What music do YOU listen to?

[danomeon]

As many of you might know, I'm a really huge music geek who spends a lot of my time trying to find new artists that I enjoy. I've seen a sample of some people's musical tastes in other threads in the guild, and I'm curious to see what all of my guild mates listen to! A few things to note before I start this thread.

-No dissing other people's tastes, please! As a guy who listens to a lot of really "Out there" music, too often I'm faced with the accusation of being a 'hipster' or listening to 'crappy' music. Let's all remember that music taste is total opinion, and that everyone will like something different. Feel free to comment on an artist or state that they're not your 'cup of tea', but please don't go around insisting your opinions are facts. If someone links Justin Bieber in this thread, so be it! That's their music taste, and since this is all a matter of opinion, it is really equal to yours.

-When you state what artist you may like, include an attached youtube video with a song or music video of theirs so that we can immediately get a taste of the band's art style without having to whip up google. Make it your favorite song or video from them if you want to put your artists' best feet forward into this thread.

-It'd be nice if you note whether or not there is any explicit language in your songs, just as a common courtesy. If I get deeper into my musical tastes there will certainly be some nasty lyrics coming from my side of the fence, and I'm definitely going to be notifying you when that happens.

Anyways, I'm a big music nerd whose tastes are very similar to Theneedledrop. This is one of my favorite videos of his, when he talks about how he thinks people should explore all kinds of genres and eras using the magical tool of the internet to see what they like and dislike. I aim to do a bit of this with this particular thread - So link anything! Mainstream, underground, rock, rap, hip-hop, country, baroque, R&B, Heavy Metal, Dubstep, Electronic, Jazz, Soul, Funk, Blues, Disco, Shoegaze, indie Rock, Hardcore gangsta rap, whatever music you may listen to! Let's open our minds to new music.



Alright then. Let me throw out a few of my favorites.

Flying Lotus is an electronic/hip-hop/Jazz beat producer who I had the pleasure of seeing live at Pitchfork Music Festival this year in Chicago, Illinois. This music video of his song "MmmmHmmmm" is a really.... interesting.... video. The song itself is a really chilling piece of experimental hip-hop/electronic with some really soothing string pieces creating an almost zen-like atmosphere. Flying lotus' partner in crime Thundercat lays down some mellow vocals to even further soothe the mood of the song.



Madvillain is a legendary hip-hop group with legendary front man MC MF Doom bringing some crazy lyrics over one of my favorite beats in hip-hop history. This comes off of what is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever created. I know a lot of people might not be familiar with this genre, but this is a great point to start if anyone thinks that hip-hop is only about money, women, and violence (A common stereotype about the genre that makes me sad everytime I hear it. )

Also, a warning: There is mild language taking place in this video. Nothing too bad at all, some of the lesser naughty words.



To avoid making this post infinitely long I'll link one more video and I'll save the rest of the artists I like for future posts after I get some responses to this thread. I'll leave you all with a classic...

Pink Floyd! I know Loggahead is a particularly large fan of these fellows, and they've certainly left their mark on rock history. Just in case anyone hasn't been graced by their psychedelic music, here's one of my favorite songs and music videos from them. Also, there's some mild language in the song as well. Very, very mild. Nothing really bad at all. The video isn't the most pleasant thing you'll see all day, however. The movie based on the famous album 'the wall' definitely has its share of violent scenes. This one in particular shows of some street rioting and men hitting cars with crowbars, so not something you want the VERY young chilluns watching.

[Slovo]

I like RUSH, Pink Floyd, Queen, System of a Down, Rob Zombie, etc. Basically anything that has it's own sound. I'm tired of everyone trying to sound like Metallica or play as fast as Dragonforce. I especially love RUSH because they're the only band in business that has kept their "sound" for the last 39 years. Far longer than anyone else I know, and many more platinum records as well as being proclaimed as timeless compared to most music groups today.

I'm willing to try anything as long as their sound is unique. I'm tired of imitators. Oh, and I don't like rap. At least not the modern stuff. Everyone's trying too hard to be "gangsta."

[Zypher Wynn]

I listen to a wide variety of music. I have Spotify programed with a little of everything from Funk to Bluegrass to Metal. I rather enjoy the bizarre mixture cause I can go from Ozzy to Dueling Banjos then to George Clinton. Yeah, I am weird like that.
Some of my personal favorite are The Rolling Stones, George Clinton and P-Funk, The Time, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Weird Al and Hayseed Dixie.

