What is Your LEAST Favorite Genre of Music?

[WritingIsMyReligion]

Okay, I'm bored, and I'm procrastinating from mid-term studying (:D).... DU Lounge poll time! This time around I'm asking the question, "What is Your Least Favorite Genre of Music?" Sure, there are some really annoying genres out there, but what one really is the WORST?

:D :D

WIMR

PS: I sprung for country.... (:puke:)

[asthmaticeog]

1. Smooth jazz is Satan's Xanax.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

6. It's a misleading genre name, really--

Nothing very "jazzy" about smooth jazz. It does not stand against Miles, Bird, Satchmo, etc. :D

[Fenris]

9. Yep.

I see nothing redeeming in that. There are loads of great country artists, but smooth jazz sounds like something Sting farted.

[asthmaticeog]

41. I have that album.

It's no "Mercury Falling," but it gets people to leave when the party's over.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

43. ...

:rofl:

[Fenris]

45. Sounds like a winner.

[fishwax]

108. lol

that's a good one

[SpeedwayDemocrat]

192. "Learn to nurse that beer, and soon you'll be listening to JAZZ!"

-- Quote from Dave Foley from the Kids in the Hall

[malta blue]

2. Not to offend anyone's personal preference, but damn

I hate country music!

[WritingIsMyReligion]

4. LOL--So do I.

All the other genres have some type of mildly redeeming feature, to me, but not country! :D :evilgrin:

[malta blue]

17. Oh - I am so glad to have found a comrade in arms...

The old country is okay, Patsy Cline, etc. but these "Save a Horse - Ride a Cowboy" and "She Thinks My Tractor is Sexy" type songs are so...UGH!!!
:banghead:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

19. OMFG yes!

:puke:

:banghead:

[Ladyhawk]

126. No kidding. Kill me now.

:banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead: :banghead: :puke: :banghead:

[azmouse]

81. I could hug you!

Country music seems to be played everywhere and I swear I'm going to hurt somebody
the next time I hear it!
Nothing else in music even comes close to the dislike I have for country music.

[malta blue]

116. Thanks for the hug...

:hug:

[Ladyhawk]

125. Me too. It's the only genre I absolutely cannot stand.

There are only a few singers / songs from the genre that don't make me nauseous and interestingly, it's probably the most popular genre in my red country in California. At physical therapy, when I wanted the channel changed from Faux News and The Falafel Factor, I was told I had two other choices: ESPN (barf) or CMT (barf-o-rama). At least football can be mildly entertaining, but country music?

One other girl working there started laughing. She said the song playing was about getting drunk because it was country music. "Or," I said, "I lost ma girl...or maybe, I lost my girl because I was getting drunk...or I lost my drinking because of my girl." We both started laughing. She said, "Yeah, at least there's some variety in country music." :D

I think the worst has to be Hank Williams, Jr. The theatre once played a song of his while we were waiting for the movie to start and it was all I could do to keep from walking out. Gotta love that nasally tone quality.

:puke:

[LibDemAlways]

163. Country music sucks.

Back in the early 80's I was a passenger on a daily vanpool to work driven by a guy who listened only to a country station. I must have heard Alabama singing a song that included the line "little turtle dovin on the Mason Dixon Line" probably 500 times. God, if I ever have to listen to that or any other twangy country POS song again, I can't be held responsible for my actions.

[LeftyMom]

3. Pop/light rock

:puke:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

8. Hehehe....

;)

[William Bloode]

5. Classical.

Yes i have no class, nor do i want any. Jazz would be next.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

16. Really?

That's interesting....

;)

[William Bloode]

25. Yes really.

Classical sux major ass to me. Jazz has a few redeeming qualities, but is very far from my favorite.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

28. ...

:D :D

I wasn't criticizing you or anything, keep in mind. I was just curious. ;) :hi:

[William Bloode]

32. I did not take it as criticism.

Just appeasing your curiosity.;)

[WritingIsMyReligion]

34. Well, that's good.

Thank ya. :D :D

[GoddessOfGuinness]

46. I can't help wondering

how much classical music you've actually listened to...

Not that I find it impossible for someone to dislike the genre; but there are so many different styles of classical music that it's like saying someone hates paintings.

[William Bloode]

49. I've tried a lot.

And i still hate them all. Just not my taste. I always tried to be all inclusive when i listen to music, and Classical just never makes the cut.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

60. Have you attended live concerts as well?

It's an entirely different experience from the stereo...

[William Bloode]

75. Yep,

What i can't understand is why you don't get the fact i just dislike Classical music period.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

77. I think I explained that in my previous post.

You may be the very rare exception that truly doesn't like it; but I seriously doubt it. There's just too much music out there for you to have listened to it all.

I can believe that you didn't like what you've heard that you perceived as "classical", however; if it makes you feel better. :D

Out of curiosity, what age are you?

[William Bloode]

79. I'm 38,

And i ain't the only one in this world that dislikes Classical. Sorry to shit on your little parade but thems the facts.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

102. You haven't shit on anything, dear.

I stand by my statement that you don't like what you've heard and perceived as "classical".

And you've based your conclusions on insufficient research. Of course, nothing will change your mind as long as you refuse to open it.

