MUSIC

What happened to good music taste?

Sarah Gould considers whether 'good taste' actually exists or is just a phrase used by those with superiority issues

THE age old question: does anyone really have a ‘bad’ taste in music? As individuals, we compare and contrast our music tastes to others, whether that be friends, family or even a particular bar’s radio choice. But how do we even acquire our tastes in music in the first place? Some of us are adventurous, seeking new artists to listen to through platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music. Others are influenced by friends, sharing and copying playlists when introduced to a song that fits our personal styles. There is also a generational influence, being brought up by 80s classics blasted in the car by our parents. This is also why old legends such as The Beatles and ABBA still thrive today, as their impact has been shared through generations and young people can still appreciate their music. After all, it would be a rarity to find someone of any generation who did not know ‘Hey Jude’.

But what about older generations' reactions to the popular genres of today? Not many grandparents are familiar with the works of rappers such as Kanye West or Kendrick Lamar. Even if they were, it is usually to complain about the heavy beats and fast, swear-filled lyrics. Older generations tend to believe that there is ‘bad’ taste in music nowadays. This is usually directed at rap and hip-hop artists, with the argument that ‘anyone can make music now’. Even though this may be true, it has also allowed for a greater variety in genres and artists to listen to. Therefore, music taste has not necessarily become ‘bad’, but has rather grown and evolved to accommodate new kinds of music. And, as stated before, the music from older generations has not been lost. Music from the 60s, 70s and 80s are still popular, but this doesn’t mean that younger people ignore the talents from their own generation. stigma surrounding them. Country music, for example, is a genre deemed ‘cringy’ and many people tend to turn their nose up at it. On the other hand, many people who like country music most of the time can be seen to make it their entire personality. Despite these distastes however, our guilty pleasures sometimes stem from musical genres that we would not usually choose to listen to. Where country music is involved, Dolly Parton’s iconic ‘Jolene’ is a hit that haters of this genre can appreciate. Additionally, where rap is concerned, even middle-aged people find themselves bopping their heads along to Dizzy Rascal’s ‘Bonkers’.

Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’ is a typical club tune that die-hard ‘pop genre’ haters know the words to. So, can we really claim that people have a ‘bad taste’ in music, when our own guilty pleasures tend to be from genres we usually don’t associate with?

Ultimately, there will always be claims that people have a ‘bad taste’ in music. However the music industry is so broad that our favourite artists and songs often overlap into different genres and so we should not judge one another for personal tastes. After all, how can ‘bad taste’ exist if our guilty pleasures are usually corny tunes that everyone enjoys?

Moreover, distaste in genres is not solely generational. Even amongst younger listeners, there are divides between genres such as indie and rap. Granted, many people like both styles, but if asked "who do you prefer: the Arctic Monkeys or Dave?", there will more likely than not be a preference. Even some genres in general have a bad

Let's go to the beach-each...

Scarlett Cracknell, Music Editor, shares the tunes she blasts at Exmouth and Dawlish

FOR all readers who have the pressure, or pleasure, of being the friend designated with controlling the music and setting the mood when they go to the beach, I hope that these suggestions may ease any pain when trying to please a crowd.

'Brazil' — Declan McKenna

Having seen this performed live at Boardmasters 2022, I can't help but associate this tune with the beach.

'Sunshine' — Steve Lacy (ft. Fousheé)

The best collaboration of 2022 without a shadow of a doubt. No more needs to be said. Just play it.

'Jamming' — Bob Marley & The Wailers

You can't really go wrong with a bit of Bob Marley when the sun's out and drinks are flowing. 'Jamming' is my personal favourite, but any song of his will do.

'She's Not Yours' — Foxtide

A small band with just over 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, their inspiration is that of The Strokes, King Krule and Ringo Star. This is their most listened to song for a reason; good chill vibes.

'Use Somebody' — Kings of Leon A cult classic, will get everyone humming along. Probably best to play nearer the middle-end to pick everyone's energy back up after basking in the sun and drinking all day.

'Thinking of You' — Sister Sledge

The disco influence of Sister Sledge on this more chill song from their album We Are Family is perfect for a sunny seaside sunset.

'That's Entertainment' — The Jam

This song with its incredibly bass intro makes you feel like the main character at the end of an indie movie. If that's not persuasion enough to add to your playlist I don't know what is.

'A Leo Underwater' — Daffodils

A smaller band with just over 30,000 monthly Spotify listeners is Daffodils: an indie group from New Zealand that me and my home friends discovered. With a very distinct vibe, they modernise 80s sounds and are a perfect band to play at a beach BBQ.

'This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)' — Talking Heads

A song about enjoying life and taking it easy, this tune and its distinctly David Byrne sound goes well with Daffodils and is the perfect vibe for summer.

'Grease' — Frankie Valli

This tune is for any readers who have musical theatre friends, or for anyone who knows of Sandy and Danny's epic summer romance. The beach scene at the start of the film is a testament as to why this is here.

'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' — Roy Ayers Ubiquity

Perfection in a song. You may not recognise it by its title but I can guarantee this has been the background to your life at somepoint.

'Sunny Day' — Beabadoobee

From her most recent album Beatopia, this song and its title prove worthy of being on this playlist. Though her music is often classified within Bedroom Pop, this song can be transported from the bedroom to the beach.

EDITORS: Jake Avery and Scarlett Cracknell