[danomeon]

Aug 18, 2012 12:34:07 GMT -6 Slovo said:

Oh, and I don't like rap. At least not the modern stuff. Everyone's trying too hard to be "gangsta."

That's actually a pretty common misconception about rap. you see, while mainstream rap is filled with people trying to be 'gansta' as you say, in reality there are a ton of underground artists who are not trying that at all. To try and shoe away this misconception, this post will now be themed as

Danomeon's rap and hip-hop post of unique modern rap and hip hop artists who are not trying to have a 'gangstah' sound.

(By the way, just assume all of the songs henceforth have swear words, even though many don't. You have been warned!)

The Roots are a rap and hip-hop group who have won several grammies and are very highly regarded in the music communities. Their recent album 'Undun' is the story of a young man who grows up in a difficult situation in life where he is forced to make bad decisions and turn down a path of evil. It is a concept album that begins at the end of the man's life and ends at the beginning, telling the story of his life in reverse. Though it has 'gansta' themes because it is about a character who is forced to enter this lifestyle, the music is soft and tells an anti-violence story. This song, "Make My", details the thoughts of the character as he reflects on his life before he is killed by a gunshot and regrets all of the decisions he has made.



Shabazz Palaces is an experimental hip-hop outfit making unique songs with some pretty strange production qualities. This song and video details the joy and freedom of youth conflicting with the pressure of growing into adulthood.

Foul language ahead, by the way.



Pharoahe Monch is an MC who on his recent album W.A.R (We are renegade) wrote this song, a soulful ballad describing the difficulties of his childhood and him being happy that he's still alive. It even features a nice segment from singer Jill Scott. This one really hits against the gangster stereotype, as at one point in the song he even makes the comment that he's happy he hasn't taken the path of a violent man. He also encourages being a writer over a shooter and feels shameful about some of the more hateful professions in the world.



Now we have Deltron 3030, a legendary group that released the famous hip-hop album titled '3030'. This album in particular features a lot of political rhymes setting up a hypothetical future in which a massive divide between the rich and poor has caused a double society; one society made up of trash-dwellers and criminals and the other society being a golden pantheon of technology and innovation. Some swear words ahead, so be careful.



Next up, "Death Grips", a personal favorite of mine who have been making avant-garde hip-hop laced with social critiques and barely legible lyrics. They describe a strange future dystopian society in their music in which a populace is controlled entirely through sadistic brainwashing technology. LOTS of bad words ahead, watch at your own risk.



Big Krit is a rapper who many consider to be a man of morals. His most common rap topics include his religion, his love for his family, the importance of being kind to to others, and following one's dreams. This song in particular is about him talking about his worries as a young child that he would never be successful and how happy he is today that he is rapping as a job. He also extends forth recommendations to his listeners to follow their dreams and achieve all of their desires through a good work ethic. He is the ANTITHESIS of gangster.



Kendrick Lamar is an up and coming rapper who has recently been writing about the pitfalls of drug addiction and his optimism about the increasing diversity and acceptance of people in society. This song in particular is a song about the lamentation of a prostitute who feels guilty for what she does but feels like she has to continue with her profession because she doesn't have enough self confidence to do anything else. It's a sad song, but note that because it's about the sadness of prostitution, it's not exactly going to be a clean song. some bad language ahead.



Here's a song from legendary MC MF Doom in which he raps from the perspective of King Ghidora, the giant monster from the godzilla movies. This album is one of my favorites, it's all from the perspective of King Ghidora.



Outkast doesn't need much introduction. Love them or hate them, I think that the hip-hop/rap group has had a pretty big influence on the underground hip-hop music scene. Also, this song is great.



Hip-hop artist Ab-soul dropped a pretty incredible album this year that blew a lot of the hip-hop community away. This track in particular reflects on his depression following the woman he loved killed herself. It's a sad track because it details a true story - this isn't fictional, his girlfriend really did take her life.



Billy Woods is a hip-hop artist who has depicted things like the horrors of war in his music. This song in particular is about his regret of being unable to attend the funeral of a family member due to his life spreading out of control. he reflects on his childhood and beings to recognize all of the mistakes he made throughout his life.



I'll stop myself there, but there are many, many, many more artists that I could list in this particular genre who are not at all trying to gangster. You can dislike Rap music if you wish, after all, not everyone is going to like everything: But please do not be of the misconception that everyone is trying to rap about violence and gangstahness.