I hope you will someday...just to enrich your own life.

Peace.

[William Bloode]

106. It seems to have upset you,

So yes i did shit on your parade. You don't see me being condesending to all the people who posted they don't like country music.

It's also wondeful that you assume to know what i have researched and what i have not. I am not unwilling to change, i just don't like it.

Making myself listen to something i find horrid is in no way going to enrich me.

Now you can go look down your nose at someone else, i'm bored with you now.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

109. LOL!

:rofl:

[hobo_baggins]

160. Someones a bit grumpy today

did you get beat up by a classical pianist in middle school or something?

[William Bloode]

177. Sure why not,

If it makes you feel better roll with it.

[Ladyhawk]

128. I love classical personally: Baroque, Classical, Romantic...all of it!

It doesn't get old like popular music and it's the best music to perform. I really love it.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

135. The local radio stations have switched around here...

The news/traffic/accu-weather station is on about 4 places on the dial between AM and FM. There are so many stations that play the same old "top40" tunes every hour on the hour.

But I went surfing around the other day and found a couple of weak-signalled FM stations that were playing an interesting mix of Indy, World, Jazz, and little-heard oldies. And fortunately, my favorite classical station in Baltimore hasn't given in to "all-talk" or "Hooked on Classics" type fare. It's nice to know some rebellion and some respect for musical diversity still exists in places! :beer:

[fishwax]

110. i hate paintings

only kidding :evilgrin:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

118. You've totally shit on my parade!

:rofl:

[Richardo]

7. "House" "Techno" that loud incessant syntho-dance club crap

Yes, I'm a geezer. But it gives me a headache.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

10. Haha--

That's a good one. I didn't think of that. :D ;)

[no name no slogan]

29. "Techno" == crappy EuroDisco for the '00s

Most mindless dance music has usually been crap anyway, but at least the Disco of the 1970s actually featured MUSICIANS playing on the records.

I cannot tolerate the oversampled, overdigitized tripe that can be churned out by any asshole with a bootlegged version of Acid on his laptop. :puke:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

31. ....

Haha! Your rant is so funny, for some reason, but SO true.

:hi:

[ET Awful]

173. Mostly correct, except it dates back much farther than the 00's

I was hearing it in '92 and much of it was old then. :P

[no name no slogan]

183. Even before that

The stirrings were around in the late 80s, I'm afraid. In college I had a radio show with a good friend of mine who was from Chicago. He used to bring in various house mixes he got when he was home. Some of it was very very good, but some of it was clearly headed in that horrid techno direction.

Fine music for vapidly discoing the night away, but nothing I'd want on while I'm darning my socks, baking a pie, writing to the boys on the front, or making love, that's for sure.

[ET Awful]

187. That's why I said much of it was old in '92

:P

[ghostsofgiants]

54. To quote Dylan Moran...

"It sounds like a bunch of people putting up shelves."

[WritingIsMyReligion]

55. ...

:rofl:

[donheld]

68. Techno annoys me almost as much as Country.

Indeed, geezer or no.

[Initech]

111. House / trance doesnt even have the right to be called music.

And I'm not a geezer when I say that!

[maveric]

133. Techno is repetetive noise IMHO!

One the reasons I'm not with my last girlfriend. Everything she played sounded the same. Over and over again! :banghead:
Drove me nuts!

[mvd]

11. Well..

I think rap and death metal would be tied. I also wouldn't put Dido, who I love, with Celine. Celine's more of a pure ballad singer, while Dido is more than light rock IMO. There's some electronic and folk there.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

15. I know the Light Rock examples are messed---

Those were the first two who came to mind. Not sure why....

:D

[mvd]

20. No big deal

It would be hard for me to vote for it with Dido there, though. :hi:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

27. ...

:hi:

[Rabrrrrrr]

12. That's so easy - fuckin' rap and hiphop and all their multiple spawn

[WritingIsMyReligion]

18. I was extremely tempted to go for that myself, Rabrrrrrr.

;)

[jakefrep]

13. Country Music

followed closely by Contemporary "Christian". Both make me want to pour battery acid in my ears.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

21. Ooooh, I forgot CCM....

That irks me, as well. x(

[Fox Mulder]

14. It's a tossup between Christian, Rap/Hip-Hop/R&B, and Country.

They all suck.

:puke: :puke: :puke:

[quiet.american]

23. So, out of curiosity, what do you like? n/t

[WritingIsMyReligion]

24. Yes, they all do.

Choices, choices, choices...

;)

[mvd]

35. I'm a Christian and don't even like Christian pop

Even Christian rock like Barlow Girl isn't good IMO. More subtle like Eisley and Sixpence None The Richer is good. And I like gospel.

[pointblank]

195. What you dont like

PETRA??????






:rofl:

[Ladyhawk]

129. How about Christian Country...that would suck worse than anything. n/t

[WritingIsMyReligion]

149. Oh, Jeebus....

:scared:

[we can do it]

155. You Got That Right - Even Worse Than Save a Horse Ride a Fake Cowboy

[Bridget Burke]

179. Perhaps the new stuff....

But some of the older stuff is truly fine. How about the Louvin Brothers?



