I feel music when I am listening to, because of my aura interactor.
I think I discriminate among melodies the way how them are "tuning on" my mood at the just of time of it.
Can happen, I like the same song ones but It is wrong other time within the genre I favor.

Country - some of the modern stuff is probably good, but there is a sound to it that I don't care for. It's a "twanginess", but can be the lyrics as well. But I do like early country from artists like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Johnny Cash, though I don't listen to them that often.

Sometimes it will be the lyrics that turn me off. I like some Rolling Stones songs, but others I don't care for because of the lyrics.

That's all my taste and perception, though. Your mileage may vary.

Sometimes classical music, when poorly played, just puts me to sleep (when it wasn't intended to). The same piece well played may have a totally different emotional response.

Similarly, sometimes when I hear a classical piece, I may appreciate it, and have an emotional response, but I may not actually like it, perhaps because it is discordant or minor, or maybe perhaps becaus I don't like the emotional response it induces.

In other musical genres, sometimes I hear a piece where I can appreciate the skill, range, etc., of the performer, and maybe the complexity and arrangement of the piece, but just don't like the song.

I'm very capable of appreciating music without liking it.

I just cant force myself to like pretty much anything played on the radio. Thinking back, I believe that this is mainly due to the fact that I have been quite plainly, spoiled.

The exposure I had to such artists as Thom Yorke, Yann Tiersen, Regina Spektor, etc. has ultimately tuned my ear to be very critical of what it is listening to. The useless garbage on the radio just doesnt cut it anymore.

Thank god for indie.

I feel music feel nice so I like it very much.

I could never understand why people like Meredith Monk's music.

I've tried, because many other have praised her work as being revolutionary.

But I have to leave the room. The reaction is visceral.

But don't get me wrong... I can take quite a lot of music .. stuff that would make other people run screaming.

There must be something really deep inside me that turns to revulsion whenever I hear her sing.

Maybe I should see a shrink.

Honestly, I just can't seem to get an enjoyable listening experience out of the Beatles. I understand their importance in the musical world because of the influence they had not only on their generation but on generations of music to come. Usually I don't put much faith in the opinions of the masses with regards to music but I think this is a group that I can really respect and appreciate while not really enjoying their music.

I grew up in the 70s listening to my older brothers rock n roll. Back then I hated it! But years later I started listening to it and Now I Love It! I think partially because it just kept playing in my head like a good tune you can't forget. It is all in the pitch from start to finish, In a song...

I've been left cold by Yo La Tengo many times. I like everything else in that indie orbit, but while I like them, i've never loved them. Maybe there's no 'pop' or 'zazz' or something. Maybe I'm a philistine. There's something like charisma that's missing. I feel like there's a lot more out there that's more interesting. I don't know.

I'm 46. I'm baffled by people who are stuck in a rut with the music they grew up on. I still listen & enjoy but, it's not my major play list. They've been missing out.

All music speaks to someone.

Music has to speak to you, whatever your mood, both music and lyrics.
Something I may listen to when I'm angry, I don't appreciate when I'm not. What I listen to when I'm stressed would otherwise put me to sleep or reduce my mood. Music I listen to when I'm happy also varies, depending on what I'm happy about.
I'm not particularly a Hard Metal fan. It usually feels like an assault, and what are they saying anyway? However I do like System Of A Down; they have something to say, good vocals & melodies. I can understand what they are saying.
My taste in music is eclectic in genre and era. I have music from the 50's to current. Opera; Country; Blues; Bluegrass; Rock; Alternative; Indie; World; Jazz; Classical; New Age; I have System Of A Down; My Chemical Romance; Daughtry; Thirty Seconds To Mars; Diana Ross; Dean Martin; Gretchen Wilson; Sarah Brightman, on and on.

So, what makes music good? As I said, it has to speak to you, as an individual.

Ok, music is my santeria... sometimes, for me, it's like when you just want to create a spell and it works (or it just fulfills it's purpose)... and you just don't want to do the "hokus-poccus" anymore.
I can LOVE the song, but I can then stop liking it because I just got too much of it (or the singer/band).

Re; San's comment:
It just so happens that Meredith Monk's music does NOT speak to me. It feels obnoxious, like an assault and seems nonsensical. The music itself is fine, but the non-word noises that emanate from
her mouth... well... It seems like a joke, seriously, like she's pranking people. I can't help but think she's deluded and that others have joined her- kinda like 'The Emperor's New Clothes'(Hans Christian Andersen). I can't see it but, perhaps her music really DOES speak to someone.

when i say music is or isnt good i am usually reffering to the beat or rythm. if its not got a good beat/rythm then i dont like the music. or if music repeats itself over and over again (ahem sensual seduction) then i dislike it.

