GMG Classical Music Forum

The Back Room => The Diner => Topic started by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 05:52:20 AM

Title: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 05:52:20 AM
Just curious. :)

Mine is still The Beatles, with Bob Dylan snapping at their heels. I wasn't into Dylan much until I read his Chronicles, Volume 1. Now I consider him a genius.

He needs to get to work on volumes two and three. :)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Harry on January 06, 2009, 06:21:17 AM
LAURA PAUSINI & PAT BENATAR.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: bhodges on January 06, 2009, 06:21:36 AM
Hi Dave!  Just based on quantity of recordings in my library, I have a tie between three singers: k.d. lang, Diane Schuur and Siouxsie Sioux, all quite different from each other.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:25:54 AM
Quote from: Harry on January 06, 2009, 06:21:17 AM
LAURA PAUSINI & PAT BENATAR.

I like Pat Benatar. Don't know the other one.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:28:21 AM
Quote from: bhodges on January 06, 2009, 06:21:36 AM
Hi Dave!  Just based on quantity of recordings in my library, I have a tie between three singers: k.d. lang, Diane Schuur and Siouxsie Sioux, all quite different from each other.

--Bruce

I was listening to a Roy Orbison/k.d. lang duet just the other day: two nice voices. :)

Diane Schuur. God, that name sounds familiar. Is that Costello's wife?

Siouxsie Sioux: not a huge fan but there are one or two songs I like. She also ripped on Freddie Mercury once, which didn't sit well with me. :)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: bhodges on January 06, 2009, 06:39:46 AM
Quote from: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:28:21 AM
I was listening to a Roy Orbison/k.d. lang duet just the other day: two nice voices. :)

Diane Schuur. God, that name sounds familiar. Is that Costello's wife?

Siouxsie Sioux: not a huge fan but there are one or two songs I like. She also ripped on Freddie Mercury once, which didn't sit well with me. :)

That duet was probably "Crying," yes?  I love the way Orbison and lang do that song.  Just before the holidays, PBS here was showing a concert video with him that was excellent.

Diane Schuur is a fantastic jazz singer (who's blind) with a huge, brassy instrument.  A favorite CD is below.  Costello's wife is Diana Krall (whom I also like).

--Bruce
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:40:58 AM
Quote from: bhodges on January 06, 2009, 06:39:46 AM
That duet was probably "Crying," yes?  I love the way Orbison and lang do that song.  Just before the holidays, PBS here was showing a concert video with him that was excellent.

Diane Schuur is a fantastic jazz singer (who's blind) with a huge, brassy instrument.  A favorite CD is below.  Costello's wife is Diana Krall (whom I also like).

--Bruce

Was the Orbison concert the black and white one with all the rock celebs? I haven't seen it yet.

Hey, jazz isn't popular music. ;)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: bhodges on January 06, 2009, 06:52:14 AM
Quote from: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:40:58 AM
Was the Orbison concert the black and white one with all the rock celebs? I haven't seen it yet.

Yes, that's the one.  Do check it out if you're inclined; it's a great concert.

Quote from: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:40:58 AMHey, jazz isn't popular music. ;)

Very well.  ;D

--Bruce
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Hollywood on January 06, 2009, 06:59:26 AM
Mine include The Beach Boys and Jan & Dean. Yes, I am from SoCal and when I was a kid we spent every weekend (plus two weeks in the summer) at the beach. Mostly Manhattan, Newport and Long Beach. Cowabunga and gnarly dude!  8)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 07:01:49 AM
Quote from: Hollywood on January 06, 2009, 06:59:26 AM
Mine include The Beach Boys and Jan & Dean. Yes, I am from SoCal and when I was a kid we spent every weekend (plus two weeks in the summer) at the beach. Mostly Manhattan, Newport and Long Beach. Cowabunga and gnarly dude!  8)

Every so often, I attempt to chip away at my indifference to The Beach Boys; they do have a few songs I like.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: SonicMan46 on January 06, 2009, 07:29:24 AM
Dave - dead or alive?  :D  If the former, then Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, & Louis Armstrong - even some of my other favorites have passed away in recent years, such as Ray Charles & Mel Torme -  :)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 07:36:39 AM
Quote from: SonicMan on January 06, 2009, 07:29:24 AM
dead or alive?

Yes. :)

Some good taste you got there.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 06, 2009, 07:43:09 AM
Not surprisingly, I cannot light on a single artist (or band).

Judging by mine shelf, the top contenders are (in alphabetical order):

Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band
Chicago
Jethro Tull
King Crimson/Robt Fripp
Talking Heads
Zappa
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 06, 2009, 07:43:41 AM
If pressed . . . Zappa clearly occupies the most shelf-space.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 07:45:36 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 06, 2009, 07:43:09 AM
Not surprisingly, I cannot light on a single artist (or band).