And what about Ralph Stanley's "O Death" from the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack?

Of course, most "modern" country & "modern" Christian music are utterly dreadful.

[crispini]

188. I am seized with the uncontrollable urge

to own that album cover. I think it's the cutout of Satan in the back that just makes it PERFECT.

[huskerlaw]

22. Country, but

I like Tim McGraw. And he's a Democrat.

Now, toss Toby Keith or Rascall Flats up there instead and we're in business. :puke:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

30. Toby Keith! THAT was who the asshat was!

Thanks for the reminder--Bye bye, Timmy; hello, Toby. :puke:

[Shine]

26. Opera.

It's too shrill for me, personally. Not really my thang.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

33. Ooooh...I forgot the fat ladies in wigs.

(No offense to any opera singers on here, mind. :hi: :D :D)

:D

[kwassa]

58. Good opera isn't shrill at all.

That's a bad opera singer, if she is shrill.

I never really enjoyed opera until the invention of the "surtitle" which is the titling system over the stage that allows me to understand the lyrics in the foreign language as the action is taking place.

Good opera productions are a lot of fun, actually. I recommenend the Washington Opera.

[HughBeaumont]

36. Modern Rap and Country.

As rap gets ever more popular and ubiquitous, it's quality plunges into an abyss without any hoisting in sight. Modern citified country is a disgusting ham-fisted facsimile of it's predecessors. Toby Keith needs to be run over by his built-Fowrd-Dumb truck, yeehaw.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

37. ...

:rofl:

[Kali]

38. popular country and classical

alt and old country are fine, I get a headache and grind my teeth with too much classical. Don't want to listen to hours of hip hop/rap/soul but if its in a mix fine (basically true of any genre - I like crazy mixed up stuff - no problem listening to hank Williams followed by bob Marley followed by Cowboy Junkies followed by balalaika music.....)

[WritingIsMyReligion]

40. I agree that mixes make even the worst music

GENERALLY tolerable. :D

:hi:

[William Bloode]

44. Hahahaha you and me would get along fine!

Sounds just about like me. I have no problem going from Waylon, to NWA, to, Megadeath, to Bob Marley. Music schitzo might be a fine definition for me.

[EstimatedProphet]

39. I gotta say country

Although I do like bluegrass, and the "country alternative" bands like BR-549 and 16 Horsepower. Mass-market country is so bland and uncreative. It's pre-packaged pap.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

42. Bluegrass is cool!

I agree with you, though, that modern country takes the cake as "worst." :D ;)

[EstimatedProphet]

59. Yeah

Unfortunately, to me the image that comes to mind when "country music" is discussed is Alan Jackson. All I see there is an empty shirt.

And don't get me started on Billy Ray Cyrus!

[nickinSTL]

47. I voted for country, but I also despise swing/big band

:puke:

Also dislike jazz (of any kind) and rap/hip-hop.

Picky, ain't I? :evilgrin:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

48. Geesh, yeah!

;)

I completely understand the country dislike....Hell, that's what I voted for! :D And I'm not a big proponent of rap/hip-hop.

I'm just curious, though: what sets you against swing/big band/jazz, if it's anything in particular? I might be a bit prejudiced (points at signature :D :hi:), but I'm always interested in why people dislike the music genres they do...

:D ;)

[nickinSTL]

50. I don't exactly have a reason...it just doesn't appeal to me...

I do like classical, a fair amount of pop (and yes, I know that makes many people cringe :D ), some new age-type stuff, and some rock (of various flavors).

My personal music collection ranges from Beethoven to Godsmack to Enya.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

51. Okay.

Just curious. ;)

:hi:

[Bridget Burke]

52. Smooth jazz! Kenny G, etc.

I can at least appreciate the other genres.

Rap/Hip-Hip is not my fave, but part of the problem is my ignorance. If all I knew about country was what I hear on commercial radio, I'd hate it! But I've been around long enough to tell the good country guys from the bad ones. So I'm educating myself on what Kids These Days like.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

53. ...

:rofl:

I don't mind smooth jazz, but I take it as its own genre, as it really is. Too many people hate it because "It's not jazz..." Well, no, it isn't. The genre name is rather misleading. I completely understand how many people don't like it, though.

:hi:

[we can do it]

159. Kenny G - AKA pufferfish

ROFLOL - I almost forgot about him...thanks for reminding me.

[HuskerDU]

56. I don't care what genre of music something is, it just has to be

real and from the heart for me to like/respect it. That is why I voted for Modern/Alternative rock.
Not even the hair metal 1980's 'scene' was as fake and full of shit as the last 10 years of so called 'alternative rock.'

Instead of calling it Modern/Alternative rock, I like the terms Retread/Mainstream schlock. (Sorry, I am usually only a 'positive' poster, but I just can't hide my contempt for these fakers.)

[WritingIsMyReligion]

57. ...

Say what you feel, Husker, gosh!

;) ;) ;)

I agree with you, though.