Sorry, not San's comment but, Richard Friedman re; Meredith Monk.

I've spent many hours wondering about this. Herbert Gans describes "high culture" (good music) as containing subtlety and truth. These are two characteristics I look for in music I consider "good" regardless of my preference.

I think "good" is a relative term. I don't think there's any music that is universally good.

Having said that,the question posed, how can you not like a song but still know it's a good song, is a really great question. It reminds me of what I say when I go shopping - Oh, that's cute, but I wouldn't wear it; or, that's cute but I don't like it. What?? How can you not like something yet still think it's cute? Makes no sense! Maybe the cut of the outfit is cute, maybe it's one particular feature, maybe it's just great on the hanger. But there's just something I don't like about it.

Music is the same way.Maybe it's the one element of a song's sound that we like, or maybe we like the lyrics but don't like the person's voice. Could be that we have some sort of musical training or experience, like orchestra or band in high school, choir, voice, that sort of thing, where we were on the inside. We learned what kind of effort and dedication it took to make something sound good. Maybe that is what causes us to know that a song is good even though we don't like it - Wow, that is a really great song. They must have worked really hard and been extremely dedicated to pull that off. But I really don't like it. : )

I can appreciate the talent and training of artists and bands without feeling the need to listen to them. A lot of the rap artists are good in there genre but not my taste. Same with country. It all comes down to what type of music you like.
If you want to know what I really think about music read this:
Jamsbio.com/landismusic

Bob Dylan.

I've never got it.

It gets worse when I learn that he flat out stole his sound and shoehorned his way into the scene.

But at the same time, he was able to get in a position to represent something.

I know he's great and all, but I just can't listen to more then a song or two once a year.

I have had a problem with 'traditional' gospel music. Not sure I have the musical lingo to explain it but the sudden changes (in volume, pitch?) and vocalizations sometimes sound discordant to me. Nevertheless I listen to it. Like much that we experience our brains build pathways based on our repeated exposure to information. This data is categorized and filtered through lenses of culture and familiarity which is why some of it puts us off. So, listening to music that you normally wouldn't listen to, should expand the neural pathways in our brain. I figure this is a good thing so I consciously listen to music I don't always like and now enjoy more of it than when I started -I am speaking of music with 'good' lyrics as I avoid vulgar stuff no matter how artfully delivered.

I'v never been a fan of the Rolling Stones. ever. or acdc. or metallica. some people get downright mad at me when i tell them this and i have to say i honestly just never really like any of those bands. and i dont really recognize thier contribution to music. the stones were a beatles rip-off acdc was just a bunch of horrible sounds thrown together and all metallica had was arrogance and a drinking problem. to me these bands just didnt leave anything signifigant in music except a list on what not to do if you become famous.

A short list of music I actively dislike, but that I'm supposed to like:

Bob Dylan
Rolling Stones
Ani DiFranco
Joni Mitchell (mostly)
Sleater-Kinney
U2 (mostly)
The Doors

I actually *can't* hear the "good-ness" in these artists' songs, so I have to try to suspend my disbelief and trust that there's a reason people like them. I've actually tried to get myself to listen and like them, but it's like forcing down food that makes me physically ill. Sounds dramatic, but it's true. ;)

It's usually a singer's voice or an attitude that I seem to perceive emitting from the musicians that makes me dislike the music. It's a knee-jerk and fairly immediate reaction on my part.

Interestingly, there's a lot of musicians whose songs I love, but that none of my friends can stand. So I have to try to keep an open mind and humility about musical tastes....

Lucia,

I wholly understand where you're coming from. One of the artists/groups that I find most beautiful is Antony & The Johnsons. Whether it is Antony's strange vibrato or the unique sound of the music, I'm very aware that my friends don't like it and mostly never will. It took me years of occasionally listening to "Hope there's someone" before I could progress to anything else in his catalog and really start to appreciate the beauty of his music and words.
Cerebrums1's comment comes in particularly true here because Antony does provide "mood music" for me. I usually listen to Antony when I'm sad or at an emotional low. This is when I am most vulnerable and I think it might have something to do with why his music is so meaningful to me. Fortunately, I'm not often in bad moods. Unfortunately, this means I don't often have the pleasure of listening to Antony.
I understand this was a bit off-topic but some of the comments really resonated with me.
Great discussion as usual, all.
Jared

Yeah, there's a lot of stuff that I think is good, but don't like listening to. For example, Tool. I think they have some really cool stuff; I can appreciate their work, and think they're great, oftentimes brilliant, musicians. At the same time they bore the hell out of me, and I would never choose to listen to them.

