Episode 17: My Ears, My Choice

In a musical landscape where there are more subcategories and collaborative projects that bridge musical genres than ever before, it's exceedingly difficult to try and pigeon-hole our musical tastes into succinctly-defined boundaries. That said, we still know the nature of "us vs. them", and the speed at which someone can come under fire for having a Nickelback ringtone, or more recently, perhaps tapping their toe along with the Coldplay halftime show during the Superbowl.

Where do these divisions come from, in something as personal as musical tastes? What are the origins of these preferences in the first place, that may lead anyone to feel so strongly about their predilections that they cannot see (hear?) the preferences of others with the same degree of acceptance?

Joined by guests Neil Klompas () and DX Ferris (), we look at the nature of music preferences, where they originate, and if/when to respectfully recommend new music.

Our Personal Music Recommendations:

Keir:

Zero7 (richly orchestrated brit downtempo/chill):  

NERO (thematic dubstep):  

Puscifer (experimental, slightly irreverent rock):  

Deep Banana Blackout (New England-based funk soul):  

Elsiane (downtempo jazz electronica duo):  

The Anchor (Denver based metal, with female scream vocalist Linzey Rae):  

Mark Erelli (Boston-originated folk americana):  

Ferris:

Mr. Gnome (co-ed duo):

Sound of Urchin (fun, funny, furious, dynamic, rocking rock):

Patternbased (instrumental, evocative, cinematic):  

Nicholas Megalis (creative force of nature and Vine superstar):

The Visit (über atmospheric string/vocal music that is dark and heavy, and while it’s not metal, it’s popular with metal people):

Donnie Iris & the Cruisers (the man, the myth, the legend):

Emmet Swimming, “Wake” LP (great alt-rock from 90s):

The Clarks, “Let It Go” LP (timeless feel-good blue-collar rock from Pittsburgh):

My Spotify public mixes link (something for all occasions, from rage to Christmas, riff-centric Bowie tunes to pure joy):

Neil:

Nina Simone (the high priestess of soul):  

Thievery Corporation (chillout, trip-hop producers):  

Temple of the Dog (the birthplace of Seattle alt-rock):  

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Café (wide ranging nu-jazz & downtempo compilations):