Judging by mine shelf, the top contenders are (in alphabetical order):

Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band
Chicago
Jethro Tull
King Crimson/Robt Fripp
Talking Heads
Zappa

Out of those, I would have to go with Talking Heads.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Père Malfait on January 06, 2009, 08:47:05 AM
I rarely listen to popular music anymore, and am woefully ignorant of anything being done in that field currently, despite being a weekly attendee of our local Goth/Industrial club night (which I, along with two other people, both since deceased, started in 1982).

So, I tend to fall back on my favorites from "back in the day":

Bauhaus
Siouxsie & the Banshees
The Cure
Sisters of Mercy

. . . and a sentimental favorite album, Yaz, "Upstairs at Eric's".

And, since I wasn't online throughout the holidays, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and I wish everyone a happy and fortuitous new year!  :)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 08:50:10 AM
Quote from: Pére Malfait on January 06, 2009, 08:47:05 AM
I rarely listen to popular music anymore, and am woefully ignorant of anything being done in that field currently, despite being a weekly attendee of our local Goth/Industrial club night (which I, along with two other people, both since deceased, started in 1982).

I bet you have some good stories.

Sorry about the other owners.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: bhodges on January 06, 2009, 08:52:17 AM
Quote from: Pére Malfait on January 06, 2009, 08:47:05 AM
I rarely listen to popular music anymore, and am woefully ignorant of anything being done in that field currently, despite being a weekly attendee of our local Goth/Industrial club night (which I, along with two other people, both since deceased, started in 1982).

So, I tend to fall back on my favorites from "back in the day":

Bauhaus
Siouxsie & the Banshees
The Cure
Sisters of Mercy

. . . and a sentimental favorite album, Yaz, "Upstairs at Eric's".

And, since I wasn't online throughout the holidays, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and I wish everyone a happy and fortuitous new year!  :)

Cool, another Siouxsie fan!  And as for your Goth/Industrial night, were you (or are you) a DJ?  I agree with Dave...you probably have some wonderful mental snapshots of that time.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Bulldog on January 06, 2009, 08:57:49 AM
Richard Thompson.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Père Malfait on January 06, 2009, 08:58:54 AM
Quote from: bhodges on January 06, 2009, 08:52:17 AM
Cool, another Siouxsie fan!  And as for your Goth/Industrial night, were you (or are you) a DJ?  I agree with Dave...you probably have some wonderful mental snapshots of that time.

--Bruce

I was indeed! I don't DJ anymore, but I did from 1982 - 1988, and then again from 1991 - 1994. I DJ'd at the first Convergence, and that was my final hurrah. I may not spin anymore, but I *can* still work a velvet, lace & brocade wardrobe!!!  ;D

And I do have wonderful memories of that time. Our scene is lucky to now have a resident photographer who captures the night's attendees. Would that we had someone like that (and the digital photography that makes it practical!) in the 80's . . .
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 09:09:01 AM
Quote from: Bulldog on January 06, 2009, 08:57:49 AM
Richard Thompson.

I should get around to him someday.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: rockerreds on January 06, 2009, 05:11:03 PM
The Byrds and Velvet Underground (tie)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 06, 2009, 05:30:11 PM
Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, all the albums up to and including Down to Earth.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: hornteacher on January 06, 2009, 06:07:46 PM
Beatles (and the solo careers of John and George)
Bob Dylan
Byrds
CCR

Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Kullervo on January 06, 2009, 06:10:58 PM
Kate Bush
The Blue Nile
Brian Eno
Yellow Magic Orchestra
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:20:49 PM
Quote from: hornteacher on January 06, 2009, 06:07:46 PM
Beatles (and the solo careers of John and George)
Bob Dylan
Byrds
CCR



:o

Very nice!
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: gomro on January 06, 2009, 06:25:37 PM
Quote from: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 05:52:20 AM
Just curious. :)

Mine is still The Beatles, with Bob Dylan snapping at their heels. I wasn't into Dylan much until I read his Chronicles, Volume 1. Now I consider him a genius.

