Music
My musical tastes
Last time I was in London Chris Jones and the /music team at the BBC asked me what sorts of music I listen to. I blurted out some answer that upon reflection was thin and weak. I've been meaning to correct this for many months now and since I'm meeting with the /music team tomorrow, I think there is never going to be a better time to fix this than now.
To answer the question, what kind of music do you listen to, I would have to break the answer into a few pieces:
- If I am programming, or otherwise need to concentrate, I will choose down-tempo music. At first I was pulled into this genre of music by Portishead, Morcheeba and B-Tribe, but my likes quickly expanded to include Thievery Corporation, Flunk, Brazilian Girls, De-Phazz, dZihan & Kamien, Röyksopp, Goldfrapp, Czech, Bitter:Sweet, Boards of Canada, Supreme Beings of Leisure and an ever expanding list of artists that few people in America seem to know.
- In the process to find common musical ground with Jean, my mate, I set out to explore rap/hip-hop. While Jean likes hard and angry gangster rap (Notorious B.I.G., Ludacris, Snoop Dogg) I ended up liking less aggressive hip-hop artists like The Streets (mostly the first album only though), Jurassic 5, Blackalicious and Lyrics Born. Unfortunately Jean doesn't really like these artists, so my attempt to find common ground failed. But my horizons expanded into a genre that I previously despised.
- One of my favorite classes at University was my Music Appreciation class. Covering the gamut from chanting monks through classical music, I learned to love Beethoven, Mozart and Hayden. Classical music has a certain place and time for me, but when the conditions are right, its can be the most powerful type of music.
- My latest musical taste expansion covers latin music. While I have to chuckle at the similarity between German Polka music and Mexican Mariachi music, neither inspire me. The Buena Vista Social Club did inspire me. As does Ozomatli from LA. The soundtrack in my mind for this trip to London would have to be "A Lo Cubano" by Orishas. Excellent stuff!
- Earlier music that I still love, but that doesn't really influence me anymore would have to include Depeche Mode, Bob Marley and Trance. They still have their time and place, but many other musical genres keep my attention better these days.
There are countless other bands that have influenced me at various points in my life. But the 5 categories above shape(d) me more than other music out there. And for a counter-point, I pretty much hate all bands that are made up of 2-3 guitars, a drumset and some fool screaming into a mic. Count me out -- which of course begs the question why I would ever go to SXSW. But I've already blogged about that.
With that, /music team, I look forward to spending time with you tomorrow!
Posted by Mayhem at June 10, 2007 09:27 AM
