How can anyone even listen to music???

[gwennolan]

I am brand new here, so Hi, everyone! Hope it's okay for a newbie to offer a suggestion...

I was attracted to this forum because I am definitely working to increase my Personal Effectiveness and looking forward to getting to know others who are on the same path. I love music and couldn't resist responding on this thread.

I must agree with most of the opinions you all express about today's music but also freely admit that I only hear it when my kids insist on "their air time" in the car, lol. I love music which inspires and uplifts and raises my vibration to a higher level. That of course is very individual.

I would like to share a technique I learned by being a "product of the product" and working through an amazing prosperity development course which I market. I utilize this technique regularly and it has increased my effectiveness a great deal. It comes from one of the teachers on the course, Daryl Davis, who plays the piano for Chuck Berry. Daryl is an amazing musician and also an amazing teacher of personal development.

He said, "What if we could align both sides of our brain? Would that give us more options from which to draw? Absolutely. One way to achieve alignment is through Baroque music. Its counterpoint is so perfect that, when listened to, both sides of the human brain align themselves with each other. Rock'n'Roll favors the right side of the brain and Classical music favors the left. Baroque music brings both sides together, where logic and creativity meet in the middle."

Baroque music describes an era and a set of styles of European classical music which were in widespread use between 1600 and 1750. There are many great examples of Baroque music. J.S. Bach was the master of the Baroque and any of his fugues will do. Also, the Hallelujah Chorus of Handel's Messiah, Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Monteverdi's Vespers are all very fine examples of Baroque music.

So I would suggest, listen to a few pieces of Baroque music to find one or more that resonates with you and play that for 15 minutes or so every day while you meditate or creatively visualize your goals. This technique has been a powerful assistance to me and hopefully will be to you as well!

Blessings to all!

[Remiel]

hehe the lyrics and whatnot are why I primarily listen to classical music.

[Mremedia]

Check out the Buddha Bar cd series for a great (eclectic) collection of music from many genres and cultures.

While I tend to also shy away from mainstream music, and major label artists, I'm probably not the best person to talk about negativity in music, since I mostly listen to really angry metal. My wife often asks me how I can go to sleep wearing my ipod and playing music like Devildriver or Dethklok (hehe.. Dethklok!), but really.. I have no idea. I just like the intricacies of the fast music.

[Murre]

I think you're pretty much spot on when you describe the state of todays popular music. I think todays top artists are compromizing their art in order to be commercially successful.

Personally, I listen to metal and as you might guess, most of the bands aren't selling millions of copies. And if that had been their intent, playing metal music is not the smartest thing to do. Metal doesnt appeal to everyone. And because they do not have success, in terms of sales numbers, as their main goal I feel it's much more "true" music. Also I have found that there is a lot of talented lyricists in the metal genre, and they are not afraid to say bad things about the government.

So to summarize, stay metal my friend!

[Trezker]

Humor is pretty good too.

First time I saw Gisela by Horst Schlämmer I was just like "WTF is this" but I couldn't stop watching...
YouTube - Horst Schlämmer - Gisela BRAND NEW

[coLLege kid07]

I've been listening to alot of Saosin lately. Why? I'm not sure...maybe I just like to bang my head alot lol.


Rock on

[Marco Polo]

I've greatly enjoyed Brahms the last few weeks, that German composer from the Romantic era. Bach and Beethoven were amazing, no question, but Brahms exceeds them both! His compositions are so complex yet systematic, so confusing yet so full of meaning - I cannot stop listening to them.

The key to being a music lover is to do what Angela is doing: be a musical snob. Only listen to the creme de la creme, and nothing else. Delve into alternative genres and find what is right for you. Be a highly discriminating listener, and chose your music with the same care that you'd chose your friends, your diet and everything else in life.

Select your musical tastes not based on what gives you an emotional "kick", but on that which brings out the greates, most refined person within you.

The type of music you listen to, believe it or not, shapes your personality to a great extent. Listen to lots of rap, and you'll take on a certain "persona". Same with death metal, classical music, whatever! We should be careful in choosing our music.

[Murre]

Great post Marco Polo. I only listen to albums with great reviews so maybe I am kind of a musical snob within the genre of metal. But I should really try to explore some new genres. I also agree with the fact that music shapes our personality. But also the other way around, that we choose our music based upon our personality.

[Angela]

Gwen, thanks for the suggestion and welcome, by the way!

[oberlee]

The Roots are great. Well, at least their song "The Seed" is great. It sounds like a nasty song ("I'll push my seed in her bush for life...") but it's a metaphor for breaking through stereotypes in the music business. And it's a great song, music-wise.

That's just the first thing that popped into my mind. I don't agree that all music is crap--but I don't feel like discussing it. If my suggestion helps, cool, if not, all good.

[martin]

I'd say a lot of newer Madonna music (2003 and up) is stuff I can relate to since my shift in consciousness.