He needs to get to work on volumes two and three. :)

It would be hard for me to proclaim a "favorite" popular music artist, any more than I could single out a single composer of art music as the absolute "favorite."  The Beatles, sure, but there are a few others that come to mind first:

Peter Hammill/Van der Graaf Generator
Don Ellis
Magma
L'Orkestre des pas Perdus
Univers Zero

That's right off the top of my head. It's liable to change tomorrow.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: toledobass on January 06, 2009, 06:31:31 PM
Right now? Stevie and Prince


Allan
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Brian on January 06, 2009, 06:34:42 PM
Quote from: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 05:52:20 AM
Mine is still The Beatles,
Me too! Although Simon and Garfunkel, Jim Croce, and Creedence Clearwater Revival are pretty close. Early Electric Light Orchestra is pretty good.
I also love Paul's new album.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 06, 2009, 06:35:46 PM
Beethoven.  He's very popular.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Brian on January 06, 2009, 06:36:54 PM
Quote from: ChamberNut on January 06, 2009, 06:35:46 PM
Beethoven.  He's very popular.
Hey! You're from Winnipeg. You should listen to Finjan.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Bogey on January 06, 2009, 06:42:18 PM
I will base this on the "popular" bands that I am actually trying to complete their discography:

The Beatles
The Rolling Stones
Peter Gabriel
Dire Straits

and I agree with you Brian, Simon and Garfunkel.  I am trying to track down some of their stuff on mono vinyl.  Heard it's excellent.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Kullervo on January 06, 2009, 06:45:15 PM
Quote from: toledobass on January 06, 2009, 06:31:31 PM
Prince

Prince from Dirty Mind to Sign 'O' the Times is awesome — I would have added him too, but I wanted to keep the list short. :D
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:46:12 PM
Quote from: Corey on January 06, 2009, 06:45:15 PM
Prince from Dirty Mind to Sign 'O' the Times is awesome — I would have added him too, but I wanted to keep the list short. :D

Yep.  8)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:47:10 PM
Quote from: Bogey on January 06, 2009, 06:42:18 PM
I will base this on the "popular" bands that I am actually trying to complete their discography:

The Beatles
The Rolling Stones
Peter Gabriel
Dire Straits

and I agree with you Brian, Simon and Garfunkel.  I am trying to track down some of their stuff on mono vinyl.  Heard it's excellent.

Dire Straits! Nice. I liked them before they went MTV. ;)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:47:46 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 06, 2009, 06:34:42 PM
Me too! Although Simon and Garfunkel, Jim Croce, and Creedence Clearwater Revival are pretty close. Early Electric Light Orchestra is pretty good.
I also love Paul's new album.

CCR is definitely a contender.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Bogey on January 06, 2009, 06:49:50 PM
Quote from: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:47:10 PM
Dire Straits! Nice. I liked them before they went MTV. ;)

Agreed.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Bogey on January 06, 2009, 06:52:48 PM
Other bands I "flirt" with but do not go after everything:

The Who
REM
Talking Heads
Early Elton
Chicago
Hendrix
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Brian on January 06, 2009, 07:03:20 PM
Quote from: Dr. Dread on January 06, 2009, 06:47:46 PM
CCR is definitely a contender.
There's a giant doing cartwheels, a statue wearin' high heels.
Look at all the happy creatures dancing on the lawn.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Brian on January 06, 2009, 07:04:11 PM
Quote from: Bogey on January 06, 2009, 06:42:18 PM
and I agree with you Brian, Simon and Garfunkel.  I am trying to track down some of their stuff on mono vinyl.  Heard it's excellent.
Fortunately I still have some of the - would the word be traditional? - albums to enjoy for the first time.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Bogey on January 06, 2009, 07:11:12 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 06, 2009, 07:04:11 PM
Fortunately I still have some of the - would the word be traditional? - albums to enjoy for the first time.

Any mono pressings Brain?
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 06, 2009, 09:52:24 PM
Mike Patton

(does he count as popular?)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: vandermolen on January 07, 2009, 02:06:53 AM
The Monkees  ;D
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 07, 2009, 04:53:52 AM
Quote from: Bogey on January 06, 2009, 06:52:48 PM
Other bands I "flirt" with but do not go after everything:

The Who
REM
Talking Heads
Early Elton
Chicago
Hendrix


There's a lot of obvious deadwood to Chicago, alas!  8)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 07, 2009, 05:05:51 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on January 06, 2009, 09:52:24 PM
Mike Patton

(does he count as popular?)

He used to.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 07, 2009, 05:06:19 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 07, 2009, 02:06:53 AM
The Monkees  ;D

They had some good pop songs written for them.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 07, 2009, 05:17:29 AM
Quote from: Dr. Dread on January 07, 2009, 05:06:19 AM
They had some good pop songs written for them.

http://www.youtube.com/v/cNJy-OgCzB0

Mike Nesmith has trouble with the honker.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: vandermolen on January 07, 2009, 07:47:49 AM
Quote from: Dr. Dread on January 07, 2009, 05:06:19 AM
They had some good pop songs written for them.

