music

Its two in the morning on a Friday night, I have to get up really ridiculously early tomorrow morning. I should be sleeping. What am I doing? Blogging. Naturally, of course. Its when I shouldn't that I get the most inspiration and thoughts going on. I could lie awake, going over them in my head, or I could "blog it out." The later, clearly, is my choice.

So, tonight, I have been thinking about music a lot. Its a big passion in my life, I can say confidently. Interesting since I don't remotely play, read, or compose music-- yet, I am music's biggest fan. If I could, I would have a big foam finger in its honor. I love just about everything. Pop. Classic Rock. Rap. Emo. Punk. Classical. R&B. Jazz. The only think I can't swallow is Country-- it's just not my cup of tea. I love finding out all different kinds of music. A little too much, since my computer's been hating on my capacity of songs lately.

Music PAINTS my emotions. Nothing reveals my mood and my actions more clearly than what I have playing in my car. Mutemath means I'm ready to party. Death Cab means I'm introspective and avoiding something. The Format means almost anything, but usually that its a Friday and a beautiful day for rolling the windows down and having friends in the car. The Stones means I'm homesick. Justin Timberlake means I'm peppy (and probably have Gwen in my car). Rap means I'm happy and feeling a little rebellious. Ben Kweller means I'm pissed off and done with rules and society. 80s music is when I am missing Cristin. The Fray when I'm feeling nostalgic. Fall Out Boy is generally reserved for driving around Memphis, usually going really fast on Nonconnah.

And I judge people on their tastes. Boy, do I judge them. It's the one thing I can say I openly admit to judging about people, their music taste. Very few people impress me when it comes to what they listen to. And here's the key: its not the range of music you listen to. For me, its all about the authenticity. The knowledge you have.

Confused? Let me articulate with an example:

I don't repect this:

Person A: Oh, I am so in to [insert band-- we'll call it something really trendy, like 'The Ripped Paper Hearts' or something] right now.

Me: Oh, yeah? I've heard a few of their songs....

Person A (in an all knowing, come on now, kind of tone): Oh man, you totally have to get into them. [Proceeds to name off the top selling tracks of the band off their iTunes page, usually 3, which, in their mind, marks them as their biggest, most hardcore fan. Much patting of themself on the back].

I REALLY respect this (its a subtle change):

Person B: What kind of music do you like?

Me: All kinds. I guess my favorites are the Goo Goo Dolls and the Format.

Person B: Yes! I love them too-- well, I like the Goo Goo Dolls, but their latest stuff isn't the greatest- I loved "Name" back in the day, and I really like "Big Machine." The Format's great too-- gosh I wish they hadn't broken up! Fun just isn't as cool of a sound as the Format had going on. Have you ever heard Vampire Weekend? They're similar-- you might like them. Their early stuff isn't great, but there are a few gems. I love them because their stuff makes you feel really good about yourself.

Me: Awesome! I'll have to check that out.

..........

Gosh, does the difference even make sense? In my mind, it does. And its not even about liking music I like-- there are a few people that like completely different stuff than I do, that I think of as having excellent taste. Because they like it because its what appeals to them-- not because all their friends like it, or because they were told it was cool. Or because it was playing at Starbucks or on the latest soundtrack of a Zach Braff/Adam Brody movie.

Go ahead, like commercial stuff. Like country. Like indie rock. I don't care at all. Just do your homework, and have passion about why you like them. Not just because your trendy friend told you it was cool. Be authentic, know why you like them. You don't have to like all their stuff. You should know how they sound live, because thats the best indication of an artist's ability. Don't be a snob. Share when asked. Don't force your taste on others.

I guess sometimes the things in our life that we do, we tend to hate when we see them in other people. Its easier to hate it in them then change it in yourself. So maybe this whole tirade is just a glimpse into what I hate about myself. I don't know.

Go out and find new music and fall in love with it. Its so important.

[FYI: Top played songs on my iTunes: "She Doesn't Get It"- The Format, "The Way I Are"-Timbaland, "Forever"-Chris Brown, "Get Over It"-OK GO, and "Ooh La"-The Kooks].