There two types of music we all listen to: The music we like, and the music we think we’re supposed to like.
Being paid to think about and present music, I hear a lot of different stuff and I am also exposed to other peoples’ tastes. One of my favourite places to play music is at weddings.
I was DJing a wedding in Victoria on the weekend for some fine people. They were beautiful twenty-somethings with their group of beautiful friends. All good folks.
And like all weddings, the playlist has to be a very mainstream, fun and upbeat mix. I have no problem with this as… I do enjoy me some Top 40 music and have a soft spot for Motown and classic hits.
At a wedding, later after speeches, and cake, pictures and small talk… it generally becomes time to turn it on and hit the dance floor. Some drinks, some “Save a Horse and Ride a Cowboy,” and some cleavage revealing dresses later; the party will start to operate at an 11.
Then the requests comes and I get a chance to hear what people really like.
Sometimes the party-goers know who I am before and it will taint our meeting, but luckily alcohol is the great forgetter. Almost always, the request begins with either, “you probably don’t have this but….” or “I don’t normally even like this song but….”
Then you know, Taylor Swift.
I always find it funny when people apologize for their taste in music. Maybe its because I have confidence in what I like that I don’t care… and I take that for granted. I like Taylor Swift fine. There is never anything wrong with wanting to have silly fun.
I will say this, dropping Taylor Swift “Love Story” at a wedding will create mass-ovulation. It really is in the best interests of humanity’s continuation on the Planet to come to terms with music that makes people happy. Folks smile, babies will be made.
When I listen to music I ask myself… Do I like this, or should I like this?
Should doesn’t bother me too much. If everyone tells you something is good… and you’re not feeling it… groovy, but I still listen very critically to try and figure out what makes it special to other people. Sometimes the hype is pretend, too many people thinking they should like something because: their peer group does, or it fits a mold or lifestyle attribution. Sometimes its just challenging and smarter people than me get it and get off on the weirdness. Sometimes its very commercial and easy sounding, so lots of people like it.
Should makes sense for me. A new modern rock song, might not be my cup of tea at home, but learning and appreciating it is useful for my job. Same for a new popular dance track that I can play at a wedding or an obscure R&B number from the 60s to burn down the lounge with.
The flip… if I hear Taylor Swift on the radio, I don’t change the station. Then I want to make-out.
But if you don’t like the Japandroids, you’re an idiot. (jk)
Go with yourself.
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The Morning After 