1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Why is it so hard to answer the question, "What kind of music do you like?" It is often asked in the first minutes of meeting someone new. Music is so personal. How do you describe your favorite music? It goes beyond genres, artists, and albums. How do you define your preferences in a few words? Revealing your likes succinctly is akin to standing naked in front of this person you've just met. It is difficult to share something so unique and so personal.

It's easier for me to say what I don't like in music. I'll listen to almost anything, except country and polka. Even here there are exceptions to the rule. I live in Wisconsin where there is a large polish community. I think it is a requirement to dance a polka at a wedding reception, at least occasionally. I can't stand the twang of country, but you can't beat Johnny Cash. I admit there are a few songs by Shania that I have to sing along with once in awhile. You can't deny her fierce attitude strung along a pop beat.

I don't listen to techno or rap or those crazy dance remixes. Unless of course I'm dancing... Dance music is a totally different article.

Pop music: the fuel to feed the masses. Due to my desire to be different, I can't like pop. When a new song comes out by a new band sometimes it does sound fresh and entertaining. Then this song catches the attention of every radio station and is played frequently. Listeners swear they will tear their ears off if they hear it one more time. The artist is doomed to "one-hit wonder-dom." Otherwise the band is pressured to conform. They sell out and sound just like everyone else.

I guess that's why first albums are my favorite. The band has pooled all their best. They have probably written for years and played in countless dive bars and hole-in-the-wall coffee shops, perfecting their craft. When that debut CD comes out it is a representation of all the band has to give, a compilation of the most raw, pure songs driven by a love, no a passion, for music. How can a future album follow that?

An artist hits the charts and soon they are too busy to write their own songs. They do what their manager tells them to do. They sell out. The money and the numbers on the billboard charts become the measure of success. The second album, produced in haste, not nearly as meaningful, sounding totally different from where they started, in a word; sucks.

This makes it hard to say which bands I like. In the past I could tell you which CDs were in

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How to describe your favorite music?
We want to hear your view. Write now!