Like you said though, it can be very rewarding to try to distinguish between your subjective preferences and your objective thoughts on the a band or song.

For instance, if someone talks about loving a band that I just don't "get" in any way, I have a tendency to get a tad elitist and think less of the person's opinion on music as a whole based on them liking said band.

If, however, I can try to understand the quality and artistry behind the music regardless of whether or not it speaks to me, then I not only am more accepting of differing views, but I am also able to understand more about where the other person is coming from. And after all, isn't music really supposed to be about getting a better understanding of the world we live in and the people that live in it, rather than to put even more boundaries between us?

Man this is the coolest web idea I've seen in years! Great freakin idea guys! :)

Let's think about the psychology of the original question...
Good is such a relative term. I know what's Good to me. I know what's not Good to me. I don't think it's healthy to screw with that too much. I keep an open mind and my tastes have certainly changed and evolved over the course of my 33 years. I used to HATE any form of country music and especially anything was borderline country but considered rock. I felt it wasn't pure or something (be nice. I was just a kid). So I grew up a bit and began to appreciate the real art behind music. You know, when you can feel the heart and soul of the words as if they're pouring right out of the artists spirit? I heard someone do a cover of "Coat of Many Colors" and it just touched me. So, this rock snob, purist, made a vow to just keep an open mind and be willing to listen a little more. So, what was once Good to me, is still good to me, but now I thoroughly enjoy so much more. I am a bit of a music junky. I can no longer claim one genre and am glad for it. BTW, I must say that I still love my ROCK!!!

I totally understand where you are coming from with this question.

I have a solid appreciation for most music genres, but there is certainly stuff that I dislike in each. As a genre, I don't much like country music. I KNOW there are artists, musicians and songwriters that have oodles of talent and write and perform very well. So I know it's "good". But most of it just doesn't float my boat. There are even a few exceptions there. I like Nickel Creek tremendously and find them just overflowing with talent and I know they have learned a lot from Alison Krauss, who is also very talented. I even like a few things by her. But most of the other stuff - Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Reba, Big'n'Rich, Rascal Flatts - I just can't stomach. Too corny and too twangy.

On the other side of things. There have been a few artists that have come out and been all the rage, but I just didn't think they had an ounce of talent and thought their "music" sounded like cold dogpoop. Macy Gray is one of those. Outkast is another. I liked "Hey Ya" okay, good dance song. But just about everything else they did for me was a head scratcher. It made me think there was someone who was really popular and really influential playing a JOKE on the listening public. "Heh, I will say I LOVE this and make everyone agree with me that it is great and then everyone will spend their money on it and buy it, even though it's crap!" Like a big social practical joke!

Anyway, I hope I provided some useful feedback!

The one artist that I know is good, I can tell is good, and who changed music forever but I still hate his music: Michael Jackson.

Now off topic: Is there a way to get more original broadway cast recordings of musicals on here? I've had all the songs from Les Mis stuck in my head the last few days. I wish pandora had a soundtrack genre station.

The thing about music is that it's made up of various parts. For example, most of the music on pop stations have different things to appreciate such as lyrics, the sound of a singing voice, bass, or a good guitar player. As far as hip-hop goes, I don't always enjoy the way it sounds but lyricists like Jay-Z and Kanye West allow me to enjoy the lyrical aspect of their music. Therefore, I would say the thing that makes people appreciate different genres of music is when they find different aspects of what they like in those genres. I am honestly not a fan of country music, but some country singers have songs that I really enjoy because of what they are singing about or the sound of their voice.

Also, the easiest way to define something as good is by majority vote. If all of your new friends like trance music but you grew up listening to country, odds are u may develop some appreciation if not a degree of enjoyment towards trance music.

There are tons of "great" bands that I just don't enjoy. The Beatles are a prime example. Yes, they paved the way and made it much easier for later musicians and the like, but their music never really got me. The influence it had on future generations is testament to how good they were, but I just don't get it. Another band, Metallica, they were good, and started to decline. They release St. Anger and people said "this is the best music they've made in a while, experimental and phenomenal." Just sounds to me like a bunch of drug-abusive monkeys beating the drums, fiddling with the guitar and screeching into a mic to me.

