Do you like reading "Music Writing"?

[jauntyalan.livejournal.com]

I don't think I do.

Internet mutual interest groups drew me into usenet and bulletin board (ahem) discussions about music, but i think i was only ever in there, for a "i like x" "really you should try y" "i recommend z then" sort of stuff, and general chat about stuff i like. I noticed some time ago that i don't think i get talking about stuff you don't like - it happens a lot on the internet, and i dip into those conversations. But i find it baffling that anyone would sustain much of a conversation (beyond "wow that's really popular even though i think it sounds rub") IRL about a band or piece of music they don't like all that much. (Mentioning no names.) I like hearing people being enthusiastic and passionate because i like to be enthused. And i like a lot of music.

now i've read quite a bit of the internet by now (maybe half of it), and you may not know this but the internet is a fertile place to find all manner of musing on music. And a lot of it bugs me. The language used doesn't chime with my experience of music at all. Where is the conflict in all this music, when all i see is plurality? You don't get this when people talk about contemporary clothing (eg off the top of my head there). Another minor thing, but the "music is food" metaphor (nourishing, balanced diet, "x is good for you") is balls too.

I'm sure i'll think of other stuff.

(ps the chart still hasn't been re-calced yet, but i'll be there when it is)

Comments

SKIENCE

[katstevens.livejournal.com]

Proof that music > clothes

[genie22.livejournal.com]

I used to write and edit the music section on our university paper a few years back.

I like to read reviews for curiosity's sake, but prefer to look at the recommendations, e.g. 'if you like this, try out this' first, before deciding whether to read said review.

I also enjoy the feature articles on artists and biographies too; I've learnt a lot through the power of suggestion, but nothing substitutes listening to the music yourself and THEN forming an opinion.

[sbp.livejournal.com]

As FZ said, writing about music is like fishing about architecture. He didn't much like music journos though.

[braisedbywolves.livejournal.com]

Writing about music you dislike is always trickier, because it means that you have to consider how people who aren't like you enjoy music, and most people would rather not do that. So a lot of that sort of thing ends up as attacks on straw men, which is why it's rubbish to read.

[dubdobdee.livejournal.com]

jaunto, have a lend of kogan's book off freakytigger!

most music writing isn't ENOUGH like fishing about architecture -- this quote is like zappa declaring "i have no imagination and i'm proud of it"

[http://users.livejournal.com/xyzzzz__/]

dancing vs fishing

[steviespitfire.livejournal.com]

It's weird. I like reading "music writing", but I can't write about it myself (well) but I actively dislike talking about music in the way I might here (say) IRL.

[alexmacpherson.livejournal.com]

I only like reading music writing after I've heard the music in question (same for most art pretty much)

[dickmalone.livejournal.com]

I actually love reading criticism about stuff I've never directly experienced--it often inspires me to do the legwork. But that kind of criticism that's worth reading is always written well. I feel like I would get more work if I didn't basically regard individual works of art as standing in for whatever you want them to stand in for at the time.

That said, all the non-music-nerds I hang out with tend to have strong dislikes about music and enjoy expressing those more than expressing their likes. This may just be the kind of people I hang out with, though.

[jel-bugle.livejournal.com]

I think I agree with Alan. I can't often find much to say about the music I like, beyond the "it's great!" or "cor! I like the video!" or "haha! did they just sing..." or "it has proper guitar solos!". When I try and write about music I usually just turn into a random anecdote or say something obscure(did you notice?), and am very aware of the bits that sound 'reviewy' and not like me. I don't really read much about music, I buy metal hammer sometimes...yeah.

[(Anonymous)]

"Where is the conflict in all this music, when all i see is plurality?"

As early as the 5th or 6th grade I remember a bunch of Big Scary Girls (the ones who were already making out and perhaps even Having Sex, and who when in a gang rather than 1 on 1 could surely kick my ass) came and pressed up uncomfortably close to me while I was emptying my tray in the cafeteria.

What they had to say was, Our Sources tell us that you like that nigger music. (Their Sources! As if they were Government Agents or something.) Then they basically informed me that not only was I a twerpy little faggot who really got on their nerves anyway, but the music I listened to proved that I was prejudiced, so was I gonna do something about it, or were they going to be forced to kick my ass?
--Elizabeth Shaw, in Why Music Sucks #8

Nuff said.

koganbot

[(Anonymous)]

"You don't get this when people talk about contemporary clothing (eg off the top of my head there)."

Cosmo: You and Jessica each have such distinct styles. How would you describe yours?

Ashlee: It's a little more feminine now but still has an edge. I love vintage, and I like things to be a little off. I wear things Ashlee-style. I don't care if I'm on the worst-dressed [list] because it means I tried something.

koganbot