Why I Like Music

[Temporary_User]

Well it's 4am and I'm procrastinating on an essay. However a crazy thought came to my mind.

My musical preference is always evolving. I don't know if I would wholly classify that my music tastes goes in stages, because I believe if I like a song I hear, I like it. However, when my music taste seems to be on rock, that is mainly what I search for and discover new. (rap, country etc. all fall in this category)
My main thought or question is why do I like certain songs. With my music taste always evolving, do I really like all the old songs I have on my Ipod, or do I simply like them as they invoke memories.

If I just discovered a song today, that I have had on my Ipod for years, would I like it?

[troutman]

You might like to read This Is Your Brain On Music (I've seen copies at HMV stores).

http://www.yourbrainonmusic.com/

Think of a song that resonates deep down in your being. Now imagine sitting down with someone who was there when the song was recorded and can tell you how that series of sounds was committed to tape, and who can also explain why that particular combination of rhythms, timbres and pitches has lodged in your memory, making your pulse race and your heart swell every time you hear it. Remarkably, Levitin does all this and more, interrogating the basic nature of hearing and of music making (this is likely the only book whose jacket sports blurbs from both Oliver Sacks and Stevie Wonder), without losing an affectionate appreciation for the songs he's reducing to neural impulses. Levitin is the ideal guide to this material: he enjoyed a successful career as a rock musician and studio producer before turning to cognitive neuroscience, earning a Ph.D. and becoming a top researcher into how our brains interpret music. Though the book starts off a little dryly (the first chapter is a crash course in music theory), Levitin's snappy prose and relaxed style quickly win one over and will leave readers thinking about the contents of their iPods in an entirely new way." Publishers Weekly, May 15, 2006

[Coach]

I think you really do like those old songs and the reason that you like those new songs is that maybe they have some element of that in it. Like a rap song with a sweet guitar riff or beat.

[Traditional_Ale]

^ Amazing book!

Also, a cool DVD to check out is "Tom Dowd and the language of music." Its about the recording engineer for Atlantic.

[rockstar]

Heh, Trout, you're always recommending that book!

Though I must thank you. I got it because of you and it is a very interesting book.