:toast:

[HuskerDU]

64. Thanks Writing!

And thank you too eyepaddle! :toast:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

66. No, thank YOU fer votin'...

:D

:hi:

[eyepaddle]

71. It seems (at least in the Minneapolis Club Scene)

That actually learning to play and write songs is dangerous sign of insecurity and must be avoided at all costs. But you can't sound like a garage band for ten years--even if the only time they practice is at their shows they'll get better than that.

Ergo, it's posturing. C'mon folks play what you like and stop worrying so much about what the cool kids think.

Let's take Bob Mould as an example--I'd say his post Husker Du career has been consistent with Husker Du WITHOUT being limited to it. He proves it's possible to grow without selling out or showing off.

However I haven't seen Bob play live in about six years, so I don't know what he's up to these days!

[no name no slogan]

117. As a someone who has played that scene off and on for 17+ years

I would have to agree. Unfortunately, if you don't sound like every other white boy/alt-rock band in town, you cannot get decent gigs. And even if you do, you still have to get enough blow for the booking agent and his buds in order to play on a weekend.

The local music scene in Mpls/St Paul has largely sucked ass since the late 80s, IMHO. I've basically given up on it, and only make recordings/play for friends and family (and a dedicated cadre of supporters stretching back 10 years).

[eyepaddle]

61. Dude, you took the words out of my mouth

:thumbsup:

[LaraMN]

62. Modern Country.

:puke:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

63. ...

Totally right there with ya, Lara.

:puke:

:D

[SeattleGirl]

65. "Head Banger's Ball" stuff

:puke:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

67. ...

:rofl:

[SeattleGirl]

74. ROFL!

There actually was a show called "Head Banger's Ball" that my youngest brother used to watch!

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

69. I put Jazz/Blues....yawn!

Yeah yeah yeah, they're building blocks to modern music, influential for their time, brilliant improvisation. Fine, doesn't change the fact that both bore the stew out of me.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

86. Haha...

When I was younger, I thought, "God, this stuff is SO boring." Then I realized how much soul goes into them (into all music, really, or it should). And then I heard some wildfire "burning." Freaking awesome stuff, that; at least, it was to me.

I respect your boredom, though. :D ;)

:hi:

[Ron Green]

70. Anything too far from its roots

That would include modern country pop, synthesized "r&b" ballads, "smooth jazz," and all sorts of melismatic pop tunes, the kind of stuff you'd hear on "American Idol."

I don't know enough about hip-hop to make a good judgment. I don't like it much, because as a musician I relate to melody, harmony and form as well as rhythmic elements; additionally, hip-hop seems to me mostly about an attitude rather than a narrative, which seems to make it less substantial.

Overall, I would listen for authenticity in music, and to me that means "art" rather than "product."

Edit to add: If you don't like jazz, blues, classical, authentic folk forms, or other genres that are generally critically acclaimed, I suggest you haven't listed enough, or listened well.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

87. Very good post.

:thumbsup:

I especially agree with the edit. ;)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

98. Well-said!

It's got to have a soul.

I'd rather not write off an entire style of music based on my limited experience with it. As a professional musician, I find negative feelings toward a piece of music do nothing to enhance its quality; so I always try to dwell on the positive and convey that in performance.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

99. What "type" of music do you play, Goddess?

Though I recognize that you probably play a great range of music, though maybe not...

What instrument(s)?

Just curious, since I'm one of those artistic/creative types m'self (though I can't paint worth shit...)

;)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

107. I'm a freelance violinist...

And you're right, I play a wide variety of styles including Classical, Folk, Jazz, "Pop" and "Pops". Sometimes it's solo, other times I'm in small chamber groups or large orchestras. The only styles I haven't played are Rap and hip-hop...unless someone used a track I recorded somewhere to scrape a needle over.

What's your instrument?

[WritingIsMyReligion]

113. That's really cool!

:D

I call myself a musician in my signature line, but I guess that's a little misleading. As a teen, I'm "casually" into music, and I don't think I'll ever go after music professionally....though you DO never know. I play music for its own sake and my own sake, not that professionals like you don't or anything....Wow. I'm getting tongue-tied here. Better move on... ;)

I've played clarinet for four and a half years, and I do enjoy it. I just started playing baritone saxophone for my lower-level jazz band at school. I'm the deepest into piano, though, even though I just started lessons a few months back (About the same time I started bari sax, actually...). Piano feels so "right" for me--I've loved piano music for as long as I can remember--and I want to obtain at least competency on it during my lifetime, even if it takes me twenty years.

But hell, every time I look at a new instrument, I feel like I have to at least touch it and examine it. Some instruments never go beyond that, but I've a certain extra curiosity for violin/viola and guitar. Oh well. I'll have to wait until piano and bari sax are more settled before attempting any stringed instruments--though I guess you could technically call piano a stringed instrument.

;)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

123. That's great!

I played trombone in high school; and piano was a required minor in college, even though I wasn't very good...it's essential for music theory, in my opinion anyway.

If you don't become a professional; you can at least earn enough money to buy all the instruments you want to try! :D

[WritingIsMyReligion]

150. Haha!

I like that idea. Having a house full of paper, pens, and musical instruments sounds fine to me, so long as one instrument is a nice concert-hall really long grand piano..... ;)

[fishwax]

121. I was with you all the way up until the edit

I too, am inclined to look for authenticity, for heart and soul over fashion, and for art over product.

