What Is It About Music That You Like? (Read first post!)

Guybrush · 01-27-2011, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

Why do that? I think for some people variety is one defining characteristics of their taste. Asking people who really don't have a favorite genre to pare it down to their favorites gives a false portrait of their relationship to music.

Usually, the music people listen to can be defined by some genre name, even if it's an umbrella term like electronica or rock, so I don't think asking for a few genres is that difficult. Some so far have been imaginative, but that's okay.

To illustrate why less is more, here's a really banal example. Let's say you want to see if people who like to use music as a way to vent anger more often listen to hardcore while people who like music for peace and harmony listen more often to classical. Let's say only two people answer, one who appreciates aggression in music and one who likes harmonies. However, because these people have some variety in their taste, the person who likes harmony also enjoys a bit of aggression now and then and vice versa. As a result, they both put up both classical and hardcore in their genre list.

When they both put up both genres, it's harder to know what attracts them to either one. Does the hardcore guy put up classical because he likes the aggression in the music? Probably not, but if classical (and not hardcore) was his only choice, you'd know that was the case. So, when they both put up both genres, the explanatory power of those answers is actually less - they don't help you answer the questions posed in the OP as effectively.

So, it's okay if people pile on genres, but I'd like to know what their one, two, three favourites are as it makes the answer more valuable to me that way for analytical purposes.

**Janszoon** · 01-27-2011, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tore

Usually, the music people listen to can be defined by some genre name, even if it's an umbrella term like electronica or rock, so I don't think asking for a few genres is that difficult. Some so far have been imaginative, but that's okay.

To illustrate why less is more, here's a really banal example. Let's say you want to see if people who like to use music as a way to vent anger more often listen to hardcore while people who like music for peace and harmony listen more often to classical. Let's say only two people answer, one who appreciates aggression in music and one who likes harmonies. However, because these people have some variety in their taste, the person who likes harmony also enjoys a bit of aggression now and then and vice versa. As a result, they both put up both classical and hardcore in their genre list.

When they both put up both genres, it's harder to know what attracts them to either one. Does the hardcore guy put up classical because he likes the aggression in the music? Probably not, but if classical (and not hardcore) was his only choice, you'd know that was the case. So, when they both put up both genres, the explanatory power of those answers is actually less - they don't help you answer the questions posed in the OP as effectively.

So, it's okay if people pile on genres, but I'd like to know what their one, two, three favourites are as it makes the answer more valuable to me that way for analytical purposes.

I think the first sentence in your post is a very big assumption. As I said before, for some people variety itself is a defining characteristic of their taste. So, to use the person in your example, what if his answer to the second question was "emotional intensity". If he only says he like hardcore you'e going to read "emotional intensity" as "anger" or something similar, while if he says he likes hardcore and classical you're going to understand that when he says "emotional intensity" he means something much more complex, involving a range of strong emotions. As a result, I think the explanatory power actually increases when people answer the first question with an honest assessment of what they listen to instead of attempting to pare it down to a couple genres.

Guybrush · 01-27-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I think the first sentence in your post is a very big assumption. As I said before, for some people variety itself is a defining characteristic of their taste. So, to use the person in your example, what if his answer to the second question was "emotional intensity". If he only says he like hardcore you'e going to read "emotional intensity" as "anger" or something similar, while if he says he likes hardcore and classical you're going to understand that when he says "emotional intensity" he means something much more complex, involving a range of strong emotions. As a result, I think the explanatory power actually increases when people answer the first question with an honest assessment of what they listen to instead of attempting to pare it down to a couple genres.

The way I see it, if someone likes variety, then I am asking them what part of the spectrum of that variety do they like the most. If they like something out of all possible genres and really appreciate everything there is to appreciate about music, then I expect that there will still be something they like the most. I'm after that most. If that takes a lot of soul searching to figure out, that's fine.

