There's an interesting little "debate" on Emily's site about The Mountain Goats. While I of course disagree, I like the way Emily framed it - in the respectful way I expect of one of the most curious and open people I've ever met. We all have bands that all our friends love but that we don't - there are several people who can bear witness to the fact that I hated Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea for the first 20 listens (I even, to my shame, perfected an impression). And now it's my favorite record of all time.
And as long as it's confession time, Bob Dylan? Fully and completely aware of his brilliance and importance but just not able to listen. And don't even get me started on mainstream hip hop - that debate always ends with me in tears (and all I ever argue is that one's taste in music cannot be PC or not PC!) Shouldn't music, like food or (legal) sex, be completely unpolitical? You don't criticize a person for disliking avocados, even though avocados rule. You just feel a little sorry for them that they've missed out on the pleasure avocados have added to your own life.
(But all that said, that "titanica" commenter kind of has a point.)
I feel liberated by this post. I hate Yo La Tengo and Patti Smith. I do, however, love Patty "The Warrior" Smyth.
I also hate sushi. I live in Seattle, I've been to Japan, and I love seafood, but hate sushi. Everyone thinks because I am some wine and food hipster that I must love sushi, but I don't. They are shocked to find out I hate it.
But I love brussel sprouts; I feel the same way about them that you do about avocados. You hit the nail on the head, so I'm going to paraphrase/plagarize (plagarphase?) you and say:
You don't criticize a person for disliking brussel sprouts, even though brussel sprouts rule. You just feel a little sorry for them that they've missed out on the pleasure brussel sprouts have added to your own life.
Cheers.
Posted by: Jameson | October 13, 2006 at 12:41 AM