Edit to add: If you don't like jazz, blues, classical, authentic folk forms, or other genres that are generally critically acclaimed, I suggest you haven't listed enough, or listened well.

But I don't know about the argument that anyone who doesn't agree with critical consensus is ignorant (hasn't listened enough) or wrong (hasn't listened well). I think much of it is a matter of taste, and one can even recognize and admire the talent and skill (and even the philosophy) involved without "liking" it.

(edit: misspelled talent)

[WritingIsMyReligion]

122. "(edit: misspelled talent)"

Then, fish, I guess your talent for spelling was a little off.

;)

:hi:

[fishwax]

131. I'm firing my copy editor

:grr: (oh wait, that's me :))

:hi:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

148. Fire away.....

:hi:

:rofl:

[Ron Green]

127. This is probably the biggest question in art, that of individual taste --

and I won't deny that each of us is entitled to his own likes and dislikes, completely outside the critical realm. My point, though, is that when a body of creative activity has supported critical acclaim over time, then there is by definition something there, something that must be regarded by anyone who claims to be serious about the art.

It has taken me a long time to find the "message" in certain pieces of music, in certain works of art and literature. I'm willing to accept that I just haven't put in the time, in some cases, to understand them. Hip-hop is one area in which I'm just too ignorant to know the good stuff (which there must be, because it supports lots of criticism) from the crap. No such problem exists with Mariah Carey, or Brittney Spears, or Kenny G. The fact that there's no criticism there indicates there's no art there. But I must allow that my own prejudice against a critically-acclaimed work says something about me and my limitations, and overcoming those limitations is part of my job as a human.

[fishwax]

136. I can certainly see your point

and agree to an extent. I guess we might be having a largely semantic dispute between "like" and "appreciate" (to offer two arbitrary terms :)) I appreciate Chaucer. As an undergrad, I took a course in which we studied the Caterbury Tales in depth. I learned a lot, and could, as a result, easily explicate individual tales or thoughtfully discuss historical contexts, subsequent influence, etc. I even enjoyed the class, more than I expected to. But I've had no burning desire, in the years since, to dig my way through Troilis and Criseyde. I appreciate the Chaucer and the Canterbury Tales, but I don't "like" them the way I like various 19th or 20th century authors that I read and study much more devoutly. That might be a distinction that other people don't make, though.

No such problem exists with Mariah Carey, or Brittney Spears, or Kenny G. The fact that there's no criticism there indicates there's no art there.
so true :rofl:

But I must allow that my own prejudice against a critically-acclaimed work says something about me and my limitations, and overcoming those limitations is part of my job as a human.

At what point might you feel you've put enough study or thought into something to take the position that "the critics are wrong." Or is this a position you don't ever feel you can take? (I hope this doesn't come off as snarky, b/c I'm genuinely curious.) And while I admire the attitude in your last line, and do share it, personally, to a high degree, I also know that there are people who feel their job as human differs greatly from the job of the critic, and I can respect that as well, and if they, as a result, wind up not liking classical music, i say it takes all kinds :)

[Ron Green]

141. Thanks for your thoughtful response.

The idea that "the critics are wrong" is not a position I can ever take is an interesting one to me, because I'm fundamentally committed to taking another look (maintaining "beginner's mind" if you will) at works of art whose qualities have eluded me, even for years. At the same time, we have a limited time here and ought to be able to spend lots of it with the things that please us. I'll take your gentle admonition as a spur to cut myself some slack and let my own judgment rule me more in these matters.

Part of what is currently distressing is the confusion of box-office popularity with critical acclaim, at least in the media of the day. Can this many people pay good money for crap? Yeah, they can.

[fishwax]

144. I think your commitment is cool

it's a pretty tough line, I suppose, and echoes one of my constant dilemmas: exposing myself to new and interesting material vs. returning to previously studied (but perhaps not adequately appreciated or understood material). Sometimes I have a burning desire to revisit the classics (in literature, particularly, but it also applies to other forms), but then at other times I'll feel I'm missing out on some of the best new stuff.

Can this many people pay good money for crap? Yeah, they can.
sad but true :rofl::cry:

Anyway, I think art is cool, and I think people who like it are cool too, so here's to you :toast: :hi:

[NaturalHigh]

72. For the life of me, I can't call rap "music".

Just one hint of that atrocious sound grates on my nerves. Country is a (very) close second.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

88. Most rap is "noise," I must agree.

A very few early rappers hit on some social themes in their work, but now it's all about the drugs, the sex, the guns, and the cars. :eyes:

[ghostsofgiants]

138. Go listen to The Roots and then never speak such ignorance again.

I'd suggest "You Got Me" ot "Next Movement".

[NaturalHigh]

145. Never heard of them.

[ghostsofgiants]

147. Which explains your ignorance of hip-hop...

You've most likely only been exposed to the shit you hear on the radio or on MTV. If you judge ANY genre based on that, it's just plain ignorant.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Roots

[NaturalHigh]

164. Thanks for the link.

It still doesn't mean I could stomach their music. Rap just grates on my nerves, even more than country.

