Life Needs a Soundtrack

Recently, i've discovered that many (read: all) of my friends are incredibly judgemental about music types. If you don't like it, it's bad.

Now, most of you know that I personally listen to a huge range of music. From pop to disco, from classical to metal, europop to fantasy metal, whatever. I listen to it all. How am I able to enjoy so many different kinds of music, while you're stuck only listening to classical, metal, emo, or whatever? It's 'cause I know something you don't.

I know that MUSIC can only be truly enjoyed when listened to with the correct mindset/environment/purpose.

Let's take my most listened to bands this month:

Enya
Nightwish
Eve 6
Regina Spektor
Keane
Andrea Bocelli
Cold
Disturbed
DJ Tiesto

(For those of you who DON'T know, there pretty much isn't a moment of my life with dead silence. I listen to music 24/7)

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If, at any given time, I were to stick songs from all of those artists into one playlist, and hit play, chances are I wouldn't enjoy most of the songs. Because that list is pretty broad, and each of the artists can do different types of songs, chances are, i'd enjoy some. But the ones that I would REALLY enjoy would be the ones that help me identify with whatever emotion/mindset I was in at that time.

If I was pissed, i'd like the Disturbed songs. Screaming about vindication, adrenaline pumping, heart racing goodness. These songs help me purge. When the songs ends, the adrenaline flows out of me, taking all my pissed off-ness with it.

If I was feeling depressed, i'd listen to Cold or Keane. If I wanted to get un-depressed via anger (general anger, not specified) i'd listen to Cold. Suffocate is an amazing song. If I wanted to just feel better, Keane is the way to go. Because Keane is pretty muchly amazing.

If I'm outside during the day, i'd listen to Eve 6. Eve 6's upbeat...well, beat, energizes you. Their songs are pretty easy to learn, so you'll find yourself singing along with 'em. Also, they just sounds plain awesome.

If I wanted to just sit and enjoy music, i'd listen to either Andrea Bocelli or Regina Spektor. Regina Spektor, if you don't know, is a supremely talented singer. Her music is beautiful to listen to, and it's very nice to listen to the control she has over her voice. Andrea Bocelli has a full orchestrea behind him, so you'd be listening to someone who has great vocal talent, along with amazing instrumentals.

If I was just outside at night, or driving at night, Enya is the way to go. Her songs are very soothing, lovely sounding. The only way to describe her music is "surrounding". Listen to it, in the aforementioned circumstances, and you'll see what I mean.

If I needed to work around my house, i'd listen to Tiesto. Tiesto gets your blood pumping, and never lets it down. w00t for Trance/dance. He also is a master at mixing/composing songs.

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So, all of those examples are to prove my point. Music is not merely enhanced by your mindset/environment/emotions. It is MADE by them. If I was to listen to Enya while I needed to work, what do you think would happen? Soothing would happen. I'd loose drive to work. I'd want to sit down, and be a lazy bum. Heh, and don't even get me started on listening to Disturbed while trying to sleep. Worst. Idea. Ever.

Of course, you must also take into account things like "Daang, this song just sounds cool.", "I just like it.", whatever. Everyone likes different things. But I think you're missing out on quality music when you zero-in on one particular genre/artist.

The conclusion of this note:

Life needs a soundtrack.

Recently, i've discovered that many (read: all) of my friends are incredibly judgemental about music types

http://davepear.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/breaking-news.gif

http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Humor/Cats/Retard.jpg

http://www.laughtertherapy.com/bean_laughing_hb.gif

Music is not merely enhanced by your mindset/environment/emotions. It is MADE by them.

I think you're right if "autosuggestion is an oft-overlooked variable in appreciating music" is your point. If you're told that a song is memorable before it touches your ears you're much more likely to find the good in it than if you didn't have that reinforcement. So you have a point.

But here are my obligatory jpegs and gifs as well.

http://i32.tinypic.com/2vi3zm9.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2uikcy0.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPdZv5SAYUc

For those of you who DON'T know, there pretty much isn't a moment of my life with dead silence. I listen to music 24/7

This will change.

Sometimes I like to listen to the sound of my head banging up and down on my desk.

Alas, I had bigger plans for this thread than a .gif depository.

:'(

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f325/caek/Picture1-14.png

haha i thought this was a "rapping is just rhythmic speaking" c&p-job, no?

it's an attempted troll, yes

have you guys heard of this band Coldplay? their music is perfect for all activities and occasions

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Music/Pix/pictures/2009/2/6/1233923099834/Chris-Martin-of-Coldplay--002.jpg

Alas, I had bigger plans for this thread than a .gif depository.

what were they? that was hilarious by the way, especially "These songs help me purge. When the songs ends, the adrenaline flows out of me, taking all my pissed off-ness with it."

No idea. Probably best it ended when it did.

(Or has it...?)