I saw them live in London. My mother took me  :o
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Bogey on January 07, 2009, 06:34:25 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 07, 2009, 04:53:52 AM
There's a lot of obvious deadwood to Chicago, alas!  8)

Word. $:)  And good evening my friend. :)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Renfield on January 07, 2009, 07:57:07 PM
If by popular one means pop (versus non-classical), I'll have to go for Brian Wilson.


If pop can include technopop (;D), then Kraftwerk, beyond doubt.

(In effect meaning Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider and Karl Bartos - the latter two of whom are no longer in the band).


And if "popular" means "not classical", the answer is still Kraftwerk, followed by obscure black metal band Blodsrit, and Brian Wilson. :)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: George on January 07, 2009, 08:02:08 PM
In biographical order:

Queen
Cat Stevens
Eagles
Pink Floyd
Run DMC
R.E.M.
Morrissey
pearl jam
Tool
Procol Harum
Bob Dylan
Joni Mitchell
Jackson Browne

If forced to pick just one - Morrissey.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: George on January 07, 2009, 08:04:10 PM
Quote from: Bogey on January 06, 2009, 06:52:48 PM
Other bands I "flirt" with but do not go after everything:
REM

Time to go all the way!

Well, all the way to Automatic for the People. 8)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Hollywood on January 07, 2009, 10:42:11 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 07, 2009, 02:06:53 AM
The Monkees  ;D

For me as well.  8) Another favorite is Herman's Hermits.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: orbital on January 07, 2009, 10:55:33 PM
No mention of Radiohead yet?  :o
For me other than them I generally turn to one of the following when listening to something other than classical: Amon Tobin, Thievery Corporation, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Fiona Apple, Rachael Yamagata, Kate Bush, Eagles, CRR, Stevie Wonder, LTJ Bukem, America, FSL
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 08, 2009, 04:29:13 AM
Quote from: orbital on January 07, 2009, 10:55:33 PM
No mention of Radiohead yet? 

I know. Amazing, isn't it?
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Kullervo on January 08, 2009, 04:39:41 AM
Quote from: orbital on January 07, 2009, 10:55:33 PM
No mention of Radiohead yet?  :o

I still like them but I'm kind of burnt out on their music.  :-\
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: George on January 08, 2009, 04:53:46 AM
Quote from: orbital on January 07, 2009, 10:55:33 PM
No mention of Radiohead yet?  :o

after years of waiting, nothing came  $:)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 08, 2009, 06:28:05 AM
Akron/Family
Allman Bros
Black Sabbath
Bob Wills
Doc Watson
Dock Boggs
Fela
Graham Parsons
James Brown
Johnny Cash
Louis Armstrong
Meshuggah
Michael Gira (Swans / Angels of Light)
Pink Floyd
Roscoe Holcomb
Sonic Youth
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 08, 2009, 06:36:47 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on January 08, 2009, 06:28:05 AM
Akron/Family
Allman Bros
Black Sabbath
Bob Wills
Doc Watson
Dock Boggs
Fela
Graham Parsons
James Brown
Johnny Cash
Louis Armstrong

Meshuggah
Michael Gira (Swans / Angels of Light)
Pink Floyd
Roscoe Holcomb
Sonic Youth


Nice!
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 08, 2009, 07:59:15 AM
Quote from: orbital on January 07, 2009, 10:55:33 PM
No mention of Radiohead yet?  :o



I never quite got over the typical grunge-thang of "Creep". But I should most probably give them more listens. Maybe it's because I'm old, but Rock for me started dying around 1991 and there was absolutely nothing since Marilyn Manson's third full length (or was it NiN's fourth? Tool's third? One-a those) that interested me at all.

But, obviously I'm way more of a Metal dude.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: bhodges on January 08, 2009, 08:13:24 AM
Quote from: AndyD. on January 08, 2009, 07:59:15 AM
Maybe it's because I'm old, but Rock for me started dying around 1991...

:o  No, say it ain't so!  :'( 

You might try one or two of the later Radiohead projects, e.g., Hail to the Thief or In Rainbows

I forgot about another fave, Robyn Hitchcock (with or without the Egyptians).

--Bruce
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 08, 2009, 08:15:04 AM
Quote from: AndyD. on January 08, 2009, 07:59:15 AM
Maybe it's because I'm old, but Rock for me started dying around 1991...

It started for me around 1985.  ;D

There are always exceptions of course.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Diletante on January 08, 2009, 08:32:55 AM
Well, the music that I grew up with and that holds a special place in my heart is alternative rock from the 90's/2000's, especially:

Garbage
No Doubt (especially their earlier stuff)
Billy Talent

From the 'oldies' I like Queen, and I've been flirting with the music of The Beatles.

