I know exactly when it happened.
My first year of university, I started dating this guy. A music guy. Who actually got watery eyed when he searched through my CD collection and found Now 4. And not only did he find that particular CD extremely and personally offensive, he found dozens more like it. In fact, he didn’t find a single CD to approve of in the mix of boy bands and mainstream pop.
Instead of defending my choices, I meekly listened as he raved about all the new, hip and obscure bands I had never heard of- that were now essential to know. Soon I was accepting weekly mix CD’s, some of which I enjoyed, most of which I had to force myself to listen to. A collection of bands who all seemed to have names that started with the word “The”. As in, *The Hipsters, The Purple Renegades, The Apologetic Snaps, The Barbie Girl Fiasco.
It wasn’t as though I just collected these cd’s, I gathered the knowledge that I was to be ashamed of anything that was mainstream, or average or liking songs that everyone heard on the radio. Songs that made me happy to sing along to. Suddenly, liking popular music was worthy of excessive apologizing and explaining, as though you just broke your host’s toilet after a 5 course Mexican dinner.
Even after we broke up and I regained sole control of my cd player and freely listened to my pop music, I always felt embarrassed of my choices- ashamed that I was never quite up-to-date on who I was supposed to be listening to, what band or artist I was supposed to be loving. It’s taken a few years (okay, 5) to get over this slump. To really and fully appreciate that it’s perfectly acceptable to like popular music, to enjoy what I hear on the radio. But thank Taylor Swift, I’m finally there.
It’s funny, people who are into obscure artists feel the need to save me still- send me links and files and CD’s of what they think I might enjoy,- because it’s what they enjoy. Though I always appreciate the effort, it does make me smile. Very rarely will you find someone who likes the music that society has deemed ‘embarrassing’ for a 28 year old girl to like, send a file to someone who classifies himself as a music snob with a note attached “thought you might enjoy this“. In hip clubs on Saturday nights, you won’t hear a music lover lecture someone about the superiority of Britney Spears over The Weepies, but? I have many, many times heard those who legitimately like Britney Spears or Taylor Swift or Miley Cyrus be laughed at.
Ifwe want to live in a world where people are treated fairly, where all are seen as equal, let’s start by being musically blind- and appreciating that our musical loves make us unique and different, not superior or inferior. Or let’s just stop making excuses for who we enjoy listening to and instead celebrate how awesome it is that we live in a world where Taylor Swift, Drake, Jem and Run-DMC can co-exist. Amen.
My ipod is crammed full; Lady Gaga, Jack’s Mannequin, Ani DiFranco, The Damnwells, Jeremey Fisher, Chester See, Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spektor, Bob Dylan, Mandy Moore, Lynard Skynard, Fiona Apple, Greg Laswell, Frank Sinatra, Alexi Murdoch, Cat Stevens, Beck, Kenny Chesney, Jurassic 5, Kings of Leon, Asher Roth, Ray LaMontagne, Beth Orton, Beyonce, The Who, Tristan Prettyman, Tegan and Sara, Snow Patrol, Sam Roberts, Sara Bareilles, Joseph Arthur, Rilo Kelly… and so many more.
This is the playlist I sing to in my car on a bad day. Give me Miley Cyrus over Bob Dylan when my day has been long and I am tired.
And I’m not apologizing for it.
Anymore.
1. Magic – B.o.b. (featuring Rivers Cuomo)
2. Teeth- Lady Gaga
3. Faded- Soul Decision
4. Party in the USA- Miley Cyrus
5. You Belong With Me- Taylor Swift
6. SOS- Rihanna
7. Circus- Britney Spears
8. Hotel Yorba- The White Stripes
9. Calling You- Blue October
10. Mr. Brightside- The Killers
11. All I want to do- Sugarland
12. Us- Regina Spektor
13. Take A Bow- Glee
14. I Love College- Asher Roth
* Don’t google those. I made them all up because I have purged my brain from the actual band names.
Have you ever felt guilty over liking a particular song or type of music? What’s your guilty pleasure song?
I have to agree. I like my pop. I like my dancy-pop tunes.
Also? Soul Decision? Win.
I am half music snob, half Miley Cyrus car dancer. But I refuse to apologize for my music taste, ever.
Also: that playlist makes me want to dry hump you on a dance floor somewhere. No, really. AMAZING.
Bah! I totally relate. I love me some good pop songs but have just recently come to terms with the fact that it’s ok. I no longer change the radio station from American top 40 to alternative rock before I get out of the car in fear that I might drive someone somewhere and be embarrassed by my love of Miley.
I’m so over the whole music snob thing and it goes for books too. I enjoy trashy books (usually about vampires) and I don’t care if you are a literary major, I will not be embarrassed by my love of Sookie Stackhouse.