[ghostsofgiants]

166. I'm not saying you'll like it...

But to dismiss it and not being music is bullshit.

[NaturalHigh]

167. Just my opinion.

I'm entitled to mine, as you are yours. No big thing; you probably wouldn't like my kind of music either.

[ghostsofgiants]

176. Just because it's an opinion doesn't mean it's not bullshit.

And just what is your kind of music?

[NaturalHigh]

181. Boy, insulting rap really strikes a nerve with you.

I'm into metal and alternative, but 80s music is my favorite.

[ghostsofgiants]

185. I'm not a big metal fan...

But I am a big fan of alternative and things like '80s post-punk.

It's not insulting rap that strikes a nerve. If you don't like rap, that's fine. My problem arises when you say that it's not music. You'll never see me claiming that a band like Cannibal Corpse (first band that came to mind) isn't music, even though I really don't like metal.

[Burma Jones]

73. I had to say "Smooth Jazz"

These are too many flavors of Country Music to paint it all as shit with such a broad brush.

Hip Hop and Rap have provided me with certain "rhythms" that have been useful in attempts to further the species

Classic Rock includes Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Elvis, The Dead, Pink Floyd and the Beatles as well as the examples, so, c'mon.....

I like Alt Rock bands like Fountains of Wayne, Polyphonic Spree, Ditty Bops, Rasputina, Tripping Daisy, etc etc etc

Armstrong, Miles, Bird, Trane, BB King, Muddy Waters et al are the bedrock of (the good part of) American Culture

And I think whomever voted for Classical is just being a brat :eyes: I have a little brother that behaves the same way....

Well, Pop/Light Rock like Celine Dion and Mariah Carey is pretty much the same as Smooth Jazz to me....

Smooth Jazz is what I will just switch off regardless, it's elevator music for the Boomers without the (sort of) artistic integrity of New Age

[William Bloode]

78. Why do i have to be a brat?

Because i don't like Classical music? If you don't like my choice you can stuff it pretty much, i ain't the only one.

[Burma Jones]

82. It's not that you don't like Classical, it's that you're proud of it

"Yes i have no class, nor do i want any."

It's just a bratty thing to say without any provocation........

Sure LOTS of people don't like Classical, it sells the fewest disks and is shoved down people's throats as good for you, nevertheless, you sound like a brat. Now, I'm putting you on ignore, bye.

[William Bloode]

103. Ignore me because you don't like what i say.

It makes you weak, so good riddance.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

90. Good rationales.

One of the most in-depth posts I've seen so far. ;) I don't agree with ALL of what you say, but it's well-reasoned, so I can't help but respect it.

:thumbsup:

[Initech]

76. Tie between easy listening/adult contemporary and Christian rock.

I may get flamed for the choice of Christian rock, but even my Christian friends will admit that a lot of that music is pretty bad.

[William Bloode]

80. Ya know what gets me?

With CCM they repeat the same crap over, and over, and over. I have seen many songs done a bit different on many different records the advertise i the television.

[Initech]

112. What's even worse is that in LA...

We have the easy listening station (KOST 103.5) which plays all the bland, boring and completely generic music, and then we have the Christian rock station, KFSH. Guess which one is becoming more popular by the day? KFSH. :puke:

To quote Bill Hicks: "At least Satan has good taste in music."

[WritingIsMyReligion]

91. Christian rock music is, in general, horrible.

Never mind the whole "Praise God!" stuff. The music in itself is, I believe, insufferable.

No flames from me. ;) :D

[DS1]

83. Salsa. No competition.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

92. Most original genre of the day.

:thumbsup: and :rofl: to DS1.

:hi:

[we can do it]

84. Country - GAAAAAAAAK

Especially the new faux country.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

93. "Faux country..."

Hahahaha! Makes me laugh!

:rofl:

Just the idea of the word "faux" (so...sophisticated ;)) being applied to today's commonly "redneck" (not so sophisticated ;))country....

:rofl:

[we can do it]

157. OMG - They Aren't Even Good Fakes, Either - Watermelon Crawl - Sheesh

Its what most of the freeps I know listen to which is almost too much to take.

:toast:

[cynatnite]

85. Polka...no question n/t

[WritingIsMyReligion]

95. Another original genre!

:thumbsup:

[graywarrior]

89. That stuff they play in Big Lots or The Dollar Store

I want to shoot myself in the head when I hear it.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

96. LOL

Whatever it is, it's annoying, I must say.

;)

[RandomKoolzip]

94. There's good and bad in every genre.

I'll admit to a "rockist" bias: I prefer small band music played on guitars, bass, and drums. But there's good music in every genre, if you look hard enough.

Uh, except techno. That shit is fuckin' awful.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

97. ...

:rofl:

:thumbsup:

[philosophie_en_rose]

100. Musak - aka elevator and mall music.

It's amazing how annoying an otherwise good song can become.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

101. ...

:rofl:

So true....so true...

:hi:

[johnnie]

104. Rock and blues

Suck major ass.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

114. Interesting...

Not many people have said those. But each to his/her own....

