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Normally I think that I have pretty good taste in music. I know plenty of obscure artists, but also enjoy many popular ones. I like to think that I'm fairly discerning in which artists, regardless of their fame, that I like. Although my taste crosses many genres, I generally feel confident about which music I choose to listen to, no matter what category it falls in. (No, really: ask me top 10 country, 80s, indie, whatever, and I think I'll give a list that I feel proud of and that the smart people in the world will agree with.)
However, anytime the "what embarrasing music do you like" topic comes up, I always admit to a weakness for cheesy hair metal. Well, I was driving to work today, and a Pink Floyd song came on. And at some point while I was listening to that song, I had an epiphany: the hair metal thing is just one of those ironic detached hipster ideas. I would never just throw on a whole Scorpions album, or whatever. Although it's fun, it's definitely not a guilty pleasure. Because I love, and am emotionally affected by, a different genre altogether: prog rock. (See, you knew I'd eventually get back to the Floyd!)
Okay, so I've always rationalized Tool. I can mount defenses along many lines: "No, they're really metal." "No, it's about Maynard's androgynous voice and intellectual lyrics." "I grew up listening to Tool." Whatever. They're prog rock and I like them because of that. I also like other bands that couldn't be excused or even admitted: Rush. Pink Floyd. Genesis. Even, god help me, Dreamtheater. And then there's the "cool" bands that I like...but could it be, gasp, that it's because of their progressive roots: Godspeed you black emperor!, the Flaming Lips, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Craig Armstrong, Dredg, and this is where I stop making the list because it's getting scary.
However, anytime the "what embarrasing music do you like" topic comes up, I always admit to a weakness for cheesy hair metal. Well, I was driving to work today, and a Pink Floyd song came on. And at some point while I was listening to that song, I had an epiphany: the hair metal thing is just one of those ironic detached hipster ideas. I would never just throw on a whole Scorpions album, or whatever. Although it's fun, it's definitely not a guilty pleasure. Because I love, and am emotionally affected by, a different genre altogether: prog rock. (See, you knew I'd eventually get back to the Floyd!)
Okay, so I've always rationalized Tool. I can mount defenses along many lines: "No, they're really metal." "No, it's about Maynard's androgynous voice and intellectual lyrics." "I grew up listening to Tool." Whatever. They're prog rock and I like them because of that. I also like other bands that couldn't be excused or even admitted: Rush. Pink Floyd. Genesis. Even, god help me, Dreamtheater. And then there's the "cool" bands that I like...but could it be, gasp, that it's because of their progressive roots: Godspeed you black emperor!, the Flaming Lips, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Craig Armstrong, Dredg, and this is where I stop making the list because it's getting scary.