Beirut - Gulag Orkestar
Quite a lot of hype was generated by Beirut’s album and so naturally I had to check it out. I was giving it the regular treatment of a few repeat listens and though I found it a bit weird, I was also beginning to see why it was receiving praise. Then one day when I was giving someone a lift, I put it on to continue my familiarisation with it. About two songs in, this guy turned to me and said ‘Man, what the fuck is this shit?’ Now I have absolutely no respect for this person’s musical taste but it did make me stop and think ‘Yes, what am I listening to?’ Call me crazy, but I don’t think Balkan Gypsy music is my thing! Sure I see the artistry within this music and highly enjoy it at times, but I doubt I’ll be putting it on at my next party or even during a long car trip for that matter. In fact, is there ever an occasion for this album?
MP3: Mount Wroclai
8 comments:
that's two! now post the thom yorke so i can yell at you.
hehe if you insist....
This album is wonderful. I can play it any time. If I ever listened to other people's opinions I would miss out on so much great music.
That's ridiculous. If you never listened to anyone's opinion, you would know no great music. The more opinions you hear, the greater your chances of finding good music. Unfortunately it also increases your chances of being let down. It's just a matter of realising no one opinion is absolute. It's OK to disagree! Musical opinion hasn't been in widespread agreement since The Beatles. I doubt it ever will be again
Um, you misunderstood my remark. I listen to lots of different opinions and even though I disagree about Beirut, I respect your opinion, because you are obviously a music fan. I was referring to the guy, who you said had no taste, that said "What is that shit?". I don't bother listening to people, like most of my workmates, who close their ears to new music, buy 1 CD a year and their only concert is Robbie Williams. I always take on board other music fans opinions, but of course ultimately you develop your own taste. Having said that I still think you can find great music by yourself sometimes. Sorry for long post, just wanted to express my opinion.
ah, I see, sorry for the misunderstanding. I know exactly the type of person you speak of and this guys defintely fits the mold. I too ignore (and pity) such people on a regular basis, but in this case his comment just made me realise that I was listening to some rather weird music that I didn't particularly like, merely because lots of people had said it was good. I have since come to the conclusion that I like the album, just don't love it. My reasoning for mentioning that story was mainly to point out how sometimes I can get caught up in hype and forget to evaluate an album personally....though in hindsight, I guess didn't really make that clear enough. Ah well I think everything's sorted now (how's that for a long post?)
No worries, I agree that sometimes you listen to something that everyone says is great and you don't like it at all. The Knife and Deerhoof would be perfect examples for me. I agree, listen to opinions you think you can trust, evaluate and then trust your own taste. The best thing about the blogging world I think is finding people with interesting taste and then having discussions like this.
Perhaps the artistry you admire would be more evident and enjoyable in real Balkan gypsy music rather than this pastiche of it?
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