At times what people define as good music can be quite a vexing conundrum. What is one persons inclination of choice can be the antithesis of what another dislikes. Whilst the likes of Adele and Coldplay are undeniably popular amongst the masses, to some their glittering melodies are no more interesting than a taupe coloured wall, to those dissenting voices it maybe that the latest industrial techno track is more their cup of tea, where as to a Coldplay fan the unsettling sound of a techno record is more likely to induce the need for a cup of tea… fair-trade of course. But why is there such a disparity in musical taste? Surely if the latest techno or Coldplay track is that good, shouldn’t both sides appreciate it equally?
In theory if both sides of the fence can be objective then yes each should be able to enjoy, or at least appreciate anothers preference. However putting musical differences just down to a need for objectivity is far to simplistic a conclusion. More often than not our musical choices are culturally influenced by our immediate environment, with the city we live in and our circle of friends heavily dictating our choices. Take a look at the history of music and where certain genres have emerged from and you’ll notice that there have been trends over the years of particular sounds perpetually emanating from certain locations. Hence the Resident Advisor documentary series ‘Real Scenes’. As a result our cultural clique has the potential to suppress our ability for objectivity, and consequently we can become unable to appreciate sounds that dont naturally conform to our conditioned tastes. In itself this is not necessarily a bad thing as we enjoy what we know, however there is a danger that suppressed objectivity can begin to manifest itself in arrogant opinionated ignorance.
Therefore, before we introduce todays contrasting new music selections, we can can conclude that culture plays a significant role in why particular sounds can attract and repel certain individuals in equal measure. But, if as individuals we are able to occasionally step back from our immediate surroundings we may surprise ourselves at what great new music opens up to us.
Hove – Journey To Arendal (Light of Other Days)
Robert Hood – Form (Dekmantel)