Guybrush · 02-01-2011, 11:18 AM

Shameless bump, but I'm really curious as to what some more members of our community would write here, so I'd love to see some more answers!

Howard the Duck · 02-01-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tore

The way I see it, if someone likes variety, then I am asking them what part of the spectrum of that variety do they like the most. If they like something out of all possible genres and really appreciate everything there is to appreciate about music, then I expect that there will still be something they like the most. I'm after that most. If that takes a lot of soul searching to figure out, that's fine.

I'm a multi-genre fan myself - electronica, country, classical, metal, jazz, pop

If I had to pin down what I like the most, it's probably jazz-rock cos it's complex AND intense.

Telephasic · 02-01-2011, 11:44 AM

Favourite 3 Genres
This is really difficult for me, because I listen to almost every genre (with a few exceptions of course). At the moment though, the genres I enjoy listening the most to are jazz, folk and blues.

What attracts me to music
I like music that makes me think. Good lyrics are one of the most important aspects of a song; if the instrumentation is perfect and the lyrics bad, I simply won't like it. It doesn't necessarily have to be of poetic quality, but I like to be told a story. Another thing that is very important to me is atmosphere. I love instrumental music too, but it has to feel 'right'.

Some artists I really enjoy listening to at the moment:

Are you attracted to the same musical qualities now as then?
Definitely not. A couple of years ago I was much more attracted to catchy melodies, and didn't care for lyrics at all.

~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ · 02-01-2011, 12:05 PM

^ Excellent three videos right there. Three of my favorites as well!

Howard the Duck · 02-01-2011, 12:42 PM

Favourite 3 Genres

Jazz-rock fusion, metal and pop.

What attracts me to music

Mostly it just enhances my mood and it depends on what mood I'm in really. Metal when I'm really stressed. Canto-pop when I'm Lovey dovey.

the following is an example of evoking my memories about a transsexual I dated and also my bisexual feelings (Tat Ming Pair's Forget Her Is Him):-

and when I'm angry, nothing beats this:-

Are you attracted to the same musical qualities now as then?

Yeah. I listen for some different out-there things. I go from phase to phase but usually I tie all together at some stage in life and give everything I used to like the same attention as I did.

Bloozcrooz · 02-12-2011, 10:58 AM

Favourite 3 Genres
Ok well ive read the details and think its an excellent way to find the driving force behind musicians ambitions. So ill give it a shot myself. My favorite 3 genres would consist of Blues,Country, and Classic Rock. That being said I also enjoy Grunge,Rap. and your every day standard Rock and Roll of course.
What attracts me to music
For me music is a feeling of sharing emotion with the artist. The importance of lyrics is very much as important as it was when I was young. I like the song to deliver a message I can understand and or relate to. There are exceptions though...Like when you have a song that the guitar work just does the talking for you. Im prodominantly more appreciative and clingy to sad songs than anything else. Whether im in love or not is of no importance. In fact you can feel more alone with someone sometimes than actually being alone. Which music does a great job of describing for me. The Blues are a therapeutic escape through others shared sorrow for me. Somehow giving comfort through acoustic or stratocaster cries. Country is what I grew up hearing but dont lean on as much as I use to. Also I certainly enjoyed some of the passionate vocals of early to mid 90's grunge bands. For the more aggressive getting your point across music. Or rap can also serve this purpose to. Also I enjoy some r&b music every now and then. Theres to many to list each one and defining reasons for them all so ill just leave it wiht the dominant ones ive already listed.

Ok so this would be a perfect example of a song not needing any words, and just encapsulating all the emotion in the guitar cries. It has that dreary sad sound I love so much. Its a cover of a song but this guy does it better than the original and paints the picture in your mind with his unparalled guitar work.

Next would be my tribute to the almighty himself...Mr. Hendrix. The older I get the more I appreciate this wizzard of musical mastery. Heres the first song I ever heard from him and was enough for me to be a fan for life.