[Playlife]

The first song which's lyrics I listened was Robbie Williams - Feel. Nice song, eh? Still like it a lot.

How can I listen to music? Well, I mostly listen to chillout/ambient music so there's not much lyrics in there anyway.

I'm not sure about the negative lyrics thing. It definitely differs from person to person. For me personally, when I'm down, listening to say Weekend Players(great stuff) doesn't do anything. Gimme Limp Bizkit, or Linkin Park, or The Birthday Massacre(great stuff), or Nine Inch Nails, or something else heavy. Gimme those, and after a while, I'll lighten up a bit and come to ask Groove Armada or Basemet Jaxx. Music(and especially the heavier, angrier kind) was a life-saver for me about a year ago(and it still helps from time to time).

[pumpkin]

Hey Danny,

I agree with you, it's really difficult sometimes to listen to radio music because it's often negative and uninspiring.

However, I don't want to cut it out completely because I do enjoy singing along very much. You must admit, though, once in a while these gems that are appropriate in terms of LoA and personal development. (Drive by Incubus is one example). Although even the gems might have 'bad phrases', they're still great finds.

Other than that, I generally try to consciously tell myself that the words I'm hearing don't apply to me (especially if the song is about an issue I'm currently facing myself). I think that works wonders.

I'm not a big instrumental music person. I mostly listen to songs with words (at least 75% of the time) which is why the gem-songs are oh-so-important.

I'm not really sure what you have against DJs. They're great. The songs are great, the beat is great and those uplifting trance songs are even better.


Val

[Rockchick26]

I am pleasantly surprised at how many people in here listen to metal! Or just anything rock. I thought i was alone Lately i've been into Muse,their music is kinda atmospheric/rhythmic. I'm also really into Chevelle lately. Yes,i agree with you,Pumpkin,"Drive" by Incubus has an amazing message,and fits in perfectly with self development!

[JimOfferman]

Originally Posted by carenkh

Check out Jim Offerman!

Hehe. Thanks for the plug!

I don't listen to most pop music, but my sons do. I'm often surprised by the wisdom and feeling of some of the songs - there IS some good stuff out there.

There is a lot of good stuff out there, but most of it is just outside of mainstream radio. To name a few:

Jonathan Coulton is totally awesome, not to mention funny as hell!

Train has some of the best lyrics I've ever heard (be sure to check out "I'm about to come alive")

Peter Gabriel = the master! "Secret World" has me dancing in the street, every time.

I also adore Sarah McLachlan (who, I believe, counts as mainstream in the US/Canada, but definitely is somewhat underground on this end of the pond)

[Tigerlilly]

Originally Posted by gwennolan

He said, "What if we could align both sides of our brain? Would that give us more options from which to draw? Absolutely. One way to achieve alignment is through Baroque music. Its counterpoint is so perfect that, when listened to, both sides of the human brain align themselves with each other. Rock'n'Roll favors the right side of the brain and Classical music favors the left. Baroque music brings both sides together, where logic and creativity meet in the middle."

Hi, and this is really interesting, cause I remember- though I no longer remember actually where I read about it- reading about making a personal intention list of how you want your life to be on tape and recording baroque music as background. Gosh, I'd wish I remember the details, but when I now read that baroque music supposedly activates both sides of the brain, this just came back to mind.

[supertom]

i used to hate music too, best thing to do is at least give them a go, maybe one song you like than the band.

[moriez]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy1

I have a huge problem with music these days. Every lyric is a cliché, literally. Listen to almost every song and you'll hear a bunch of clichés. It's awful. Plus, so much of it has a victim mentality "why did you leave me" or they're bitter and hateful "I'm here to remind you of the mess you left when you went away"... It's judgmental, prejudiced, anti-women, anti-men, needy, or just plain stupid (any dance song and most rap) I really can't think of any productive music out there with any originality and I don't want to fill my brain with negative crap. And DJs! Don't get me started on that! Let's just say I'd like to gag them all and slap them silly (take that with a grain of salt) Prank phone calls - all actors - all fake. I know, I get paid to do them. I know, it's hypocritical, but I've got mouths to feed. But the commercials!! They play them more than the songs! It's crazy! I try to listen in the shower... I spend more time leaning out pressing the search button to find music than I spend in the shower! Is anyone with me on this?

Sounds to me you just need a time out from music. If you dont like listening to it why bother? Keep it simple^^

[jaydeschizo]

Do not get your music from MTV. And you will not listen to crap. Easy enough.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by jaydeschizo

Do not get your music from MTV. And you will not listen to crap. Easy enough.

As much as i wanna jump in and agree with you,i have to say Mtv is mostly crap but there are some good bands on there. My favorite band has been out for like 7 years now and Mtv never played them and suddenly now they are,so by default i have to say mtv doesnt just play crap LOL I think like with anything,you have to dig around. I say i hate the radio but out of every 30 songs i'll like one.