Then again, at least on the 2nd band, I do know a lot of people who agree with me it's trash.

Richard F.,
I completely agree with you about the Beatles. Indeed they were revolutionary. They changed the genre forever, but I can't seem to actually ENJOY listening to them. Their songs aren't the type that really strike me. I understand their impact, but not their music.

I hear "goodness" all the time in a lot of music that I do not like. There are all different types of goodness: instrumental technique, vocal timbre, tight syncopations, cool breaks, clever lyrics, innovative studio techniques, expressiveness, etc.

If you define "good" as having artistic merit and musical "value", I can hear different combinations of those qualities listed above in a song and KNOW that it is "good." That does not mean that I will like it, though.

For example, Wilco seems to have a lot of the characteristics of "goodness" - not to mention huge critical appeal - but I can't listen to them. I've tried a number of times, and I can hear that the "good" is there, but they just don't do it for me.

Neil Young. Me=aging hippy, pathetic I know, but I didna like him then. ok good musician, can't help myself

other-hand. used to hate Mexican music. Now likey Norteno, Conjunto, toda.

Improvisational "modern" jazz. Technically brilliant musicians take turns departing from the melody until it becomes excruciating to listen to. Then,to everyone's relief, they return to the melody for one verse and out.
I know I just don't appreciate a solo in the mixolydian mode or whatever, and it's technically "good", but it's just not pleasing to my ear. Give me Hoagy Carmichael "good". = melody & lyric. Love the Beatles, same reason.

I grew up playing in bands in the '80s and '90s and being exposed to all kinds of cool music. The one band that springs to mind that I've always known I was supposed to like - but just never could - is Sonic Youth. I've always felt like an indie impostor for that.

Like many others who have posted, my musical tastes are very eclectic. Music catches me in (usually) one of two ways : the music or the lyrics. Sometimes I'll hear a song and like it instantly...because of the music. Later, as I get to know the lyrics, I may like it more or less. Sometimes, I'll not think too much about a song until I begin to listen to the lyrics...and then like it a bit more or less. I have three examples from my personal collection.

Freda Payne's "Band of Gold" has (to me) a great melody. But as I listened to the lyrics, I became confused as to what the heck she was saying. She got married presumably at a young age ("You took me from the shelter of a mother"). She was alone on her wedding night ("But that night on our honeymoon, We stayed in separate rooms"). So, he's not a very nice guy. However, she wants him back ("Hoping soon that you'll walk Back through that door"). Regardless of my understanding (or rather misunderstanding of the song, I liked it a little less...not much, but a little. Years later, I researched the lyrics a bit more and got other's view on it. I understand them a bit better now.

My next example is Rage Against the Machine's "Wake Up". Originally, I heard it and dismissed it as something I wouldn't really like (it seemed a bit too metal-ish for me). Then I heard the lyrics and found them interesting. I like that song a lot now.

Finally, "Lonely" by the Bloody Lovelies was a song I liked from the start and LOVED when I listened to the lyrics. The music and lyrics are haunting. As an amateur poet, I'd love to be able to write like that!

So, what does it all mean? Nothing. Not one thing unless you're me. Does anyone else like those three particular songs? Probably. Do they like them for the same reasons? Probably not. But with thousands of songs and all the different melodies and lyrics, there's plenty from which to choose. Happy hunting!

This is a good thread. The artist who I know is great but can't get into at all is Mariah Carey. To me she sounds like someone performing at an athletic contest. It's just not music to me. In contrast I love Rush and have loved them since their first album but two of my best friends revile them and cannot understand how an otherwise sensible person like me could possibly listen to such rot. Bottom line, as others have said, is that either the music speaks to you or it doesn't. Logic has nothing to do with it.

My musical experiences started when I took piano lessons when quite young. I had an inspiring (male) teacher. At 14 I begged my parents to let me also take organ lessons. Again I had a most fascinating
teacher. There it was that my fascination with the
baroque artists started. Johann Sebastian Bach I immersed myself in. I had permission to practice
at the local 1000 year old church where there was a great organ installed. I was told to keep the volume down as there was a school next door. Got carried away and pulled more and more stops till the teaching nuns came by asking me to tone it down.
Only late in life did I came across a book which dealt with the connection between music and mathematics (the purest science). The book by Douglas R. Hofstadter "Goedel, Escher, Bach.. an Eternal Golden Braid" explained the fascinating connections between the works of these three artists.

About what I consider "good" music. My high school students asked me one time "what music do you like?". My answer "All good music" then told them that no matter what genre, there is great music in all styles, along with some awful junk.