This would be what im speaking of when im just looking for a good hook in a song. Along with its catchy but simplistic guitar work it reamains one of my favorite examples. Of being able to relate to lyrics and just relying on personal experiences and passion to get ya through a song.

And finally if im just in a feel good wanna hear something exciting while im driving or something. Id throw in something like this and just let loose a little. Not aggressive or pissed just pumped up.

Are you attracted to the same musical qualities now as then?
I tend to still like to have a message of sorts in my music I listen to. I always prefer a catchy melody and great lyrics put the icing on the cake. Difference is now that im older I can appreciate music I didnt use to. From a pioneering aspect and things of that nature. As a child all I ever heard was country and I still like it but Blues is my passion. I ventured that route on my own and havent looked back. I played guitar from an early age and just liked the challenge of trying to get my guitar to sing for me. I go for what I relate to and compare it to my own songs.Embelishing the many different styles ive grown to love and developing them along with my own. While incorporating all my own feelings and thoughts and saying the same thing a million different ways. I hope this was along the lines of what you were looking for in a reply Tore. Anyways thats my take on it.

Kinda Blue · 02-12-2011, 11:42 AM

Favourite 3 Genres
My favorite genres are progressive rock, jazz and sweet soul music!

What attracts me to music
This really got me thinking, 'cause I've never actually thought of what exactly it is that makes me like music as much as I do. This girl I know keeps saying that she has to be able to relate to the lyrics in order to really like a song - but that definitely doesn't go for me. I can listen to some seriously heartbreaking love songs (though I'm not heartbroken), I can listen to songs with abstract lyrics and I can listen to "songs" without any lyrics at all! So I guess I pay more attention the instrumentation and harmonies than I do to the lyrics. If I first fall in love with song lyrics, though, they are usually melancholic/depressing.

Progressive rock.

Jazz.

Soul!

Are you attracted to the same musical qualities now as then?
Haha, no, when I was younger I listened to happy music I could dance to usually. xD Man, I've changed as a person too.

02-01-2011, 11:18 AM	#34 (permalink)
Guybrush Juicious Maximus III Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Scabb Island Posts: 6,525	Shameless bump, but I'm really curious as to what some more members of our community would write here, so I'd love to see some more answers! __________________ Something Completely Different

02-01-2011, 11:44 AM	#36 (permalink)
Telephasic Music Addict Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 112	Favourite 3 Genres This is really difficult for me, because I listen to almost every genre (with a few exceptions of course). At the moment though, the genres I enjoy listening the most to are jazz, folk and blues. What attracts me to music I like music that makes me think. Good lyrics are one of the most important aspects of a song; if the instrumentation is perfect and the lyrics bad, I simply won't like it. It doesn't necessarily have to be of poetic quality, but I like to be told a story. Another thing that is very important to me is atmosphere. I love instrumental music too, but it has to feel 'right'. Some artists I really enjoy listening to at the moment: Are you attracted to the same musical qualities now as then? Definitely not. A couple of years ago I was much more attracted to catchy melodies, and didn't care for lyrics at all. __________________ I am the one who loves changing from nothing to one