;) :hi:

[johnnie]

119. Oh, I'm just playin' :)

Honestly, I don't really have a least favorite genre. I like anything that I like and only dislike music if it is done a way that doesn't appeal to me.

The least I listen to is classical because I like words with my music. It doesn't mean I think it all sucks, it just isn't what I enjoy.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

120. Hello, then, devil's advocate.

;) :hi:

[Oeditpus Rex]

105. 'Modern' country wouldn't be half bad

if them good ol' boys would get they blue 'n' white haids out of they red asses. It's the lyrics that fuck it all up; the instrumentals aren't half-bad, really. But contemporary country seems to be about taking, say, a Hellecasters-style arrangement and putting fuck-yew-if-yew-ain't-Mer'kin lyrics to it, or why-don't-she-love-me-I-only-hit-her-twice.

I almost voted for rap/hip-hop, but it merely irritates the hell out of me. Modern country makes me want to burn a flag.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

115. "Modern country makes me want to burn a flag."

:rofl:

How true!

:patriot:

:evilgrin:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

137. They're not all red...

That's why I can't denigrate the genre. The trouble is that rethugs have put a lot of money into the pop end of Country...just like the way they've tied their money into the fundy "christian" movement.

I don't listen to country stations; and I won't buy music that's going to support the thugs. But I do look forward to the time when music can just be music instead of politics.

[southlandshari]

124. Opera

Uncultured lout I may be, but I cannot stand the stuff.

x(

[fishwax]

130. I guess I'd vote for smooth jazz, although

I can find something redeeming in any genre, really.

Most genres have some music that sucks and some music that's good, and it's kind of hard, imo, to say a "least favorite" genre. In country, for example, the contemporary nashville shit is horrible, but there's so much good stuff, whether it's doc watson or the carter family or gram parsons or wilco, that i certainly wouldn't call it my favorite. Plenty of classic rock sucks, too, but I like a lot of it as well. Ditto most of the other categories, I suppose.

I guess I don't have much use for Smooth Jazz, though. I think a lot of the anger towards that genre is really directed at kenny g (who completely deserves it). And while I don't have much interest in smooth jazz, it does bump up against some good artists and elements (jazz is so difficult to effectively categorize anyway, as it has, on more than one occasion, shattered into hundreds of different pieces.)

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

132. I thought I hated country the most until I heard Christian "rock."

Country pretty much sucks ass, expecially the new stuff that sounds like depressed freepers singing through their noses accompanied by cheap electric guitars, but Christian "rock" not only utterly fails to rock, it's such an aesthetic blight that I'm frankly surprised God just doesn't smite the heck out of the perpetrators.

God: "Enough, already! For years I've been getting Palestrina motets and Bach's B Minor Mass, and now you're throwing this crap at Me?" <ZAP!>

[Ladyhawk]

134. I hate hymns maybe even more than I hate country music.

I think it mostly has to do with the messages in the hymns:

1) Power (this is the number one theme if you analyze a hymnal)
2) Blood and violence
3) I'm a worm without Jesus.

I grew up on hymns and they got into my deepest being. I have had the damnedest time getting rid of the idea that I'm a hopeless sinner without Jesus. I find the imagery of blood and crucifixion repugnant and wonder how fundies can justify exposing children to that and calling it good. They are taught that Christ died for their sins. What a guilt trip to lay on a kid: "You're so evil Jesus had to be tortured and crucified for your sins!"

Some of my least favorite:

1) Power in the Blood
2) Onward, Christian Soldiers, Marching as to War
3) Old Rugged Cross
4) Amazing Grace

The words of "Amazing Grace" make my skin crawl. When the community chorus sang it one semester, I could not bring myself to participate.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me."

I find the idea that we are "wretches" without Jesus repugnant. It leads to the horrible dogma that Jesus had to be tortured and executed because we are evil and it's ALL OUR FAULT!! I CAN'T STAND the tenets of fundamentalist Christianity.

Also, hymns all sound the same to me, but you know, modern "praise" music may be even worse. I had my fair share of that in churches, too. BARF! Same message as hymns, only with a saccharine sweetness that is annoying as hell.

The only thing that could be worse than Christian and country music is Christian Country music. I bet there is some and I bet it's worse than Vogon poetry.

[CatholicEdHead]

139. Country and then rap

My collection is light to hard rock with some folk tossed in.

[madrchsod]

140. jazz

[Rowdyboy]

142. Glad I'm not the only one (though nearly). Jazz irritates and bores me

simultaneously, which is pretty damned hard to do. I like mostall music, but classical jazz leaves me cold.

[Fox Mulder]

143. I should've added that genre too.

I don't like jazz at all.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

153. Now that, to me, is rather inconceivable.

*points to signature :hi:*

In fact, right now I'm listening to a tribute to Duke Ellington. :D :D

But I won't hate you for it. I just think it's interesting how so many of us can have so many different tastes in music.

[tuvor]

146. I picked "Classic" Rock.

Just a marketer's term for old Top 40 hard rock, played to fucking death for the past 40 years.

[TheBaldyMan]

151. Cheezey Listening and anything Gangsta n/t

[Roland99]

152. Modern Country by a LONG shot....BUT...

I wouldn't put Rascal Flatts so much in that category.