I think it would be cool if, for example, I love Rihanna, but I can't stand Beyonce. Or if I am the biggest Blink 182 fan, but I can't stand the song "I Miss You". If I could specify that, instead of relying on hitting the thumbs down button every time Beyonce or "I Miss You" comes on, that would be awesome.

Music needs to have substance, not just beat. Lyrics need not only to make sense but they need to be understandable. Ever not understand what Frank Sinatra sang? Musicians of talent know how to play, not just make noise. Early Ragtime excites me with the syncopation. The talent of Bix, Jelly Roll, Louis, Red, etc were exceptional.

Greetings to the music listeners,
I say listeners, because those are the ones that are divided between likes and dislikes; they do not overstand that music is the rhythm of all Life. Those that music gives birth to, does not have likes or dislikes but rather they seek to liberate the Arts. They are the Universal Love, their mind is above conflict. They possesses the rhythm of Shiva (the Lord of the Dance) who dances within the whole, 360 degrees. One who is born without conflict in his and her purpose, destroy conflict from within the Arts. One born from music is one that has evolved through all its different expressions.
In the Beginning it was the "Word" then it became "Sound" (instrument) in all its evolution it become "Power" taking on a New form. This new music becomes the strength of all its many form, to remove all its dislikes.
Dislike is born out of hate, which is the order of war and its invention (weapon "Cain") Dancing Shiva destroy all things created from dislike. Music is only a female expresssion in man that can either be pure (Life) or impure (Death). It is upon these two expression (in lyrics) that likes and dislikes are based. There are those that are on its spiritual side (that which appeals to their thoughts "the lyrics" and those who love on its physical side (that which appeals to the feet (dance) "the beat" The beat in music cannot be corrupted, it is through the spirit (the lyrics) that corruption is born.
The United evolved Music creates a middle ground of followers who are moved by the Universal diversity of its rhythm united by the content of its lyrics (the statement).
The music that carries the strongest statement in this time is the one that evolved to become what it is now "Reggae" It addresses "Human Conditions" It carries a beat that cannot be resisted by any. Because the beat is throbbing, it has the Power to Shake the Earth (Revelation Chap.14:1-13) In every genre of music there are those who sing from the reality of Life, and those who sings from life fantacies. The latter and their followers are not capable of ending likes and dislikes because those that they listen to are not born from the Love (peace) of MUSIC but from its glamour and corrupted rewards. There is a hate in music that is not intentional but comes only from a lack of overstanding.

Radiohead.

I don't so what's all the hype about.

Elliot Smith. Pandora really wants me to like him but, there is something I hear in his voice that sounds too dramatic. That's ironic coming from someone who went through the emo phase. Thank GOD I got that out of my system. I'm sure Elliot Smith is great if you can put up with him. I enjoy learning about him, just not listening to his voice.

I was very excited when my friend Chantal introduced me to this site. It is the best thing going for music lovers. I will definetly tell all my friends about this. The music selections are great! AMAZING!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

Music either has your name on it or it doesn't. There's a song and a artist for everyone, there's more than enough to go around. Some music finds you as opposed to you finding it. Almost like a good book. From the days when my ears were younger to this date and time. I can always recall hearing hype about an artist through magazine or word of mouth. I remember 1963 when I saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show. Did I get...no! Not at all. But every kid in elementry school and every teenager got it. They dropped their boring beachboys look and records and got floppy cuts and beatlemania was born. I later learned to appreciate their lyrics as I got older. Bob Dylan, an incredible lyricist but a terrible singer. I could read his voice and enjoy him more. Pink Floyd I never appreaciated their older recordings pre Dark Side Of The Moon. The Summer of 73 or when ever that was with the help of Hemp and LSD Dark Side became a religious experience. Parliament Funkadelic every brother in the hood dug them. But they weren't my calling. Bob Marley was cool and was the only Raggae I could listen to and enjoy. Ska was too way out. Smooth Jazz a commercial nightmare,an insult to the name Jazz I understand why people love it because its not as profound as Coltrane, Miles, and Mingus. So there you have it. Hits come and go. Other music is timeless. Music is like food it either becomes a great experience in taste or you reject at the first bite.