Oh, my pop-loving heart is swelling. This is my experience to a T – when I got to college, everyone around me talked about cool alternative bands and I just sat there, absently nodding and not mentioning that I listened to Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake on a regular basis. To them, those were just occasional “guilty pleasure” songs/artists.
At first it was awkward and I felt embarrassed, and while I still tend to feel a little weird at first mentioning that I like Top 40 music to somebody who’s a bit of a music snob, I’m a lot more comfortable with it now. I love my Gaga and Britney and nobody’s gonna stop me!
Of course, I live at home with my dad and brother, both of whom are music snobs to the MAX – they love all old-school rock and roll music and think that today’s popular music is complete garbage. I’ve just given up there, because there’s no arguing with them at all.
God help whoever tries to take my Britney Spears away. Oh, and I recently realized I like that Ke$ha song. The one about brushing her teeth with Jack. Trashy, but I like it!
clairesuzanne — I’m with you on the books! People hear that the last thing I read was Sookie and they automatically claim I’m not really a “reader.” Whatever, I read for entertainment, it’s not like everything has to have some deep literary meaning.
SoulDecision’s “Faded” gets me moving every time. It also reminds me that it’s okay to have a drunk make-out/dance sesh with an equally “faded” guy from time-to-time ;)
I think I might win here. Not only do I listen to what’s classified as pop and boybands, but I listen to Japanese and Korean pop and boybands! It’s just so CATCHY!
I love Japanese and Korean pop and boybands too! I am Asian, but I used to listen to pop only, then my Asian friends introduced me to Japanese and Korean pop and boybands, and I fell in ♥! Total agree there!
Brandy, it’s like you took the words out of my mouth. I still feel ashamed when someone takes a look through my iPod. I have so many of the same songs you do on there and I’ve always been given scorn for my appreciation of mainstream and top 40s.
So thank you for saying this. I’m glad I’m not alone!
And right now? My currently obsession is Your Love is My Drug – Ke$ha. And I’m going to say I’m NOT ashamed that I love it (even though I pretended I hated it at a party last week to sound cooler aha).
I was brainwashed to frown upon almost everything mainstream and pop. It took me a VERY long time to get over it. But between ’08 and ’09 I started listening to A LOT of Top 40 radio and I discovered that it’s much nicer to admit to liking a little bit of everything than constantly listen to a certain type of music and turn my nose up at everything else.
I have a friend who dabbles in music production. So yes I have been made to feel ashamed over my popular music choices. He is so bad that he refuses to listen to certain songs entirely, and will only tolerate my other music selections. I used to feel guilty about my uncultured tastes in music, and tried to listen and like what I was “supposed to.” But now I like what I like and I don’t apologize or feel guilty. There is a reason pop songs are popular! And yes I have fallen in love with some of the bands hes sent my way but others I only tolerate. ;)
I admit, I’m a total music snob. BUT, I also have a serious appreciation for cheesy pop music. My iTunes is ridiculous. I have obscure bands next to Lady Gaga and Nsync’s greatest hits. And it’s awesome.
I agree. Noah’s a music snob, and while there are days and moods where I enjoy his music, some days you gotta listen to what YOU want. I also like Country music which pretty much makes me a black sheep in a large urban school district!
I have been working on a post like this for a month, but yours is so much better than mine! I hate being made to feel guilty about the music I like. I LOVE Taylor Swift, and I’m not afraid to say it!!!
I use to be a bit of a music snob. “Britney? Heck NO! County? Was I BORN in a trailer?” It shames me to think of it.
But now I am an avid Taylor Swift fan, a huge Lady Antebellum freak, and god forbid if I don’t love me some Disney songs (especially broadway Disney. Hellooooo Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast!).
You like what you like, don’t apologize for it. I also read Twilight and Sookie Stackhouse, which is mixed on my bookshelf with my Jane Austen and Brontes. Loves it!
Music snobs are the worst!!! My ex-boyfriend was like that too, he despised any music that wasn’t terrible heavy metal. Ew.
I haaaate when people roll their eyes when I say I basically solely listen to mainstream Top 40 Pop. Who cares what you like? Music is music. It’s meant to make ya happy :) I had this ex who listened to techno and scream-o stuff and he was always trying to get me to listen to it. Uh… why? I can’t understand it.
So whatever. Now I tell people loud and proud I like Top 40 Pop music!
“let’s start by being musically blind- and appreciating that our musical loves make us unique and different, not superior or inferior.”
YES. Oh my gosh. Thank you! I mean, I do like a lot of indie bands and I’m really more into classic old bands/artists like the Beatles and Bob Dylan but I can’t stand people who dismiss others as “culturally inferior” for listening to Kiss FM or something.