The old country like Waylon, Merle, Willie, George Jones, etc. I can handle and it's some good stuff, really. But this modern shit is just pop music sold to eye-candy with a twang.

[DanCa]

154. This new techno tronc pop country stuff

Give me Johnny Horton over Flatt and scruggs.,
Doc Watson rules this new crop is just over my head.

[LaCrosseDem]

156. "Praise music" i.e. Christian Contemporary

[DanCa]

162. Ding Ding we have a winner.

Can I change my vote? I have nothing against gospel or tradditional hymns but this new "christian" stuff scares the hell out of me.

[MrSlayer]

158. Country. I'd rather be deaf than listen to that drivel.

I despise country more than disco, which is saying quite a lot.

[hobo_baggins]

161. Nickleback - They're their own genre

and that genre is Suck.

[Kire]

171. I reviewed Nickelback for a Magazine

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=210x11129

[Initech]

190. Actually, I was thinking "crap" was a better genre for them

The same genre that's home to:

Saliva
Creed
3 Doors Down
Any number of "emo" bands (like Taking Back Sunday, All American Rejects, and so on)
Ashlee Simpson
Linkin Park
Staind

And tons more!

[baldguy]

165. Rap/hip-hop

Its just that there's SO MUCH if it that's SO BAD! (and I mean "bad" in a bad way - not a good way)

[Common Sense Party]

168. Rap. Soft Pop. House. Opera.

I love classic rock, techno-80's pop, alternative (whatever that means), most country (pre-1990, thankyou), classical (especially Baroque and chamber music).

[WildEyedLiberal]

169. I picked rap

There are a select few rap songs I like, but as a genre it just pisses me off. For every rap song with poetic, profound lyrics, there are 1,000 more about hos, bling, Bentleys, gangstas, and dolla bills. That combined with the fact that most rap music consists of the same synthesized beats is what earned it my vote in this poll.

I don't like modern country either, because all the songs mostly sound the same and most of the lyrics are uninspired. Classic country, however, is some of the last true American folk music made.

I HATE pop/top 40/hitz with a passion, but since that's not really a category, I picked rap because most Top 40 tends to be rap or hip-hop. That or shit "rock" like Nickelback and Switchfoot and Lifehouse, but I'm not even sure what category of suck those fall into. Radio rock, I guess.

I also HATE contemporary Christian music - pop, acoustic, and rock - with a passion. I AM a Christian, but good God the music sucks so bad and the lyrics are so inane. I'm sure Jesus is embarassed by most of the dreck that presents itself as "Christian" music. Give me U2 or Bruce Springsteen any day - their songs are more genuinely imbued with spirituality without all the schmaltzy saccharine fakery that contemporary Christian music is slathered in.

[Kire]

170. "All genres are good, except the boring genre" -Voltaire

nt

[Bridget Burke]

178. "There are only two kinds of music--the Blues & Zippa-De-Doo-Dah"

--The Late, Great Townes Van Zandt.

[Skittles]

172. country depresses me; jazz makes me want to poke my eyeballs out

I avoid them both

[ET Awful]

174. Whatever genre "Aqua" is, that's the one I loath the most.

Any genre that can pump out "Barbie Girl" and have it be a hit is beyond redemption.

Country is a close second. :P

[Clintmax]

175. Rap/Hip Hop

As far as I'm concerned...Rap has ruined music. In fact, I don't consider it music at all. :vomit:

[bigwillq]

180. Country

Unless it has good cross over appeal like Faith Hill, Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks.

[HuskerDU]

182. Just curious, have any of the folks who voted country

ever heard Iris Dement? She is what country music should be and the true heir to the classic country liniage. Of any artist active in any genre today, she is my very favorite.

I particularly like this part from her song, 'Wasteland of the Free.'

We got kids runnin' 'round in Calvin Klein and Guess
And they cannot pass a 6th grade readin' test
But if you ask them they'll know the name of every CROTCH on MTV
And it feels like I am livin' in the wasteland of the free

If you like her and are still determined to dislike country, just call her a modern folkie with a twang, or fit her into whatever the heck the 'Americanna' genre is. Regardless, this woman is the real deal and I cannot get enough of her.

[HuskerDU]

184. Fans of Modern/Alternative Rock of the past 10 yearscan feel

free to give me suggestions in that genre too! If there is something worthwhile I'd be glad to check it out.

[scarlet_owl]

186. I can't decide between rap and country.

They're both pretty bad.

[ProfessorGAC]

189. I Picked Country, Because It's Rhythmically Static. . .

. . .and uninteresting. But, smooth jazz sticks in my throat too, and so does any of that movie music stuff with the overwrought vocalisms (Dion, Middler, Streisand, et al).

But, what i want to know is: WHO PICKED JAZZ? THOSE TWO PEOPLE NEED A GOOD TALKING TO!
The Professor

[WritingIsMyReligion]

194. LOL Professor....

But I must agree with you. ;)

[Orsino]

191. Gospel, maybe.

Perhaps country. There are performances I love in both genres, but in general, these two irritate me.

[distantearlywarning]

193. R & B.

Can't stand the stuff. I would rather listen to rap any day than R & B.