I was amongst the first group of brothers in the Island that were called "Soul Brothers". We were those whose mind surf the Universe to find music that inspired, and at the same time create rhythmic movement for the body. One of the greatest Reggae recording Band in the Island was the "Soul Syndicate" which I became a part of with my group "Shades of Black". Studio musician played Reggae, but to play in the night clubs in the 60s you had to be versatile, there was no such thing as specializing which has become common in these times. There is an Album by Trojan Records titled "Funky Kingston" which shows the appreciation of music coming from different vibes. I was about to leave high school when we did the "Temptation" (Ball of Confusion) with the Soul Syndicate Band. A song that is as relevant then as now. I tend to listen more Reggae now than other music not because of dislikes. The fact is I have become a man, seeing life in a more realistic way, so I have substituted, music that appeal to my fantacies for that of reality. Music that is about reality becomes my preference, and that does not mean that I will listen to all Reggae music. When music remains music, and the message becomes the medicine that can heal and unite a divided world that is trying everything to find their own happiness but are the ones who prolong their own pain. Most people doesn't even know why they like or dislike, it is determined for them, which leave you with a sence of sympathy.
Love is the Exodus.

like all things, there are good artists, songs in any genre
I'm not particularly interested in country western but I really like Hank Williams's songs like 'You're Cheatin Heart' and some other earlier country western songs/artists

Also I can't always understand some artists recordings like Robert Johnson's due to sound recording equipment's lack of quality.

I listen to it to see what it sounds like and also to get a perspective on the development of a certain genre to get an idea of how that genre started and how it's different now vs. then if it is.

finally good music to me is music that when I listen to it, look at the clock and say to myself, it can't be that late already.

Good music increases how much I enjoy what I'm doing while I'm listening.

good music makes the bad/sad times not so bad/sad and the good/great times even better and great times even greater somehow.

Jeff Buckley - Grace

I have a theory that some day I'll really love Jeff Buckley. I first took any interest in himc after hearing Howie Day play a live version of New Year's Prayer a few years back. At the time, I knew it as the theme to The Dead Zone but discovered Jeff Buckley after some searches and bought the 2-disc Grace (Legacy Edition). I just couldn't get into it. Too much of the albums ran together for me and I felt it all sounded the same. Recently, on American Idol, Jason Castro played Buckley's version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah and Randy Jackson commented how much he loves Jeff Buckley and Grace. I broke out the album again and had the same reaction. I've heard so many people, many whose opinions I respect, praise Buckley's work that I feel like I'm missing something. Maybe it's one of those things that will take repeated listening before I get... like jazz and The Barenaked Ladies.

Two words: Celine Dion.

This is a very interesting question. I like a lot of different styles of music. I am 53 I have spent time during various periods of my life listening to jazz, country, rock, fusion and even classical. I have to say rock always has been (and still is) my favorite genre of music.

Finding the music you like means you have to try a lot of variety, and in the process of looking for the good stuff you will come across some you won't like. If you have an open mind and let it happen, you can find yourself going down a side road that might just have some pretty interesting vistas.

I always find it interesting how some music that I don't think has very good qualities turns into a monster money maker for the musician. There are other situations where I think some piece music is the coolest I have ever heard and most people think it sucks. Sometimes I line up with the crowd, other times I am out there by myself. I don't think that matters much.

I can easily appreciate music that I don't like, especially if it takes a skillful musician to lay it down. I used to be a harsh critic, but I have grown over the years to appreciate music I don't necessarily like that much.

Hey Everybody it is all about perceptions and these are the senses that feed our beings of who we are, the world is different to each of us and our senses tell the story of us each artist had their own perception at the time of the music creation we just need to listen to find them in their world it is a conversation in vibration we all have one,,even the insects such as crickets hope this helps bye for now and keep listening!!

Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen.

What is it with these? They are morose, they are bad singers, their lyrics are nothing special - not even their lyrics come to that.

I fully expect to be attacked for this. But what gives? Where is the artistry?

As a baseline - so readers know I am not comparing these guys to A-Ha or whatever - I consider, of an overlapping, era Dylan lyrics to be interesting, Beatles to be tuneful, and so forth.

No idea how cults get to be so dominant.

I'm also one of those underwhelmed by Dylan. And I've never been able to stand Neil Young's voice. My college roommate used to play Neil Young records to get me to leave the room. My bedrock/touchstone in rock music is Joan Jett, and once a colleague at work said: it's one thing to like a cult band, but why can't you like a GOOD cult band? (I never really liked her after that). Everyone's got their cult, and I just accept there are some people who aren't going to get MINE, so I'm not going to get theirs.