To be honest I find most commercial rock these days is rather teenager-oriented. It seems to me like every new commercial rock band is made up of teenagers and I can't connect to the music. The last commercial band I've liked are the Arctic Monkeys.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 08, 2009, 08:37:38 AM
Quote from: tanuki on January 08, 2009, 08:32:55 AM
To be honest I find most commercial rock these days is rather teenager-oriented . . . .

And then the "indie" artists have a breathtakingly easy threshold to cross:  sound just a little less juvenile than B.S.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 08, 2009, 08:39:32 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 08, 2009, 08:37:38 AM
And then the "indie" artists have a breathtakingly easy threshold to cross:  sound just a little less juvenile than B.S.

Excellent post.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Josquin des Prez on January 08, 2009, 12:07:47 PM
Quote from: tanuki on January 08, 2009, 08:32:55 AM
To be honest I find most commercial rock these days is rather teenager-oriented. It seems to me like every new commercial rock band is made up of teenagers and I can't connect to the music. The last commercial band I've liked are the Arctic Monkeys.

Rock has always been teenager-oriented. The problem is that teenagers today have the mental development and personal maturity of a prepubescent child. Adults of course have been an endangered species since the baby boomer generation.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 08, 2009, 12:27:18 PM
Yes, but...

Who put the bomp
In the bomp bah bomp bah bomp?
Who put the ram
In the rama lama ding dong?
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 08, 2009, 12:33:58 PM
Be Bop a Lula,
She's my bay-bee.
Be Bop a Lula,
I don't mean maybe.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 08, 2009, 12:36:53 PM
I was listening to Gene Vincent today. :)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Bu on January 08, 2009, 12:53:33 PM
Best left in pairs, I suppose:

Sinatra & Fitzgerald
Miles, Monk, Rich
Stones, Zeppelin, Doors, Hendrix
Stooges, Ramones, Black Flag, Fugazi
James Brown, Sly & Family Stone, Chilli Peppers
Smiths
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 08, 2009, 01:00:12 PM
Quote from: Bu on January 08, 2009, 12:53:33 PM
Best left in pairs, I suppose:

Black Flag




"You say you don't want it
say you don't want it
say you don't want it
then you slip it right in ('in,in,in')"
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Bu on January 08, 2009, 01:09:25 PM
Quote from: AndyD. on January 08, 2009, 01:00:12 PM


"You say you don't want it
say you don't want it
say you don't want it
then you slip it right in ('in,in,in')"

I was soooo waaaaaaaasteed
I was a hippie
I was a burnout
I was a dropout
I was out of my head
I was a surfer
I had a skateboard
I was so heavy man, I lived on the strand
I was so waaaaaaaasteeeed
I was so f%#*!d up
I was so messed up
I was so screwed up
I was out of my head
I was so jacked up
I was so drunk up
I was so knocked out,
I was out of my head
I was so waaaaaaasteeeeeed
I was wasted

About 60 seconds to tell us that! ;D

Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 08, 2009, 01:14:59 PM
In my not-so-humble opinion the best rock acts active this decade have been (in no particular order):

Angels of Light
Akron / Family
Meshuggah
Radiohead
Fantomas
The Foals

(I probably forgot a few others)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 08, 2009, 01:47:00 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on January 08, 2009, 01:14:59 PM
In my not-so-humble opinion the best rock acts active this decade have been (in no particular order):

Angels of Light
Akron / Family
Meshuggah
Radiohead
Fantomas
The Foals

(I probably forgot a few others)


FANTOMAS "The Omen" very cool
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 08, 2009, 02:13:16 PM
Quote from: AndyD. on January 08, 2009, 01:47:00 PM

FANTOMAS "The Omen" very cool

This one is a hoot too:

http://www.youtube.com/v/vQtXxaC87Ks
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Brian on January 08, 2009, 02:30:07 PM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 08, 2009, 12:07:47 PM
Rock has always been teenager-oriented. The problem is that teenagers today have the mental development and personal maturity of a prepubescent child.
Why thank you. I think I'll sign off and go back to beating up little kids at the playground now!  :)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 08, 2009, 02:44:06 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on January 08, 2009, 02:13:16 PM
This one is a hoot too:

http://www.youtube.com/v/vQtXxaC87Ks



To me this sounds extremely creative and inspired.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Bogey on January 08, 2009, 03:22:13 PM
Quote from: Bu on January 08, 2009, 12:53:33 PM
Best left in pairs, I suppose:

Sinatra & Fitzgerald
Miles, Monk,.........