[Loggahead]

So, I am a HUGE Floyd fan! Though its hard for me to name my favorite album, its is Wish You Were Here (hence my avatar on this forum and everywhere I go on the net ;D)

In addition to Floyd, I am a big Radiohead fan. OK Computer and In Rainbows being my favorite albums of theirs, though I like all of them as well.

I also love the Smashing Pumpkins... at least, old SP. Siamese Dream being my favorite album of theirs.

That's a start, I'll type more when I have some more time.

-logga

[theactualkarly]

I like to listen to Jonathan Coulton (thank to Portal), They Might Be Giants and Barenaked Ladies. A few years ago, I really enjoyed listening to the Finnish band, Nightwish. Because of my mom's musical taste, I've heard a variety of music considering she enjoys all music. Though I wouldn't be able to pick out a Pink Floyd song, I know I've grown up around them and many other groups and singers before me.

[syncrosonix]

i listen to almost anything. the only types of music i don't like are: country, western, pop, commercial rap, nu-metal, grindcore, or any of those shitty death metal sub-genres, horrorcore, gospel, and some other garbage i can't think of right now.

[danomeon]

Aug 19, 2012 6:27:21 GMT -6 Loggahead said:

So, I am a HUGE Floyd fan! Though its hard for me to name my favorite album, its is Wish You Were Here (hence my avatar on this forum and everywhere I go on the net ;D)

In addition to Floyd, I am a big Radiohead fan. OK Computer and In Rainbows being my favorite albums of theirs, though I like all of them as well.

I also love the Smashing Pumpkins... at least, old SP. Siamese Dream being my favorite album of theirs.

That's a start, I'll type more when I have some more time.

-logga

Awesome, nice to see you listen to Radiohead as well! I'm a pretty big fan of In Rainbows, but I admit to myself that I haven't taken as much time out of my life to listen through their discography as I should. I should probably spend more time listening to radiohead. I'm interested to see what other gems your musical taste holds.

Anyways, continuing onward in delving into my musical tastes, I'm going to go with some softer tunes today. Here are a few artists I really enjoy.

Neutral Milk Hotel. I hope no one is immediately going to begin cursing at me and calling me a 'hipster', but MAN do I love their second album 'In the Aeroplane over the sea'. It's a fantastic album that draws a contrast between incredibly calm tunes played over a very chilled acoustic guitar with some extra instrumentation coming from trumpets, and some incredibly dark lyrics. It's an indie rock darling. Here's my favorite song from the album - the title track.



Perfume Genius is an artist I just recently got into this year. As one of my favorite music nerds theneedledrop described him, this man delivers "bite-sized pieces of emotion" with his songs. He usually has very brief songs packed with a lot of sadness and negative emotion. His latest album, "Put your back N 2 it", had a lot of standout tracks, but for me this one was my favorite because of the instrumental. The lyrics here are a little cheesy for my tastes, but the instrumentation in the background here more than makes up for it.



Gonjasufi... um... he's Gonjasufi. Hard to describe this feller. Love it, though!



Boards of Canada i like der songz they make me fel gud inside. This is one of my favorite songs from the electronic artist - which starts off with a sound I can't very well describe and then breaks into a phase of what feels like a dark trance. I can't really describe this one.

[riffraff]

I have very eclectic music tastes, but my all-time favorite band would have to be Pink Floyd. They have such a unique sound, plus I consider Roger Waters to be a lyrical genius. I'll never forget the first time a buddy and I rented "The Wall", and the checkout clerk asked us, "So, what drugs will you be doing while watching this movie?" LOL

Here's a random sample of what might be playing on my iPod:

Heavy Metal: Children of Bodom


Indie: Regina Spektor


Indie: Arcade Fire


Pop: Band of Horses


Alternative Country: Son Volt

[Loggahead]

Awesome! I'm glad to have another Floydian here! I am also a huge fan of Roger Waters. My favorite era of Floyd is the Dark Side through Animals. IMO, Floyd was at its best when Waters and Gilmour wrote together. Waters lyrics are yet to matched. I loved The Final Cut as well. Post Waters, Im not so much a fan of though I did enjoy several songs on Division Bell.

My favorite Waters solo album is Amused to Death.

[danomeon]

Aug 19, 2012 13:08:32 GMT -6 Loggahead said:

Awesome! I'm glad to have another Floydian here! I am also a huge fan of Roger Waters. My favorite era of Floyd is the Dark Side through Animals. IMO, Floyd was at its best when Waters and Gilmour wrote together. Waters lyrics are yet to matched. I loved The Final Cut as well. Post Waters, Im not so much a fan of though I did enjoy several songs on Division Bell.

