What music do you love that you'll admit isn't good?

[jochanaan]

I have more in mind the type of modern pop garbage that I hear being played while I work out at the YMCA.

My point exactly!  There are levels of greatness in all musics.

[jochanaan]

I wonder where Milli Vanilli factors into this?

They don't, since they produced no music.

[Karl Henning]

My point exactly!  There are levels of greatness in all musics.

I guess I need suffer no guilt, in enjoying the Zappa orchestral music....

[not edward]

My most consistent criticism about Zappa's orchestral music is really a variant of what was said about Liszt and other pianist-composers: it was written for the Synclavier and thus one shouldn't be surprised if the music sounds more natural on the Synclavier than as played by an orchestra (I'd say G-Spot Tornado would be a particularly clear example).

But, as ever, YMMV.

[Karl Henning]

My most consistent criticism about Zappa's orchestral music is really a variant of what was said about Liszt and other pianist-composers: it was written for the Synclavier and thus one shouldn't be surprised if the music sounds more natural on the Synclavier than as played by an orchestra (I'd say G-Spot Tornado would be a particularly clear example).

But, as ever, YMMV.

But you're absolutely right: G-Spot Tornado is not an orchestral piece. I even think it an ill fit for Ensemble Modern, really.  Compositionally, I think more of G-Spot Tornado than I do of, say, A Short Ride in a Fast Machine;  but the latter is much better writing for/use of the orchestra.

Mostly what I have in mind is pre-Synclavier work, the orchestral bits in Lumpy Gravy, 200 Motels, and (what is already more chamber-ish, and well in his toolbox) Revised Music for Guitar and Low-Budget Orchestra.  The odd thing is, as apt as your complaint is viz. the Synclavier, the earlier work is modest in scope, often earnest in execution, and idiomatic.

[Mirror Image]

I don't know if it's any good (I like it) but I really liked Goo Goo Doll's album A Boy Named Goo and this song Naked really sounded good, to my ears, whenever I first heard it (late 90s?).

http://www.youtube.com/v/yWBuvaMvdt4

[Mirror Image]

Maybe I'm treading further and further off the initial topic with posting alternative rock videos but here's one with The Smashing Pumpkins that I always loved but don't really know how SP fans feel about it:

http://www.youtube.com/v/d1acEVmnVhI

[Xenophanes]

I am quite fond of Ippolitov-Ivanov's Caucasian Sketches, Suite no. 1 (I don't like Suite no. 2). It's not great but it is tuneful.  If performed with some style and conviction, as it is on this CD of Russian music. it's a fun piece:

[asin]B000001KAS[/asin]

[Pat B]

Maybe I'm treading further and further off the initial topic with posting alternative rock videos but here's one with The Smashing Pumpkins that I always loved but don't really know how SP fans feel about it:

I love Siamese Dream in its entirety. I will not admit that it isn't good.

[vandermolen]

Tick-Tock by Ke$ha.

[Mirror Image]

I love Siamese Dream in its entirety. I will not admit that it isn't good.

Agreed and I feel the same way about Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.

[jochanaan]

I guess I need suffer no guilt, in enjoying the Zappa orchestral music....

Remember Duke Ellington: "Only two kinds of music: good and bad."

[Mirror Image]

Don't know if it's good, but I love Primus anyway...

http://www.youtube.com/v/TOdo7dhvSwg

[vandermolen]

Not music you love and will defend the quality of. For instance, I will argue with any foe that Johann Strauss' waltzes are very good music. But music you love despite knowing it sucks.

The amount of venom and hatred directed towards the Grand Canyon Suite suggests to me that my fondness for it is just not cool. 

I also like the Grand Canyon Suite.

[Mirror Image]

I also like the Grand Canyon Suite.

+ 1

I like most of the Grofe I've heard to be honest with maybe Mississippi Suite being my favorite. I love that opening movement Father of the Waters.