a song. lol

DH still has some of his records, and he has a turntable too. (he tends to keep things much more than I do. I don't think he realizes vinyl records are back in fashion though)

Can you share one of your favorite songs?

 

[missy]

CJ uh oh now I have to think on the spot lol.
So many songs I love but when asked to produce one my mind's a blank. LOL.

I hope you'll share some of your favorite songs - maybe one that evokes strong happy/joyful feelings, one that evokes strong feelings of sadness.

OK songs that evoke emotions of joy and sadness. Often the same song does both. That is a great song IMO. One that brings all your feelings into play.
Fitting for the season I will start with this link. Ave Maria is one of my favorite pieces of all time.

and one of my favorite holiday songs ever. I introduced it to PS a few years ago and I think it is worth sharing again. In case you missed it the first time I shared it. The Perfect Gift. Natalie Hemby. I don't know if it ever got any mass attention but I love it. Romantic and tender.

and one of my favorite "country" influenced songs. Wicked Game. Chris Isaaks. Evokes emotions for me. One of the first gifts My dh gave me was a mixed CD (haha that dates us!) when we were first dating in the 1990s and this song was on it.

and one from the late great Chet Baker. A one of a kind genius. I listened to mainly all jazz and blues throughout the 90s and into the 2000s. Still a huge favorite genre of mine.

My Funny Valentine

Born to be Blue

and I am a huge Billie Holiday fan.
So many I cannot choose one but for you I will share one.
I'll Be Seeing You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDlKb2cBAqU

I have only touched the most superficial of surfaces but just to share a few songs I love.

Thanks for starting this thread CJ. I am enjoying the trip.


Can you share some of your favorite songs with us please? Thank you and (((Hugs))).

 

[lyra]

My favourite song and version of all time. Jeff Buckley, Hallelujah.

 

[missy]

My favourite song and version of all time. Jeff Buckley, Hallelujah.

Yes it’s one of my favorites too. I LOVE this song. Powerful.

 

[House Cat]

My favourite song and version of all time. Jeff Buckley, Hallelujah.

In my opinion, Jeff Buckley sings the sexiest song of all time...
Everybody Here Wants You

 

[lyra]

This is the last one I'll post. DH says I hate music. He has volumes of albums on his itunes account. I have no itunes account, no ipod. Reason being that I liked to make playlists and use songs I'd actually bought in CD form plus itunes purchases of singles. Then itunes would erase everything over and over, and it irritated me so bad I gave up completely.

I get hooked on certain sounds. Someone with a musical background might tell me what it is that is appealing to me. I think it is a certain cadence, a higher register of vocals and clean instrumentals. But what do I know, lol? So here is the song that has been stuck in my head for months on end. Radiohead, Fake Plastic Trees, circa 1995. Thom Yorke is a favourite.

 

[jordyonbass]

@CJ2008 I do listen to regular, classic heavy metal as well like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallics etc. However there was a new wave of American metal that came in the early 2000s, those bands have the sound that I mostly love.

Here is a live video of one band I have been enjoying lately, Arch Enemy. They've always had women on vocals and their voices sound brutal, especially the original vocalist - she sounded like nails being pulled out of the most evil coffin in hell!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Can you share a favorite?

 

[rainwood]

Here's a favorite from my favorite Christmas album by Luther Vandross. The video is sort of 90's holiday cheesy, but the song is wonderful. The woman he puts his arm around at the end is Cissy Houston, Whitney's mom, who sang back up on the album.

 

[rainwood]

Another Luther Vandross one if you're in the mood for something sad. It was written by Luther and Richard Marx, the 90's pop guy whose music I don't normally care for, but this one I love.
"

"

 

[rainwood]

And a Luther one if you want to pull out some of your holiday dance moves. The video is just of a fire so you can get up and party instead:

"

"

 

[Bron357]

Favorite music.
In my 20s I specialized in creating CDs when “broken hearted” aka as Brons 50 depressive hits! It included “Nothing compares to you”, Adagio” (Albinoni) “Purple Rain” (Prince) “Sorry seems to be the hardest word” (Elton John) - you get the drift!
Then I had “exercise” CDs which included “Love Cats” (the Cure), “White Wedding” Billy Idol, “Praise you” Fatboy Slim, Meatloaf, AC/DC etc
Current songs that stand out for me include “Sounds of Silence” cover by Disturbed, “when we were young” Adele and “Dancing on my own” cover by Callum Scott.