My favorite Waters solo album is Amused to Death.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the division bell as an album, but like you I enjoyed a lot of individual songs on the album. I think my favorite in particular was High Hopes, but I still get a little nostalgic when I'm listening to Wearing the inside out or the atmospheric intro track.

Anyways, does anyone else in here listen to Godspeed You! Black Emperor? They're a really heavy and unique progressive rock group with a unique sound that I have difficulty describing. I had the pleasure of seeing them in Chicago this year, and man are they something.

I advise anyone who wants to open up their minds to interesting and unique new music to listen to this song by them in its entirety - it's widely regarded as one of their greatest songs. I highly, highly recommend anyone looking for some great recent rock music to check this out. Pink Floyd fans in particular might dig this music because they are accustomed to long setpieces and an emphasis on atmosphere.

[syncrosonix]

one of my most favorite electronic bands is called shpongle. they're comprised of simon posford and raja ram. all of the sounds and what not are actually being done with either a synthesizer, keyboard, and live band. one of their best songs is called "no turn unstoned."

[danomeon]

Aug 19, 2012 13:42:15 GMT -6 syncrosonix said:

one of my most favorite electronic bands is called shpongle. they're comprised of simon posford and raja ram. all of the sounds and what not are actually being done with either a synthesizer, keyboard, and live band. one of their best songs is called "no turn unstoned."

I was hoping to see some responses like this on the thread, I always enjoy hearing about artists I'm not accustomed to. I gave them a curious listen and am actually REALLY enjoying No Turn Unstoned. The instrumentation on this track, especially in the opening, is really interesting. The lyrics that slowly get more electronic as they continue on is a pretty neat addition as well. Thanks for turning me on to this artist, I'll definitely be checking out more from them. If anyone else has some artists that I haven't heard of before, please share! I'm always looking for new music.

Speaking of really out there and unique music - Squarepusher! This guy is a fella who has been making electronic beats since the 90's, and his discography has a lot of favorites from me. Here's the pinnacle of his work for me - the epic electronic ballad "Ultravisitor" from the album of the same name. This song goes through a lot of phases.



Another unique artist that I've really been getting into lately are BadBadNotGood, an experimental group that doesn't even seem to know what genre of music they are creating. I'd describe it as a strange blend of Jazz and Hip-hop. Have a sample, por favor! Man oh man do I love the explosion of pure neon sound at 58 seconds. Delicious!



There's also Amon Tobin, an electronic artist who has made a lot of interesting albums. His latest album, ISAM, features a lot of really interesting experimentation with sounds. It's not so much about creating melodies, but about arranging all sorts of different sounds to make strange combinations of sound that are pleasing to the ear. It's difficult to describe - check it out!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se7w6pqBBxg&feature=related
[/youtube]

If anyone else would like to share some music that hasn't yet graced my ears, I would be happy to give it a shot! Hooray!

[syncrosonix]

sqaurepusher is great stuff from the old skool days of electronic music. skrillex fans wouldn't understand.

anyway, here are some more of my favorites:

sade is the very definition of style, class, raw vocal talent, and sophistication.



dave koz and montell jordan did a fine job on this cover of a george michaels' song. i prefer this over the original as well as all the other covers. if you play this for you s/o, you're going to get some ass. it's true!



here's a band that is, in my opinion, the best one from arizona. the bassist, corey sims, is a buddy of mine. they're doing spectacular things right now. it's amazing how far they've come in the last 3 years! i remember when they were originally a 5 piece band with a lethargic, unmotivated singer. rick has been an outstanding replacement!



sinizen has been around for as long as sublime. they're also from the same area in califronia. the only difference between the two bands is one of them found commercial success. the last time i saw sinizen play was in january, in tempe, arizona. they rocked it!



the movement is another reggae-rock band. they've been around for quite awhile, too. "mexico" is my favorite song of theirs.