The music of Philip Glass was supposed to be or is considered by some to be great. I have tried to understand what it is in his compositions that make them great and I still don't get it. I saw some PBS show where they were explaining how his music is a reflection of our modern times, they showed some skyscrapers in New York focusing on the windows and repetitive patterns which Glass mirrors in his compositions. I hate to say this but I still don't get it. This troubles me because I was taught that if you don't like something it's probably because you don't understand it yet. I have a CD on which Ravi Shankar and Philip Glass collaborate, well actually they take turns composing and I think one or two tunes are actually co-composed. I can't stand any of the Philip Glass stuff but Ravi Shankar's compositions are brilliant, Philip Glasses' are the most boring drivel I've ever heard in my life. If anyone out there can help me understand Philip Glasses' music please post a comment.

There is a song that wouldn,t even be called a song by those who are the doctors lawers and professors of music only because of its simplicity. It simply said "Don't Worry Be Happy"

i'm thinking more of an artist, but for me Panda Bear fits this description. There was a lot of critical acclaim for his newest album - a must have. It was quite humbling to listen to it several times and just not get it. The albums seems to me just a collection of ambient recordings. Each time it reveals itself a little more, but I still can't get into it.

I know its a good record, but can't exactly say why. I can't accept that I don't get it and keep listening to it, hoping the next listen will open the door. I guess thats why I know its good - i don't completely get it, but continue to try.

I heard that Captain Beefheart's Trout Mask Replica was something that everyone should hear. I also knew it was more of a sonic experience than a traditional recording of songs, but I have not been able to enjoy it despite numerous attempts. I think one night, I'll awaken suddenly to find that I am in love with it, but I doubt that will be tonight. Zappa finally hooked me so Captain Beefheart probably will too. Or I may always be in the dark in regards to its inner genius.

This is for Rachael (4/16 10:57pm), I know exactly what you mean. I bought a copy of 'Trout Mask Replica' many years ago and I still don't like it very much either. I think it's a bit harsh myself, you should try to find the Beefheart recording that has the songs 'Tropical Hot Dog Night', 'Harry Irene', 'Bat Chain Puller'. The Captain has some good material on Zappa's 'Bongo Fury' too. What I'd like to find is a copy of the double album 'An Evening With Wildman Fisher', sorry thinking about this stuff brought back memories.

I have NEVER understood all the hype about the beatles. I'm sure they're good and all, but no thanks. Also, in general(not always) I'm not a fan of older music, it just doesn't get to me.

I guess i can't really see the "good-ness" in a song that i dont like because i just don't care if its well made or whatever. For example, would you want to read a book about... oh lets say how your arm hair grows(or something boring like that, who knows, someone might be interested in arm hair)... even if it is perfectly written?

You shouldn't have to worry about whether other people will approve of the music you listen to.

I guess alot of the time, I have to be able to relate to the song, be it emotional pain or happiness or whatever.

Sometimes I will like a song just for the instrumental part of it, and sometimes for the vocal ability, and sometimes just for the amazing lyrics, or a combination of all three, whatever.
"Chasing Cars" by Snow patrol is a good example, really simple guitar line but amazing lyrics and voice. The lyrics have to make sense and speak to you on an emotional level.

lastly... I love it when I am driving, listening to the radio, and a song comes on that you can just sing along to, even if you have a bad voice. Some songs I just can't help but sing along to, THESE are good songs.

Songs that have been on the top of the "Billboard" list are considered to be cultural classics simply beacause millions of records were sold indicating that the general public "liked" the music enough to purchase it.

I dont like alot of these so-called hits. The reverse causality in point is that when an established artist is releasing his/her 3rd-4th album, the marketing and publicity will be so great that the "new single" becomes a self fullfilling hit.

A recent example that comes to my mind is the Jay-Z "American Gangster" track that had a accompanied video. Any hip-hop/rap enthusiast knows this song is garbage but with the money involved including the flashy video the song must be a hit.

If any other artist released the same track with no video... the song would be a dud.

Pearl Jam is something I never could manage to take. No matter how much I tried I simply hate them. The music is uninspired and formula. The lyrics are just gibberish and the vocals are so awful. The individual musicianship (excluding vocals) is actually quite impressive but the songs they came up with are just not good. I know there are millions of people who think they walk on water but I just don't get it.

I really enjoy vocal jazz, from the 20's through the present, especially standards; but I have never been able to listen to scat for more than about half a song... My 5 year old "scats" when she can't remember the words, or is just jabbering melodically. - Doesn't sound all that different to me...

