About a year and a half ago I bought tickets to see Explosions in the Sky at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. After expressing my excitement at getting tickets to this show, a friend of mine responded that it really isn't that hard to get tickets to an EITS concert. This is one of the more distinct experiences I've had where how amazingly good a band is does not affect how the world views them and also reveals to me how out of touch I am with what the world really likes. In my mind, EITS is one of the best bands in the world right now. It amazes me that they don't sell out every show and become the Dethklok of reality. The point is that I am completely oblivious as to what the world thinks is good music.
Here are my top 3 bands that I apparently have an unworldly obsession for:
1. Explosions in the Sky: the world needs to get on board.
2. Belle and Sebastian: After thinking about my experiences with EITS, I tried to think of anyone other than myself that loves Belle and Sebastian. As far as I know, it's just Kyle Gladden (who introduced me to Belle and Sebastian) and Justin Bragg who love these guys. And I'm not just saying that I like any particular song or even an album; I have and love every album they've put out. Either the world's crazy or I'm crazy.
3. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: Even Brian won't back me up on this one. I love these guys. My good friend Jeff from law school got me more into them. Take Them On, On Your Own is the album to listen to if you want to give them a chance.
Also, I climbed Mount Whitney yesterday.
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3 comments:
Oh hi, taylor, have we met? I'm your girlfriend. Just fyi, I love Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. I've loved them longer than you. Thanks for the non-shout out.
I do find it odd sometimes that some great music is never noticed. However, I wonder if you would so valiantly defend these bands if they were mainstream? I think you love them more because they are more unique little flowers that you went through a process to discover. Just a thought.
Also, congrats on whitney.
The praise of the world is definitely a double-edged sword, mostly because commercial success seems to make bands suck. But there are also non-mainstream bands that have huge followings; I wouldn't consider Radiohead mainstream even though they are successful. (I can probably cut to the chase of this argument by just arguing now that every band ever should be like Radiohead.) And I do like some music that is in the mainstream: Gnarls Barkley, Modest Mouse (they're mainstream now, right?), Jimmy Eat World, Metallica . . .
It's really an easy formula to explain.
Love of more obscure music + conversation with lovers of more mainstream music = Your assessment of being out of touch.
But I think you relish the idea(as Leslie stated) that you don't listen to the same crap that is run over and over on the radio. Lord knows I relish it.
Granted as you pointed out there are some bands that transcend the idea of obscurity, because no matter what they are just damn good.
It doesn't mean you are out of touch. It means you are unique, just like everyone else.....
Like how I did that? Made my last line the title of my blog? Anyone? Anyone?
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