Diminishing Interest in POP. I hate earworms


First of all, let me be clear. I love all manner and genres of music, I am a very eclectic guy and my music collection reflects that.

However, as I get older, and as much as I try to keep current, I find myself less able and willing to listen to what I term "pop" music. The interest factor is likely tied to my senior citizen status. :) I think I've finally moved beyond youthful angst. :)

One primary reason is that the hooks in so many songs increasingly take up residence in my brain and I hear them over and over until they decide to migrate elsewhere for the season. It's rather maddening. And, at the least,
extremely unpleasant.

It's one thing to keep hearing passages from Beethoven, Satie, Sibelius, Mozart, Bach, Chopin, etc, etc . and Coltrane, Miles, Chet Baker, Django, and on and on, et al, but an entirely other matter to have to listen to an internal shortloop of a pop tune. I'm referring to material from Billy Holliday, to Patsy Cline, to Dylan, to Reed, to Otis, to Talking Heads, Petty, The Band, Simon, and a myriad of much newer "artists" as they've come to be called. The handful of musicians I just mentioned are barely indicative of the extent of my listening.

For example: How many of you can't get "Bye Bye American Pie" out of YOUR heads? :)

My apologies to the thousands of new pop artists who reached prominence during the past 15 years or so. I don't disrespect the best of your efforts but generally I find it's usually not worth the time and effort to listen.

Thanks for your response.
ps

Showing 1 response by tonykay

I read the first line of your post and, FWIW, I thought I had written it. Now in my sixties, and considering my investment in stereo equipment and music, I try to listen to music every chance I get. However, I feel a little ridiculous when I put on an early Bowie or Lou Reed CD (or cassette). The beat gets my feet tapping but the words seem silly. It's funny how your tastes change!

Years ago, I gave up trying to find a niche of new artists to listen to. There are a few that I like, acoustic music like Norah Jones, Mumford & Sons and even Rufus Wainwright, but hip-hop and rap do nothing for me. So yes, I believe age does play a part in changing your musical tastes. While I used to think my situation was unique, I believe that others are in the same boat and would be interested to know if this is a common affliction.

Just to be clear, my favorite artists began (and many ended) in the 60's and 70's. Jackson Browne, Jethro Tull, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Led Zeppelin, Joan Baez, Elton John, Simon & Garfunkel, and the Beatles and Stones (of course) make up the bulk of my listening (not a complete list). Tonight, my wife and I are going to hear a Gordon Lightfoot concert in San Francisco, so you get the idea.

Like you, Ps, I'm not saying that new music is not worth hearing, but when I read my latest issue of Rolling Stone I don't get motivated to run out and buy the newest Katy Perry album (sorry, Katy). I'm not sure about the "earworms" part but you asked for a response and now you have mine.