[Dannyboy1]

Originally Posted by moriez

Sounds to me you just need a time out from music. If you dont like listening to it why bother? Keep it simple^^

When you listen to music, you're feeding your brain in one of the most effective ways because you get into it. I'd rather not feed myself crap and a lot of people here seem to agree. I'm really glad I started this thread because people have brought up some great alternatives.

[sgregory]

I too have had a hard time to find a place to get decent music. I was trying satellite radio, but there were just TO MANY choices I never really picked many bands to listen too (and I like to get more into depth with a few artists instead of a few songs by many. I enjoy full length albums.) I started using last.fm and it is a great way to get into music. Pick one band you like and it will show you similar bands. Each band has songs you can stream for free to see if you like them. Each band has a radio station of similar bands you can leave on while you are doing other things to discover new artists. Tags are also great as people will tag songs with something like "inspirational" and you can listen to the 'inspirational' radio station of all the songs people have tagged inspirational. Many other features too, like a great community of people who will tell you what the best album is to start out with and for the really geeky, keeping track of all the songs you ever listen to and making a 'listening history'. Of course, you don't have to do that if you don't want to, and any of the personal recommendations you get from that are usually really obscure.

OK, music recommendations. Check out my last.fm profile and the tags.
My Last Fm Profile
It's very new and sparse, but I have some songs on there that might fit what you are looking for. In addition to the obvious ones, check out my 'best of rem' tag. I have only added a few, but they have written some good songs with positive messages. Falls to a Climb is an awesome one and gets me inspired and excited just as I type. Also check out 'best of Pearl Jam' (they really have stuff that isn't as moody as the early 90's stuff). Definitely check out "Given to Fly" - seriously the most positive song I've ever heard.) and my 'all time favorites.'

Keep checking back as I new songs all the time.

New age, jazz and classical are good to. Try them all and see what you like. Music with nature sounds in the background are good too. Search on google. I listen to those things on internet radio. There is so much good music out there and so many for many different types of moods.

[lasti]

If you don't enjoy music just don't listen to it. There's no need to force youself listening to music you don't enjoy.

By the way, music is an art and not meant to be "productive" in the way you would probably like that. It's not for your mind but for your heart.

[Dannyboy1]

Originally Posted by lasti

If you don't enjoy music just don't listen to it. There's no need to force youself listening to music you don't enjoy.

By the way, music is an art and not meant to be "productive" in the way you would probably like that. It's not for your mind but for your heart.

Read the rest of the thread before you attack my point of view. I don't think you read the whole thread. There's very little art in music today.

[kf4qhk]

I try to only listen to Christian music, so, I am in a worshipful attitude all the time. It beats the bad stuff on the radio.

Jeremy

[lasti]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy1

There's very little art in music today.

You can't know that. Even when music is designed to be successful it doesn't mean it's not art. You can't measure art.

The principle stays the same: Music is not meant to be productive. Paintings are not meant to be productive. Poems are not meant to be productive. Art is for your heart (that's why it rhymes )

You are the one who reacts to the music. For example: Agrresive music. Bad? No, not per se.

My believe ist that music gives you the chances to get to a level of joy (as I think true art is spirtual) so you see feelings that are expressed in songs completely differently:
The Joy of Sadness

[Dannyboy1]

Originally Posted by lasti

You can't know that. Even when music is designed to be successful it doesn't mean it's not art. You can't measure art.

The principle stays the same: Music is not meant to be productive. Paintings are not meant to be productive. Poems are not meant to be productive. Art is for your heart (that's why it rhymes )

You are the one who reacts to the music. For example: Agrresive music. Bad? No, not per se.

My believe ist that music gives you the chances to get to a level of joy (as I think true art is spirtual) so you see feelings that are expressed in songs completely differently:
The Joy of Sadness

Just go back and read the rest of the post. I'm not going to rehash everything I already said.

[lasti]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy1

Just go back and read the rest of the post. I'm not going to rehash everything I already said.

I read everything you wrote. Reading it twice won't change what I said.

[Dannyboy1]

Originally Posted by lasti

I read everything you wrote. Reading it twice won't change what I said.

Our definitions of art obviously differ. I believe art can be measured as far as what "is" and what "isn't". I say art is not a bunch of cliches and sayings thrown together. That's not art. It's mimicry.

[lasti]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy1

Our definitions of art obviously differ. I believe art can be measured as far as what "is" and what "isn't". I say art is not a bunch of cliches and sayings thrown together. That's not art. It's mimicry.

Yeah, our definitions definitely differ .

I think you have to figure out what you like and not just what you don't like. Listen to different genres, to music of other cultures and languages, to music that is not so well known... Then you will know what you're looking for in music and are more likely to find it.

I'm going to release a german electro-pop album (for free of course) this year. Maybe there's a chance you don't vomit when you listen to it.