2. music
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Could somebody please explain

I know what the dictionary says that it means, but here's the problem....every so often - increasingly frequently because people are starting to know that I am into audio and even more into music - some aquaintance (ie., colleague, co-worker, friend of a friend, etc.) will hand me a CD and say something like: You have to listen to this disk, it's got heavy jazz/classical/latin/blues (pick one..or two) influences but it's hard to pin down just what it really is. It's very eclectic."

Invariably the disk is crap.

The disk is usually generously given to me by an individual who wouldn't know a pianissimo from a pinada, and I am left to wonder just what is meant by the "eclectic" designation. Here are some of the possible meanings under consideration:

1. I don't understand even a fragment of what is going on here musically, so this disk must be really good.

2. I paid good money for this thing and I hate it, so I'll try and pass it off on someone else and call it eclectic.

3. It sounds like world music, and world music is eclectic (the "peace, love, dope" approach).

4. It's eclectic and I like it, so if you don't, you're an idiot.

5. Since I listen to eclectic music you have to think that I am intelligent.

I often wonder what response I would recieive if I merely returned the disk and said" It's not eclectic, it's sh**. Stop worrying about it and go listen to some music you like."

Any thoughts?
esoxhntr

Showing 4 responses by esoxhntr

esoxhntr OP
196 posts
 
Guys:

Thanks for the responses, both enjoyable and informative - and quite honestly a spin that I had never considered. Wellfed, I already had a disk in mind for Newbee's approach - Stereolab's "Emporer King
Ketchup"; I think my definition(s) of eclectic describe it nicely. Drubin - I doubt you'd consider me a snob but your reminder is well advised. Timf - a wise and well thought out response; I will certainly try your approach.
esoxhntr OP
196 posts
 
Oops, sorry Theo - didn't mean to forget you. Another interesting slant to consider. Thanks again guys!
esoxhntr OP
196 posts
 
Well, Bartok wouldn't clear me out of the room :) I really do try to keep an open mind, and I also enjoy the opportunity to listen to new material.What I don't like is the expectation from the individual giving me the disk that I am obligated to like the music on the disk.

From reading the original post, I realize the the situation I am trying to describe is difficult to understand (and perhaps vaguely explained ???), but rest assured:

1. I do like listening to new music.
2. I do like sharing music and talking about music with others.
3. I am not trying to establish moral superiority by dumping on others people's opinions of music.
4. I do realize that what floats my boat may sink somboby else's.

I would simply be more comfortable when being offered a disk if the offer was made like so:

"Why don't you try this and see what you think?"

As opposed to:

"You will love this, it's eclectic."

By the definition of eclectic, if I don't like the music, then I do not understand what the best elements or best practices of the music are, which of course is a load of hogwash. And I restate - every time I listen to a disk labelled eclectic, it sucks.

As you say Tfkaudio, so much really good music, so little time.
esoxhntr OP
196 posts
 
Frank - Now THAT might actually be eclectic!
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