02-12-2011, 10:58 AM	#39 (permalink)
Bloozcrooz Justifiable Idiocracy Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 1,244	Favourite 3 Genres Ok well ive read the details and think its an excellent way to find the driving force behind musicians ambitions. So ill give it a shot myself. My favorite 3 genres would consist of Blues,Country, and Classic Rock. That being said I also enjoy Grunge,Rap. and your every day standard Rock and Roll of course. What attracts me to music For me music is a feeling of sharing emotion with the artist. The importance of lyrics is very much as important as it was when I was young. I like the song to deliver a message I can understand and or relate to. There are exceptions though...Like when you have a song that the guitar work just does the talking for you. Im prodominantly more appreciative and clingy to sad songs than anything else. Whether im in love or not is of no importance. In fact you can feel more alone with someone sometimes than actually being alone. Which music does a great job of describing for me. The Blues are a therapeutic escape through others shared sorrow for me. Somehow giving comfort through acoustic or stratocaster cries. Country is what I grew up hearing but dont lean on as much as I use to. Also I certainly enjoyed some of the passionate vocals of early to mid 90's grunge bands. For the more aggressive getting your point across music. Or rap can also serve this purpose to. Also I enjoy some r&b music every now and then. Theres to many to list each one and defining reasons for them all so ill just leave it wiht the dominant ones ive already listed. Ok so this would be a perfect example of a song not needing any words, and just encapsulating all the emotion in the guitar cries. It has that dreary sad sound I love so much. Its a cover of a song but this guy does it better than the original and paints the picture in your mind with his unparalled guitar work. Next would be my tribute to the almighty himself...Mr. Hendrix. The older I get the more I appreciate this wizzard of musical mastery. Heres the first song I ever heard from him and was enough for me to be a fan for life. This would be what im speaking of when im just looking for a good hook in a song. Along with its catchy but simplistic guitar work it reamains one of my favorite examples. Of being able to relate to lyrics and just relying on personal experiences and passion to get ya through a song. And finally if im just in a feel good wanna hear something exciting while im driving or something. Id throw in something like this and just let loose a little. Not aggressive or pissed just pumped up. Are you attracted to the same musical qualities now as then? I tend to still like to have a message of sorts in my music I listen to. I always prefer a catchy melody and great lyrics put the icing on the cake. Difference is now that im older I can appreciate music I didnt use to. From a pioneering aspect and things of that nature. As a child all I ever heard was country and I still like it but Blues is my passion. I ventured that route on my own and havent looked back. I played guitar from an early age and just liked the challenge of trying to get my guitar to sing for me. I go for what I relate to and compare it to my own songs.Embelishing the many different styles ive grown to love and developing them along with my own. While incorporating all my own feelings and thoughts and saying the same thing a million different ways. I hope this was along the lines of what you were looking for in a reply Tore. Anyways thats my take on it. Last edited by Bloozcrooz; 02-12-2011 at 02:47 PM.

02-12-2011, 11:42 AM	#40 (permalink)
Kinda Blue Music Addict Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 92	Favourite 3 Genres My favorite genres are progressive rock, jazz and sweet soul music! What attracts me to music This really got me thinking, 'cause I've never actually thought of what exactly it is that makes me like music as much as I do. This girl I know keeps saying that she has to be able to relate to the lyrics in order to really like a song - but that definitely doesn't go for me. I can listen to some seriously heartbreaking love songs (though I'm not heartbroken), I can listen to songs with abstract lyrics and I can listen to "songs" without any lyrics at all! So I guess I pay more attention the instrumentation and harmonies than I do to the lyrics. If I first fall in love with song lyrics, though, they are usually melancholic/depressing. Progressive rock. Jazz. Soul! Are you attracted to the same musical qualities now as then? Haha, no, when I was younger I listened to happy music I could dance to usually. xD Man, I've changed as a person too. __________________ lastfm My music rated

02-01-2011, 12:05 PM	#37 (permalink)
~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,538	^ Excellent three videos right there. Three of my favorites as well!

02-01-2011, 12:42 PM	#38 (permalink)
Howard the Duck Live by the Sword Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Posts: 9,075	Favourite 3 Genres Jazz-rock fusion, metal and pop. What attracts me to music Mostly it just enhances my mood and it depends on what mood I'm in really. Metal when I'm really stressed. Canto-pop when I'm Lovey dovey. the following is an example of evoking my memories about a transsexual I dated and also my bisexual feelings (Tat Ming Pair's Forget Her Is Him):- and when I'm angry, nothing beats this:- Are you attracted to the same musical qualities now as then? Yeah. I listen for some different out-there things. I go from phase to phase but usually I tie all together at some stage in life and give everything I used to like the same attention as I did.