I can totally relate to this. So much so that when I made my current music guy a mix cd I ran it by an old music guy to check nothing on it was too cringeworthy. I remember raving about a Beyonce gig to a group of dudes only to be met by an embarrassed silence. I own that my music choices are not ‘cool’ – what can I say, I just like what I like.
Thank you for this post!
Right now I’m very guilty for my love of Kei$ha’s TIk Tok.
But, in general my musical tastes are quite “bad.”
I actually considered using Uncle Jesse’s “Forever” as a wedding song. Because I actually enjoy that song.
Yup, pretty much worst music taste in history.
My iPod is exactly like yours :) I think over 70% of it must be boyband, pop, and cheesey tunes, and I love it!!
Considering I still have a soft spot for Hootie and the Blowfish and Hanson, I’m in no position to judge anyone. Sure, I like mostly independent bands (whatever that even means anymore) and a great smattering of music from when my parents were young, but I like mainstream stuff too. I just like what I like, and I think everyone else should too.
Ah Hanson. Happy times. Mmm Bop = big smile on my face.
Ah, we are music soulmates. Fabulous post! Now if you excuse me, I’m going to go listen to some Hillary Duff.
I dont judge you for liking Nelly’s “Hot in Herrrre”.
Just know that.
I often feel, as the opposite of your musically in many respects, totally not in the loop. I had to google that Bieber kid. Half the time I don’t know the songs on the iTunes top 10 list.
You’ve got quite a few artists on your list that I think rock. Maybe there is hope for us all to meet in the middle. Make the world one big mix tape! heh.
Ha! Andrea what a blast from the past. I love that you love Hootie and Hanson! I’m also hilariously amused that so many of you are confessing your secret love for Ke$ha, which I was also going to do and I was sure I would be the only one. She’s just so catchy, perfect for car-dancing. And if I’m having a rough go of it at the gym and need a musical boost? Adam Lambert all the way. For Your Entertainment. On repeat. Hells yeah!
I may or may not have not one but TWO Miley Cyrus songs on my iPod. I started loathing Taylor Swift after the Grammys this year but I still have her music on her iPod.
A few years ago, I had a conversation with a guy where he told me the Beatles weren’t that great and that other underground bands at the time were better. Dude, did those bands become a cultural icon? No? That’s what I thought. I rest my case.
Listen to what makes you happy. The end.
Music should make you happy. If it doesn’t, what’s the point? I love obscure bands and I listen to Miley Cyrus when I go jogging. There’s a place in this world for all music.
Now I want to send you a copy of my album with a note that I think that you’ll like it. ;)
i agree. miley, lady gaga, britney, rihanna, justin bieber…all have great songs to listen to during a work out. i still love dusting off my old boy band and spice girls cds for road trips.
awesome! Embrace the music you love! I grew up listening to a super eclectic mix of music. My parents seem to like some of everything. I proudly sing along to country one minute and then belt out a Mexican ranchera. It’s all good. :)
i love having an eclectic taste in music! i deal with the same judgment from certain friends all the time – if it’s mainstream and/or the artist is signed by a major label, it’s not cool enough. they only listen to obscure indy artists that aren’t on the radio. WHATEVS. pop music is just that – popular – for a reason. it’s catchy, and the artists may actually be talented! [not all, but obv some]. so i’m not apologizing either. :)
I, too, can’t stand people who look down on others for their taste in music. And honestly, sometimes, there’s nothing better than getting down to a Miley Cyrus/Ke$ha/Black Eyed Peas mix after a long day. I love, love, love cutesy electropop music (Owl City, Heyhihello, Lights, etc.) and people have judged me for it, but whatever. My music, my life, GTFO. But in a nicer way, of course. :]
Amen sistah!
One of my guilty pleasures is Robbie Williams and he sums things up nicely in “Handsome Man”: “You can’t argue with popularity/Well, you could, but you’d be wrong”
People who feel the need to shame you for enjoying something popular and mainstream have deeper issues than music. What’s wrong with a little “to each his/her own”?
I have no apologies for my random obscure iPod music and I love that you don’t either. Seriously, the boy CRINGES at some of the stuff that comes on – but that usually stays hidden in my ‘workout’ playlist. Even songs that make me shudder are sometimes perfect for working out in the gym.. so what can I say? Random!
If I ever did a lip dub video, it would be in the car belting out #12. That said, my knowledge of pop music is the reason Clay and I win so much at pub trivia. Pop = free beer! Be proud!
