Listening to music I don’t particularly like

As a person who listens to a lot of ’classical’ music, yes I do. Why? Because I find myself listening to some composers today I wouldn’t have in the past. Understanding perhaps? Evolution of that understanding? Not sure.

The one composer who ’sticks out to me’ is Bruckner. I don’t quite get the attraction to his work, but I continue to buy various performances of Bruckner’s work, and listen to them from time to time regardless. I don’t detest his work, it just doesn’t do much for me as others do. But, I keep my mind and ears open and listen nonetheless.

I don't generally listen to music that I don't like. I'm also a classic rock aficionado, going back to R&B and doo-wop. I find myself enjoying more recent and well-recorded covers of the oldies.

I have found that when I listen to music that I like it makes me happy. Tonight I am not happy and some of my of my collection is headed to St Vincent de Paul. Live is too short to listen to music that doesn't make you happy.

I may not listen to something because it is poorly recorded, but I never listen to something just because it is recorded well. There is more than enough out there that satisfies both requirements.

a few thoughts

- just like food, wine, movies, etc, sometimes it is nice to veer out of one's comfort zone to experience something new (especially if recommended by those whose taste you like, respect, trust) - sometimes it can open a door to new pleasures

- that been said, i think an important aspect of putting together a hifi system is to be honest and realistic about the source and music types you will listen to most of the time, and optimize for those

- i remember back in the vinyl days, we all waited each month for the newest releases by mofi and other such audiophile record labels remastering.recutting beloved gems... so the notion to of seeking best versions of music we enjoy is hardly new

- end of the day, even with music genres. listening to comfort-food music of medium recording quality vs audiophile tracks of mediocre musical content, one also needs to find a healthy, enjoyable balance