Why do we hate "POP" music?
When was the last time someone asked you "What kind of music do you listen to?" Was it hard for you to answer them? Did the word "pop" come up in their questioning or even in your answer? Most of you would probably say no when asked if you like pop music. We all know that the term pop music really means popular music which leads me to another question. Do we hate it when the bands we listen to become popular? Does that make us like them less? I have to answer for everyone until I get a few comments on this post. Yes and no!
I have a hard time answering someone if they ask me what kind of music I listen to because I listen to so many different kinds. I usually get the most laughs when I answer classical or choir music which i really do like but they're certainly not my first choice. My answer usually goes something like this: "Well . . . I like alot of different kinds of music, alternative (mainly because people that don't listen to alot of music at least understand that term.), indie, punk, etc." I never, ever say the word pop! I never say rock either but that's a whole post in itself.
When I was a teenager I took pride in the fact that I didn't listen to pop music when actually if I would have been honest I would have said I did because half of the stuff I liked was in the top 40 in England but not in America. I thought the bands I listened to were too good to be considered pop. I remember having a favorite band or two and loving them and then their popularity would rise and it would start to bother me. Somehow I had a connection with that particular band, an exclusivity that made them mine and yet at the same time I would wonder why people didn't listen to them when they were so much better than other bands. (Wow, I had a problem back then.) Why shouldn't the bands we like become popular? Isn't that at least a part of the reason they are making music? Shouldn't they be able to make a living at what they love to do?
My whole point to asking these questions is to basically say it's alright for great bands to become popular. I think it's even ok to like pop music. I constantly catch myself saying "This band is too good to be considered a pop band." Now I'm not telling you to run out and buy a Miley Cyrus cd or something crazy like that but don't be afraid to love a band that has a song in the Top 40. Below is a playlist of bands or musicians that I've always considered too good to be pop. Enjoy.
Country music is a good one to start with because I never listen to it by choice but I don't detest it. I can easily recognize the talent it takes to produce good country music. In my mind there are some very good country musicians and some very bad ones. I think one of the hardest things about this challenge will be narrowing them down to only five. I know that my answers may be heavily influenced by whether I have seen them live or not, that always helps me appreciate a band or musician more. The list will be in no particular order. Alright, here we go.
1. Alan Jackson - I have appreciated Alan Jackson from the very first song I ever heard by him mostly because he writes just about all of his songs. He's a very honest songwriter and he seems to really enjoy it. He is true country to me because his music comes from the heart.
3. Merle Haggard - Real Country at its best! Definitely an original. Put him up against Johnny Cash any day and he would win. If you don't agree with that I'm afraid you just don't really know country music.
4. Diamond Rio - I'm sure alot of people might disagree with me on this one but remember this is my top 5. I've seen them live and they are incredible. They know their stuff, pure talent. Great songwriting, catchy hooks, southern accent, what else do you need to be good country?
5. Alabama - They have to be, hands down, the greastest country band of all time. They have the awards to prove it. That might be all I can say.
6. Nickle Creek - I know it's a top 5 list but I said there wasn't going to be any rules. And you know I had to throw in somewhat of an Alternative/Country band. When Nickle Creek first came out they were young, inventive, and creative. Like always radio never did quite figure out what to do with them. They had a bit of airplay but then they got swept under the rug. Three words; talent, talent, talent. I'm afraid if you can't appreciate this band you just don't like music.
I wondered how Silversun Pickups would follow up with Swoon after enjoying Carnavas so much. It's very rare to put in a CD and love it from the very first second and never stop loving it. Silversun Pickups are full of originality and talent which definitely shows on Swoon. There is no need for song skipping on this album, it is perfect from start to finish.
The Veils follow no rules musically. Everyone of their albums has a different outlook and sound. Sun Gangs is probably their most melancholy and mature album. When I say melancholy I don't mean completely depressing, but it is serious. Finn Andrews, being the son of Barry Andrews of XTC and Shriekback fame, has a life time of musical experience and it comes through on Sun Gangs. You won't find yourself jumping for joy while listening to this CD, but it is perfect for a reflective or rainy day.
If you are a 311 fan you just can't help but like this album. You can tell they are getting older, but not too old. They still have it! More of their songs are about love and relationships, but still have that great snare drum and base line. It's a really solid, good summer CD.
This album came out of nowhere for me. I wasn't looking for and didn't expect to like it, but I do. Alpinisms offers great vocals and good percussion plus some very well put together songs. It's just a pleasant listen. Perfect to listen to while doing a project or if you just need some music on while keeping busy. It's definitely worth a listen.
I had to give this album an honorable mention because it is absolutely worth purchasing. For my taste it is not a perfect CD, but it offers things every serious music listener must hear. Jack White is musically magic and the musicians he surrounds himself with always make contributions to the rock music world that is usually lacking in what the industry considers rock music. You have to hear this album. 