[danomeon]

Aug 19, 2012 20:48:52 GMT -6 syncrosonix said:

sqaurepusher is great stuff from the old skool days of electronic music. skrillex fans wouldn't understand.

anyway, here are some more of my favorites:

sade is the very definition of style, class, raw vocal talent, and sophistication.



dave koz and montell jordan did a fine job on this cover of a george michaels' song. i prefer this over the original as well as all the other covers. if you play this for you s/o, you're going to get some ass. it's true!



here's a band that is, in my opinion, the best one from arizona. the bassist, corey sims, is a buddy of mine. they're doing spectacular things right now. it's amazing how far they've come in the last 3 years! i remember when they were originally a 5 piece band with a lethargic, unmotivated singer. rick has been an outstanding replacement!



sinizen has been around for as long as sublime. they're also from the same area in califronia. the only difference between the two bands is one of them found commercial success. the last time i saw sinizen play was in january, in tempe, arizona. they rocked it!



the movement is another reggae-rock band. they've been around for quite awhile, too. "mexico" is my favorite song of theirs.

Thanks for taking the time to share these, I have some exploration to do in the next few days. I'll just make this post a quicky, sharing a recent discovery.

So, as many might find out, I'm a huge fan of avant-garde hip-hop group Death Grips because of their abrasive lyrics and iron-fisted production that melts my face everytime. I can't wait for their new album NO LOVE DEEP WEB this october, and their last album The Money Store is one of my favorite musical experiences ever. EVER. Their mixtape exmilitary was also a sonic mindblowing experience for me. Here's one of my favorite songs from them: I love it so much I always name my warrior characters 'Takyon'. It makes for some awesome and intense theme music.

Warning: EXTREME lyrics. As if the album cover doesn't indicate that.



So anyways, the group is composed of three members: Insane lyricist MC ride and producers Zach Hill and Andy "Flatlander" Morin. I'd heard of Zach Hill prior to Death Grips, as he worked on a wide variety of different projects as the drummer for bands like Hella and Wavves.



So anyways, I looked into this guy's discography because I love the production on Death Grips' albums so much and found out that he released a lot of solo albums on his own lonesome before the trio came together. I've been looking through his work and love some of what I'm hearing. Here's one of my favorite songs of his:

[riffraff]

Aug 19, 2012 13:14:53 GMT -6 danomeon said:

Anyways, does anyone else in here listen to Godspeed You! Black Emperor? They're a really heavy and unique progressive rock group with a unique sound that I have difficulty describing. I had the pleasure of seeing them in Chicago this year, and man are they something.

I've liked GYBE for years, especially "Kicking Horse on Broken Hill", "Moya", and "String Loop". Their sound is definitely unique. Since you enjoy them Dano, you might also like a progressive band called Mogwai. Here's a video of one my fave's, "2 Rights Make 1 Wrong":

[TheToE]

[danomeon]

Aug 20, 2012 11:47:03 GMT -6 riffraff said:

Aug 19, 2012 13:14:53 GMT -6 danomeon said:

Anyways, does anyone else in here listen to Godspeed You! Black Emperor? They're a really heavy and unique progressive rock group with a unique sound that I have difficulty describing. I had the pleasure of seeing them in Chicago this year, and man are they something.

I've liked GYBE for years, especially "Kicking Horse on Broken Hill", "Moya", and "String Loop". Their sound is definitely unique. Since you enjoy them Dano, you might also like a progressive band called Mogwai. Here's a video of one my fave's, "2 Rights Make 1 Wrong":

I have actually listened to Mogwai, I dig their sound quite a bit. I haven't take much time to really dig into their discography, but that'll change one day.

[ralimar]

R&B, Rock, 80's and 90's music, most early and even some rap of today, tho not as much. An all and anything to do with the artist Prince. The Time and all his other projects. Alot of soundtracks from Batman to Beetlejuice, and some anime theme's. For the most part if the game music is really well done I wont. For example never once listened to anything but GNR Radio in Fallout 3 and never would. Never used music in Oblivion or Skyrim or Bioshock. But silly games or like Minecraft or mindless co op, yep ALWAYS my own music.

[willard]

Hideeho neighbors,

I find myself listening to a wide range of music also. My favorite band of all time is Iron Maiden. some consider Maiden to be heavy metal and other consider it to be power metal. I simply consider it to be heavy metal ecstasy. Depending on my mood i will listen to old school Metallica (Kill'Em All is my favorite album and I believe that anything after the Black Album is not real Metallica although they put their name on it, event The Black Album is just bleh...). These are my top two all time favorites bands.

I also really enjoy Tool, A Perfect Circle, Our Lady Piece, Smash Pumpkins, Jane's Addiction, Bush, Radiohead, The Doors, CCR, Rush, U2, Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Nirvana, Kitaro, Eminem, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Judas Priest and the list goes on and on and on.

What you will never find on my mp3 player is western music (nothing against the genre, it just makes my teeth grind).