You should contribute to our jazz thread Brother Bu.   :)

http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,2875.0.html
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Josquin des Prez on January 08, 2009, 05:50:34 PM
Quote from: AndyD. on January 08, 2009, 02:44:06 PM
To me this sounds extremely creative and inspired.

Abysmal taste is abysmal. Actually, this whole thread is a disgrace.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 08, 2009, 05:57:14 PM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 08, 2009, 05:50:34 PM
Abysmal taste is abysmal. Actually, this whole thread is a disgrace.

So don't post in it, Einstein.  ::)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Renfield on January 08, 2009, 07:04:10 PM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 08, 2009, 05:50:34 PM
Abysmal taste is abysmal. Actually, this whole thread is a disgrace.

Ha! Is that [known internet image board I deliberately will not name] being evoked, there, with that phrasing? :D

So much for superiority, if that is the case. Even if not, can I politely ask why this thread is a disgrace? I'd say it contains works from across the musical spectrum, and is thus highly interesting to read. If you will, propose an alternative for The Diner.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 09, 2009, 03:09:50 AM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 08, 2009, 05:50:34 PM
Abysmal taste is abysmal. Actually, this whole thread is a disgrace.



Oh dear!
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Lethevich on January 09, 2009, 04:42:09 AM
Wish I could pick one just to annoy Josquin (:P) but I find pop too flawed for any band to stand out for me ;_;
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 04:43:45 AM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 08, 2009, 05:50:34 PM
Abysmal taste is abysmal. Actually, this whole thread is a disgrace.

I like your sense of humor!  The very driest!
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 05:04:18 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 04:43:45 AM
I like your sense of humor!  The very driest!

Positively arid.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 05:04:43 AM
Quote from: Lethe on January 09, 2009, 04:42:09 AM
Wish I could pick one just to annoy Josquin (:P) but I find pop too flawed for any band to stand out for me ;_;

Flawed how?
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 05:14:18 AM
The process, maybe.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Kullervo on January 09, 2009, 05:19:12 AM
Different kind of listening. Pop is only either great or flawed within the context of pop music.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 05:24:00 AM
Quote from: Corey on January 09, 2009, 05:19:12 AM
Different kind of listening. Pop is only either great or flawed within the context of pop music.

Yep.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: George on January 09, 2009, 05:53:40 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 09, 2009, 05:04:43 AM
Flawed how?

They include way too many of those pesky instruments, they often use intervals that are not consonant, they don't all sing about God, not enough word painting, vocal textures are rarely polyphonic, the music is guided by the beat, rather than moving along in a gentle flow, the melody often jumps up a 5th, 6th or even a minor seventh. How anyone can listen to it is beyond my comprehension. Music died after 1599, you hadn't heard?

;)   
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 05:54:15 AM
Quote from: George on January 09, 2009, 05:53:40 AM
They include way too many of those pesky instruments, they often use intervals that are not consonant, they don't all sing about God, not enough word painting, vocal textures are rarely polyphonic, the music is guided by the beat, rather than moving along in a gentle flow, the melody often jumps up a 5th, 6th or even a minor seventh. How anyone can listen to it is beyond my comprehension. Music died after 1599, you hadn't heard?

;)   

Post of the day.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 06:03:15 AM
Corey's and Geo's points well taken, of course.  I have no great kick against pop (some I takes, some I leaves).  I still entertain the possibility, suggested by Sara, of some 'flaw'.  But it is no preoccupation of mine  8)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Brian on January 09, 2009, 06:04:06 AM
Quote from: George on January 09, 2009, 05:53:40 AMMusic died after 1599, you hadn't heard?
And they were singing:
Bye, bye, this Austro-Hungarian pie
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 06:05:05 AM
Took my Wolferl to the lime-pit
But the lime-pit was lye.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: George on January 09, 2009, 06:05:27 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 09, 2009, 05:54:15 AM
Post of the day.

I was channeling DavidRoss.  ;D
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 06:09:14 AM
Quote from: George on January 09, 2009, 06:05:27 AM
I was channeling DavidRoss.  ;D

:D
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 06:14:14 AM
Quote from: Corey on January 09, 2009, 05:19:12 AM
Different kind of listening. Pop is only either great or flawed within the context of pop music.

Yeah. There's great mediocrity and bad mediocrity but it's ok as long as you keep it within the contextual confines of what is mediocre and base!
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Kullervo on January 09, 2009, 06:17:15 AM
I am comfortable with that. I have room in my life for both good and great work.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 06:29:58 AM
Quote from: Corey on January 09, 2009, 06:17:15 AM
I am comfortable with that. I have room in my life for both good and great work.

Indeed!
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 06:30:42 AM
If someone wants to listen to violins exclusively for the rest of their life, I guess that's up to them.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 06:35:49 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 09, 2009, 06:30:42 AM
If someone wants to listen to violins exclusively for the rest of their life, I guess that's up to them.

