Music

I like many types of music, too.  I was brought up listening to classical (my dad's favourite) and rock 'n' roll (my brother's favourite).  Music is music, really, no matter what it is and who's playing it - the London Philarmonic or the Sex Pistols.  Having said that, I've never liked rap or hip-hop.  I listen to some of it and it just sounds like words recited over a backing track.  Also, I can't stand the blatant references to violence and sexism in it. 

There are some bands that are favourites, and I like a lot of their stuff: Eels, The Smiths, REM, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, U2, NIN.  But I'm not an obsessive collector like some people. I haven't 'bought' any music for about 10 years. I stream it all from YouTube, etc.  Nor am I an obsessive listener.  I can't be like some, and have music wherever I go.  I like to listen to the sounds of the natural world outside.  I can't listen to music when I'm driving, either, as it's too distracting.  I can't have music as a 'background' to whatever I'm doing.  I need to be focussed on the music - or on the other thing I'm doing.  Not both.  Basically, I need to be in the mood for music.  Other people who play their music too loudly, so that everyone else can hear, are the bane of my life.  Anti-social, selfish, arrogant, confrontational, idiotic.

I suppose anothe genre I'd rule out, too, is X-Factor/BGT-generation pop.  Can't stand 'products' like Ed Sheerhan.  Don't mind Bruno Mars.  Hate pretty-boy vacuous pop.  Too bland and blatantly commercial.  I think Adele is hugely over-rated: mediocre, derivative song-writing and a shouty, soulless voice.  The last contemporary female singer I thought was great was Amy Winehouse.  A true talent.

I like many types of music, too.  I was brought up listening to classical (my dad's favourite) and rock 'n' roll (my brother's favourite).  Music is music, really, no matter what it is and who's playing it - the London Philarmonic or the Sex Pistols.  Having said that, I've never liked rap or hip-hop.  I listen to some of it and it just sounds like words recited over a backing track.  Also, I can't stand the blatant references to violence and sexism in it. 

There are some bands that are favourites, and I like a lot of their stuff: Eels, The Smiths, REM, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, U2, NIN.  But I'm not an obsessive collector like some people. I haven't 'bought' any music for about 10 years. I stream it all from YouTube, etc.  Nor am I an obsessive listener.  I can't be like some, and have music wherever I go.  I like to listen to the sounds of the natural world outside.  I can't listen to music when I'm driving, either, as it's too distracting.  I can't have music as a 'background' to whatever I'm doing.  I need to be focussed on the music - or on the other thing I'm doing.  Not both.  Basically, I need to be in the mood for music.  Other people who play their music too loudly, so that everyone else can hear, are the bane of my life.  Anti-social, selfish, arrogant, confrontational, idiotic.

I suppose anothe genre I'd rule out, too, is X-Factor/BGT-generation pop.  Can't stand 'products' like Ed Sheerhan.  Don't mind Bruno Mars.  Hate pretty-boy vacuous pop.  Too bland and blatantly commercial.  I think Adele is hugely over-rated: mediocre, derivative song-writing and a shouty, soulless voice.  The last contemporary female singer I thought was great was Amy Winehouse.  A true talent.