Our iPods are related! Take a Bow from the Glee soundtrack is on my perk-me-up playlist. (And I’m pretty sure I’m a lot older than you..) I used to be married to a hipster-obscure-music-lover and my teenaged son cringes at my music choices, but I think I’ve earned my guilty pleasure cheezy music. :-)
Woo! Right on for rocking the mainstream loud and proud. I don’t think that to be ‘hip’ you have to like the obscure and unknown. For serious, I think I have a better time singing along to a mainstream pop hit in a club, surrounded by my friends who know all the words, than being smug because I know something super obscure that no one else knows . . .
i have almost all of those songs on my ipod too and i love them all. no shame whatsoever! :)
I can completely relate to this! Many times I’ve been made to feel inferior because of my love of R&B/hip hop/dance music. I used to frequent the forums on MTV.com during my teenage years, and the amount of rudeness towards others was astounding. All because of the fact that people like different things. What makes a rock band more credible than someone like Esmée Denters or Justin Timberlake anyway? It’s a completely different kind of entertainment. And wouldn’t the world be a boring place if everyone liked the same thing?
A massive high five to you! I feel exactly the same…and am so bored of people snorting at supposedly ‘mainstream crap’ because it’s only cool to like stuff no one else does. Or has heard of.
I have Leona Lewis. And Glee. And Lady GaGa. And The Killers. And Dido. And Imogen Heap. And Girls Aloud on my Ipod. And I. Don’t. Care.
I’ve only run into “music snob” hipster types at a couple of coffeehouses in my neighborhood but, thankfully, my friends and I all enjoy broadway musical soundtracks and cheesy pop music.
I have an abnormal amount of Glee. I car-dance to Justin Timberlake. tons of Kelly Clarkson. Gaga. lots of old-school R&B. wicked soundtrack. Rent soundtrack. Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley. Miranda Lambert and the Dixie Chicks. tons of Beyonce and Alicia Keys. Amy Winehouse and so on. I have a truly schizophrenic taste in music.
I like my music like I like my people: All kinds of it, all around, all the time, all together. One Love. Or something. :) I’m so with you.
(Mostly) because Blue October is here, I love you. I’m a huge fan. I’d also like to point out that I have 8 of those songs on a “Rock It Out” playlist on my iPod. Twinsies. Kinda sorta. Maybe?
Love this! I heart you for liking Soul Decision. To this day it remains as one of my top 5 CDs for always making me feel bettter when I’m having a rough day.
I love you for this post. Will echo: ME TOO! On having my music criticized, but wanting to enjoy it anyway. Whatever we enjoy, let us enjoy it!
I recently had my brand new iPod stolen from work..I’m pretty sure it was one of our students…anyways..I remember being terrified and embarrassed because of the things I had on that particular iPod. Then I was angered because it was stolen in the first place and I just have stopped caring about what this theif thinks about my choices. Things varying from insanely vulgar hip hop and rap (for when I need a beat or I’m feeling angry), country music, trance/techno, sappy pop hits, how-to speak German lessons, and hits from the 80s/70s/60s and beyond…I pity the fool who is currently using my poor golden iPod and making fun of my musical choices.
‘On the Cover of the Rolling Stones’ by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, a bunch of Johnny Cash, and (gawdhelpme) ‘Oh Sheila’ by Ready for the World.
Then there’s some Scots Gaelic and Welsh how-to and Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’. Just for shits and giggles.
I love that you have Greg Laswell on your iPod … he’s been my new obsession for over a year now! :)
Also, I can’t help but like Party in the USA. And I totally wave my hands in the air when that song is playing.
I completely agreee! Sometimes I feel so inferior when more musically-cultured approach me and question my interests. I like the radio. I like to bob my head to meaningless, techno-y music sometimes when the rest doesn’t matter. Music snobs are NOT better than me, or you, or anyone else! Great post, and great blog altogether :)
I love Ingrid and Regina. They are both…. Fabulous. Although I have to admit that I love getting emails from people saying, “I thought you might like” because usually they are pretty spot on, and I find another artist that I absolutely love whom I might never have encountered before, Paolo Nutini, for example.
But yes, I do love my Britney (and Jenny – the disney songs!) and Miley and Mandy and Christina (she is just such an amazing singer).
By the way, I think you have excellent taste!
Oh, and I am sometimes ashamed to admit that I LOVE movie soundtracks. And not the compilation of artists, but the SCORE. Howard Shore, Zimmerman, John Williams, Alexander Desplat and Carter Burwell… they are just brilliant.
I have been an avid reader of your blog for something like 2 years or so, maybe longer who knows!?! I lost track really because its been so fun reading along.
Love it, i think you’re super funny and you keep me laughing all the time. I have say though… I think you you have fantasic taste in music! And that just makes me adore you and this blog that much more. Most of those artist you like are on my Ipod as well. Oh BTW I am a friend/hairstylist of 3 of those artist you mentioned ; )
There are some really good movie soundtracks, for instance Gladiator, Garden State, Walking Tall etc.
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