Oh, that would be hell.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 06:36:55 AM
Indeed.

If you get off on the sound of an electric guitar coming through a Marshall amp, classical ain't going to do much for you, sonny.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 06:39:22 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 09, 2009, 06:36:55 AM
If you get off on the sound of an electric guitar coming through a Marshall amp, classical ain't going to do much for you, sonny.

Disagree.  One may have ears for both!
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 06:41:34 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 06:39:22 AM
Disagree.  One may have ears for both!

Well, yes.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 06:43:42 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 09, 2009, 06:41:34 AM
Well, yes.

See, I knew you weren't really digging in for opposition, there.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 09, 2009, 06:50:57 AM
Thank God for the lucrative and base! Otherwise how could we appreciate the poor spirited yet pompous!
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 09, 2009, 06:53:05 AM
In some cases, popular music wins out. I'd much rather hear Ritchie Blackmore playing the solo to "Highway Star" than Paganini working his finger exercises.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 06:53:50 AM
Quote from: AndyD. on January 09, 2009, 06:50:57 AM
Thank God for the lucrative and base! Otherwise how could we appreciate the poor spirited yet pompous!

Uh-oh . . . .
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: AndyD. on January 09, 2009, 06:53:05 AM
In some cases, popular music wins out. I'd much rather hear Ritchie Blackmore playing the solo to "Highway Star" than Paganini working his finger exercises.

Just as a matter of 'voting with my ears' . . . I'd apparently sooner listen to ten King Crimson albums than a single Bach Cantata.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 06:57:39 AM
Exactly. And it's not just based on complexity. Tonality comes into it as well.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Lethevich on January 09, 2009, 07:04:45 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 09, 2009, 05:04:43 AM
Flawed how?

Without wishing to belittle the musicians involved, when I go from classical to pop I feel like I am having to lower my expectations, and especially my sense of what is aesthetically good or just cornball. I can't think of any band that doesn't regularly make me cringe a little if I don't alter the way I listen, either lyrically, image-wise or with musical content. I sort of go into post-modern mode when listening, knowing winks and all that, sort of the way that an adult can enjoy a children's cartoon. I like a wide range of pop, but I don't think that I could point to certain bands or musicians and say "this is something which really connects with me" like I could with a composer...

Edit: this is moot, though, as I could still have favourite pop musicians when taking it for what it is. But the fact that I do not seems to make me think that it is to do with the way I enjoy it rather than adore it.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 07:17:49 AM
Quote from: Lethe on January 09, 2009, 07:04:45 AM
Without wishing to belittle the musicians involved, when I go from classical to pop I feel like I am having to lower my expectations, and especially my sense of what is aesthetically good or just cornball. I can't think of any band that doesn't regularly make me cringe a little if I don't alter the way I listen, either lyrically, image-wise or with musical content. I sort of go into post-modern mode when listening, knowing winks and all that, sort of the way that an adult can enjoy a children's cartoon. I like a wide range of pop, but I don't think that I could point to certain bands or musicians and say "this is something which really connects with me" like I could with a composer...

And of course, the best way to resolve this issue is to not set an higher standard or ideal which might compel popular musicians to achieve greatness. All you have to do is to lower you own standards, because what really matters is not what is good, but what is good for you.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: George on January 09, 2009, 07:19:00 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 09, 2009, 06:36:55 AM
Indeed.

If you get off on the sound of an electric guitar coming through a Marshall amp, classical ain't going to do much for you, sonny.

I get off on 57 Chevies.  $:)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: The new erato on January 09, 2009, 07:21:17 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 09, 2009, 06:36:55 AM
Indeed.

If you get off on the sound of an electric guitar coming through a Marshall amp, classical ain't going to do much for you, sonny.
And this ones coming from Robert Zimmerman. Shades of Newport 65?
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 07:21:59 AM
Quote from: erato on January 09, 2009, 07:21:17 AM
And this ones coming from Robert Zimmerman. Shades of Newport 65?

:D
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: The new erato on January 09, 2009, 07:22:12 AM
Quote from: George on January 09, 2009, 07:19:00 AM
I get off on 57 Chevies.  $:)
Do you clean them yourself afterwards?  ;D
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: George on January 09, 2009, 07:25:09 AM
Quote from: erato on January 09, 2009, 07:22:12 AM
Do you clean them yourself afterwards?  ;D

That wouldn't be the Rock 'n Roll thing to do.  8)
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 07:26:01 AM
 :-X
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Lethevich on January 09, 2009, 07:26:59 AM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 07:17:49 AM
And of course, the best way to resolve this issue is to not set an higher standard or ideal which might compel popular musicians to achieve greatness. All you have to do is to lower you own standards, because what really matters is not what is good, but what is good for you.

