I was at a party the other night. In saying this, you should know that one of the things that most people seem to know about me is my interest in popular music. Indeed, it is a typical ice-breaking question to ask me if I have been to see any good gigs recently. Anyway, the pressing need to change the music on the stereo came up at some stage during this party. I (stupidly) mentioned that I had my iPod with me (ah, vino) and the response was definitely to go get it.
Now, I am no cop as a DJ, unless the invitation says “black tie” on it. Accordingly, this is not a limelight that I care to dance in. However, I was obviously lubricated enough on the night to put myself forward for some pitiless public pillory.
Not that my problems ended there. I have little or no chart music on my iPod. However, a quick scroll down through it offered up Foals. This makes for a good party option, thought I! Is it not tuneful? Is it not easy to get accustomed to? With confidence, I made my selection and pressed play. Two minutes later, I was informed politely but very firmly to “stop playing music that only people who appreciate music like”!
The implication was clear. In their eyes, I was another dreaded music snob simply trying to show off.
Not that this was anything like the first time that this has befallen me. One amusing recollection that this throws up is of the time that I sounded off about the likes of a Coldplay or a Keane, only to be informed that not everyone was an NME-reading snob! On this we were in agreement!
Now, I know that I listen to a lot of music that sadly may never be appreciated by those with more mainstream tastes. For example, my girlfriend teasingly refers to my Stars of the Lid albums as my “whale music”. Moreover, I admit that it takes perseverence to listen to the new Nah Und Fern album by Gas several times over.
However, when I look around the Internet or read some of the more specialist music magazines, I never ceased to be amazed at just how much time and effort others put into listening to what I perceive as being obscure music. Truly, I am a pygmy in their midst.
In addition, I am not one to abandon a band just because it has become popular. For me, that makes no sense whatsoever. If I like the music, then that is all that matters - be it The Killers and Kings of Leon or be it The Kissaway Trail and Kelpe.
Consequently, what really is a music snob?
Is it all just a matter of perception?
Or do they even exist at all?
Oh, before you go, have you seen my Melt Banana CDs anywhere?
Stars of the Lid? Gas? No idea boss.
I haven’t even heard anything by Foals, the main reason being that I find the image of a blood spattered newborn horse revolting.
I think a music snob is someone who listens to music (s)he doesn’t even like that much, but thinks it’s worth doing as a means of maintaining a particular image, because at root they feel empty. I am reminded of that old Ben Folds Five song Underground:
‘I was never cool in school
I’m sure you don’t remember me
And now it’s been 10 years
I’m still wondering who to be
But I’d love to mix in circles, cliques, and social coteries - that’s me
Hand me my nose ring (Can we be happy?)
Show me the mosh pit (Can we be happy?)
We can be happy underground’
Ha- I get that all the time!! Although sometimes I suppose I cultivate that image with all the obscure and eclectic music I listen to.
I think that quite a few people that get the snob tag are just enthusiasts that will listen to anything/everything without reservation where the true snob would only listen to music with certain tags ‘Oh I only listen to such and such group because they are country/metal/post-rock’.
As you say- if you like the music that is what matters- popular or not!
@Hugh - That sounds like the hideous hipster to me!!
Once saw a foal being born. Incredible experience for a city boy! The band are also well worth a listen.
Must get myself a nose ring, mind…
@TT - I can see the point that you are making. It may also be an age thing. For example, I seem to have more and more diverse tastes with every passing year.
There’s nothing wrong with it. Fuck the Tesco music masses!
Snob and proud!
Never took you for a Waitrose shopper ELM!
I’m in the unfortunate position of hating the lower orders, middle class c*nts and posh people.
Seriously, I loathe people who take pride in their musical stupidity. ‘I just like what I like!’ they say. Well of course you do, you daft prick. We’ve never asked you not to! All we are saying is that we might look beyond the end of our noses for music!
Don’t let them make you feel bad my man! You are right, they are wrong. End of!
Heh. The article was for effect bro. Gonna take a shed load more than that to knock me out of my stride!
Good man. Fuck the easily satisfied!
Sound advice on more than one level!
Would make a good t-shirt!
True that! Bags the copyright!
Split the profits!
Ok so. Shall we shake hands on a split of 90:10 in my favour? To sweeten the deal, you can even have a free t-shirt!
(You will have merited it!!)