I am a huge Pink Floyd fan and absolutely love most of their work, but I just can't stand music from the Sid Barrett years. I know he's supposed to be the pioneer of that type of music and an inspiration to many musicians even today, but the man just sounds insane (he was), drunk or really really high on drugs in just about every one of his songs. I really don't know what all the fuss is about. David Gilmore was a much better lead vocal than Sid ever was anyways.

Although I must say I do appreciate him inspiring Shine On, my favorite song.

This is for Rob who posted a comment April 21, 2008 at 2:00pm. It might help if you think of the human voice as just another instrument. I personally don't even like songs with lyrics very much, I think they get in the way of the music. Although since you like vocal jazz standards from the 20's I suppose the vocal part is the main melody part of the songs. Maybe if you listened to more instrumental music you would develop an appreciation for scat, you like Popeye don't you?

I must admit, I have little taste for country music. The only country music I enjoy hearing are the songs that everyone knows and sings to at bars, and I only like it because it makes everyone have fun. I can't even think of one right now that I like though. Not one I would put in my CD player and listen to in my car or at home alone. With friends, drinking at a party, sure there's a few I'd play and maybe even sing too, but not very many.

I think the difference between me and country is less about musical style than it is about musical attitude. Rap too usually. Sure the attitude directly affects the style, but sometimes the style can be good even if I dont like the attitude. But if I like the attitude, the music is much more likely to suit me.

It's not really about subject matter of the lyrics though. *I guess the question is how does the particular presentation of a style of music convey an attitude for the artist?* Jimmy Buffet and his Margaritaville and pretty much that whole cd I like, but the parkeet album with kids singing makes me puke. Too corny/happy. Can't take it seriously.

I really don't know what all the fuss is about.

I can completely understand this question. I know there are artists out there that are considered "great," that I don't like. One I can think of off the top of my head is the Rolling Stones. I don't like them, but I can appreciate them, meaning that I know they are talented. I know they have had a big impact on a lot of current artists out there, but I just do not like them. If that isn't good enough, I can think, easily, of an entire type of music I don't like, but that I can appreciate. That would be opera. I don't enjoy listening to it. I appreciate what the performers do, though, because I know they have to be incredibly talented to do what they do. Any good opera singer will have quite a wide vocal range, and they will have a full, supported tone, whether singing quiet or loud. They can sing slowly, or quickly with equal ease, and they can control their vocal dynamics very well, meaning that they can change seamlessly from soft to loud. All those things and more, they do, and it all takes a high level of skill and talent. I certainly appreciate that. I still don't like opera. Perhaps if it was just music with no singing, I would enjoy it, but then it wouldn't really be opera, right? So, there are individual bands or artists, and also entire genres that I don't like, but that I can appreciate. I could go on for quite a while on this, but I won't say anymore, except to say that I have pondered on this a bit myself.

As a few others on this blog believe, "good" music is relative. I personally think that everything on the ITunes Top 100 is total cr*p (am i allowed to say that?). Either way, it's all awful. Over-produced, underwritten, oversung, underperformed, cookie-cutter written music.
In my attempt to look at American music in a positive light, i just can't. it's just getting atrocious.
therefore, i've turned to Europe (the continent, not the band, though i do have The Final Countdown on my pump-up playlist on my IPod). I'm proud to say my favorite bands right now come from Finland (and they sing in English).
To get back on topic of the blog, i feel that there are two main factors that make or break a song: the vocals and the drums. The vocals have to entice me to the song otherwise i can't stand the song. I also feel the drums, if played poorly (with the exception of MEg White/White Stripes) absolutely ruin a song. Though if played with fluidity and precision, can make a song absolutely breathtaking and send chills up my spine. Guitar work i also find important, but if there mainly for commercial purposes to steal the limelight (though i myself do play). A guitar can be played absolutely awful, or strangely creative(i.e. Tom Morello/Rage against the MAchine), but the drums and vocals will make the song.
This all leads back to the main point of the blog. I feel a good song comprises of appeasing vocals and fluid drums, though a wicked guitar riff will get me everytime, but what 16 year old wouldn't?

I like many genres of music, from classical to 70's and 80's.....I am sick of rock and roll and also getting kind of sick of country...my favs are Crystal Gayle, Nana Mouskouri, Eva Cassidy, The Mamas and The Papas, ABBA and then Luciano Pavarotti, Mozart.............I cannot seem to keep my favorite types on my station here. Seems like if for example Crystal Gayle has sung Country then the station sends many Country songs which I am sick of at the moment. I would love it if I could just keep the ones I love....thanks for listening and caring about us on this end...