I'm not sure whether greatness is possible without a fair amount of formal training, and that is both expensive and hard to come by, so to hold pop musicians to higher standards wouldn't increase them by all that much. I also feel that with the popularity of music, if it was possible for pop to do the "great" thing, it would've been more widespread by now due to (in the west) since the 90s, it has become very cheap to record music even if a label won't pay to publish it. Despite the flaws, pop has quite a few uses and appeals for me, so I'll keep listening - I just won't pretend that it's perfect.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 09, 2009, 07:30:56 AM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 07:17:49 AM
And of course, the best way to resolve this issue is to not set an higher standard or ideal which might compel popular musicians to achieve greatness. All you have to do is to lower you own standards, because what really matters is not what is good, but what is good for you.


This pretty much says it, and quite well.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 07:58:31 AM
Quote from: Lethe on January 09, 2009, 07:26:59 AM
I'm not sure whether greatness is possible without a fair amount of formal training, and that is both expensive and hard to come by, so to hold pop musicians to higher standards wouldn't increase them by all that much.

Indeed? How is it possible then that greatness could find it's way in Jazz, where many Jazz musicians grew up in poor and segregated areas with scarcely any access to and least of all the means for acquiring an "academic" education? And what about those popular musicians who did receive such an education, and failed? Sorry, but i find your argument fallacious.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 08:03:34 AM
Quote from: AndyD. on January 09, 2009, 07:30:56 AM
This pretty much says it, and quite well.

Of course, selfishness overruling virtue is a clear sign of decadence, but i guess that doesn't matter to you, right?
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Lethevich on January 09, 2009, 08:04:21 AM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 07:58:31 AM
How is it possible then that greatness could find it's way in Jazz, where many Jazz musicians grew up in poor and segregated areas with scarcely any access and least of all the means to acquire an "academic" education?

Fair point, as I rarely listen to jazz, it didn't come to mind.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 08:05:17 AM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 08:03:34 AM
Of course, selfishness overruling virtue is a clear sign of decadence, but i guess that doesn't matter to you, right?

Actually, there was selflessness in Andy's giving your remark a more generous reading than it probably deserved;  but you were probably too selfish to notice this humility on his part.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 08:10:02 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 08:05:17 AM
Actually, there was selflessness in Andy's giving your remark a more generous reading than it probably deserved;  but you were probably too selfish to notice this humility on his part.

I think JdP is on a different planet than we are. Maybe they have the internet on Mars.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 08:10:21 AM
I believe he was merely being sarcastic, Karl.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 09, 2009, 08:17:39 AM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 08:03:34 AM
Of course, selfishness overruling virtue is a clear sign of decadence, but i guess that doesn't matter to you, right?


Aye...guess so.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Haffner on January 09, 2009, 08:19:20 AM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 08:10:21 AM
I believe he was merely being sarcastic, Karl.




I wasn't. I thought your remark had some truth in it. You second guessed me.

I'm not really that bright, you gave me too much credit.

Don't forget about my predilection for selfishness and baseness. (That was facetious).
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Dr. Dread on January 09, 2009, 08:33:27 AM
Anyway, we're way off topic.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 08:40:33 AM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on January 09, 2009, 08:10:21 AM
I believe he was merely being sarcastic, Karl.

Hardly the first time you've been mistaken.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 08:41:12 AM
Quote from: mn dave on January 09, 2009, 08:33:27 AM
Anyway, we're way off topic.

Gotta be Zappa, just pulled the trigger on three 21st-c. releases.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: karlhenning on January 09, 2009, 08:42:30 AM
No: two 21st- and one 20th-c. release.
Title: Re: Your favorite popular music artist?
Post by: Sergeant Rock on January 09, 2009, 11:09:24 AM
The question is, "Your favorite popular music artist"...singular. That would be Emmylou Harris:

(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/decgmg/Emmylou.jpg)

But I see most are listing more than one. It is hard to list just a few (there are artists I love in every genre) but my Top 10 might be:

Emmylou (not forgetting her mentor, Graham Parsons, the "inventor" of country rock/alt country)
Van Morrison
Grateful Dead
Leonard Cohen
The Band
Townes Van Zandt
Dire Straits
Black Flag
Tom Waits
Stax/Volt (the studio responsible for Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Booker T & the MGs, etc)

And you all know my irrational fondness for Bow Wow Wow  ;D

(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/berlin/BWW-1.jpg)

(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/berlin/BWW-3.jpg)


Sarge