"Serious" Music

[mn dave]

Classical music is sometimes called "serious" music because of its potential complexity.

Some jazz is considered serious as well.

What other genres or styles of music do you serious music listeners take seriously?

Is their music outside the Western canon that should be considered?

Thanks!

[ChamberNut]

What other genres or styles of music do you serious music listeners take seriously?

Hip hop, of course!   

[mn dave]

And why does Fanfare have a Bollywood section now?   

[Lethevich]

I don't really get along with the serious title for this kind of music. For example, black metal (and its fanbase) are also very "serious", but (as much as I like the stuff) that doesn't stop it from being moronic

Apparently some electronic music has transcended simplistic pop-style formulas, but I am not into that so wouldn't know.

[mn dave]

I don't really get along with the serious title for this kind of music.

What kind of music? Black metal? I tried black metal, because I try everything. A bit too negative for me. And I can't really tolerate the awful vocals for too long. Now, when some of them go ambient, that's not too bad. Still, not very complex or rewarding. Something to anger the adults with.

[Lethevich]

What kind of music? Black metal? I tried black metal, because I try everything. A bit too negative for me. And I can't really tolerate the awful vocals for too long. Now, when some of them go ambient, that's not too bad. Still, not very complex or rewarding. Something to anger the adults with.

Oops I meant to use it for "classical" - serious as a general term can apply to good and bad stuff in any style. Although I suppose it's a better word than any of the alternatives... "intellectual music" sounds very head-up-ass.

Re. bm, at its best, it works sort of like punk. Conversely during ambient bits I get annoyed at how simple it sounds : (

[mn dave]

"intellectual music" sounds very head-up-ass.

Well, "serious" sort of does too. 

[Hector]

I don't really get along with the serious title for this kind of music. For example, black metal (and its fanbase) are also very "serious", but (as much as I like the stuff) that doesn't stop it from being moronic

Apparently some electronic music has transcended simplistic pop-style formulas, but I am not into that so wouldn't know.

Good point.

Beerswilling, potbellied, middle-aged bikers take their Metal very seriously.

The fact that the rest of us view them and it with a degree of irony, at least, would not concern them or interrupt their tiny world for one inst'.

[mn dave]

Good point.

Beerswilling, potbellied, middle-aged bikers take their Metal very seriously.

The fact that the rest of us view them and it with a degree of irony, at least, would not concern them or interrupt their tiny world for one inst'.

Sure, listeners are serious about whatever they listen to, but we're talking about music that would satisfy someone who wants something on the level of quality classical music.

[Philoctetes]

Sure, listeners are serious about whatever they listen to, but we're talking about music that would satisfy someone who wants something on the level of quality classical music.

I think it gets more particular than that. I don't think one can take such a broad scope to any genre. I think each genre has bands that can satisfy the 'serious' label.

[mn dave]

I think it gets more particular than that. I don't think one can take such a broad scope to any genre. I think each genre has bands that can satisfy the 'serious' label.

Three-chord punk? 

[karlhenning]

I don't really get along with the serious title for this kind of music. For example, black metal (and its fanbase) are also very "serious", but (as much as I like the stuff) that doesn't stop it from being moronic

True; some music is never so comical, as when it tries to strike a "serious" pose . . . .

[karlhenning]

Three-chord punk? 

When they reach for that fourth chord, though . . . it's such a deep chord . . . .

[mn dave]

When they reach for that fourth chord, though . . . it's such a deep chord . . . .

[Hector]

Sure, listeners are serious about whatever they listen to, but we're talking about music that would satisfy someone who wants something on the level of quality classical music.

Who says that it isn't?

I do not know enough of it to state categorically that it is not, even, on a par with the worse that classical, so-called, music can offer.

I am no musical snob, although I'm happy to take the weewee out of the Metal brigade, and do not care if the majority are happy with a constant aural loop of ABBA toons. In fact, there is more enjoyable 'classical music' in Benni and Bjorn's creations than is often credited.

[Philoctetes]

Three-chord punk? 

I'd say there are a fine group of punk bands: Nomeansno, DOA, Black Flag, etc. I think there are always fine points in any genre.

[mn dave]

I'm no snob either. I am always thinking about abandoning this forum because of the snobbery around, but that's a different topic.

Mainly, I want to know what "serious" music listeners think is "serious" music besides jazz and classical. With serious = complex.

[Philoctetes]

I'm no snob either. I am always thinking about abandoning this forum because of the snobbery around, but that's a different topic.

Mainly, I want to know what "serious" music listeners think is "serious" music besides jazz and classical. With serious = complex.

I'd take The Rolling Stones over much Classical music.

[mn dave]

I'd say there are a fine group of punk bands: Nomeansno, DOA, Black Flag, etc. I think there are always fine points in any genre.

Within a single genre, I imagine some of it will always be better than the rest of it.

[karlhenning]

Mainly, I want to know what "serious" music listeners think is "serious" music besides jazz and classical. With serious = complex.

For instance:

King Crimson, Larks' Tongues in Aspic
The Mothers of Invention, Uncle Meat