Music and Me
Introduction
Hi! My name is Lydia, and I'm a commuting student at Converse University. Discovering and listening to new music is one of my favorite hobbies - I've always loved to write, so most of my favorite songs are very lyrical. Some of these songs feature a few explicit lyrics, but I've included them because I believe they were written with specific intention, and they contribute to the overall effect on the listener. Enjoy!
Go-To Music
Death Grips is my favorite musical group of all time. I would argue that their work has had an astounding impact on not only music, but internet culture as a whole. Their lyrics are confusing yet powerful, their music videos are cinematographic chaos, and their electronic sound strikes fear into the hearts of many.
The song "Beware" from their unreleased mixtape Exmilitary is my favorite song of theirs. When I was at the College of Charleston, I wrote an entire essay about it. I truly believe their frontman is a poet, not a rapper.
Personally Meaningful Music
My mom has been listening to Black Sabbath since she was my age, and I've grown to share her love for Ozzy Osbourne. One of their first major hits, "War Pigs," stood out in my mind as an obvious choice. It always reminds me of my mother, and I first heard it when I was very young. This song taught me that music could be used as a political statement. As I've gotten older, I understand and agree with these lyrics more and more.
Not My Taste in Music
I really don't like Taylor Swift. I don't enjoy much pop music at all, but I really, really don't like Taylor Swift. I have nothing against her fans, of course, but I find her work very boring. If I did like her music, though, I don't think I could get past the way her family wealth kickstarted her career. Courtney Love told Variety Magazine:
"Taylor is not important. She might be a safe space for girls, and she's probably the Madonna of now, but she's not interesting as an artist."
And I think this is the most objectively accurate thing Love has ever said.
Bonus Round
This is a song that makes me cry. Every single time. It reminds me of my very early childhood, and it always hits a sore spot. I doubt that we will, but if we ever listen to it in class, I'll have to leave the room. I'm an ugly crier.
Your music taste is amazing! I've never heard Beware before but my jaw literally dropped to the floor on the first listen. Their sound is crazy and the lyrics really are powerful. It's also nice to see that your mom also influenced your music taste like mine did! Music really is a powerful tool that not only can just sound good but also inspire others through their overarching messages. I had no idea Taylor Swift started her career with familial wealth! I used to kind of be a swiftie when I was really young because my friends at the time liked her but I really grew out of her music fast.
ReplyDeleteI love Death Grips and the style they started, the over the top production and impactful lyrics is a really good combo that other artists have taken and flipped their own style on. Death Grips impact on hiphop is so good to see. Yeah Taylor Swift being a nepo baby isn't surprising in the slightest but she has her audience that loves what she puts out so I gotta respect it at least, others industry plants do the same and still fail. I will always have the core memory in me of my mom singing You are my Sunshine to me when I wasn't even old enough to remember anything else, that's a soft spot in me till the day I die.
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ReplyDeleteFirst, I love your music taste; it is cool and unique! I have never heard of Death grips until I watched the video, and I genuinely enjoyed listening to that song. I think I have listened to it 4 times now, just because it is addictive. I think my favorite part about beware was how deep and meaning full their lyrics are! No matter how old I get I will never tear up when I hear you are my sunshine. It is just a sweet and innocent song!
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia! I never really heard of the Death Grips music band before because it's definitely different from what I normally listen to. I actually did like the song Beware! I also agree that Taylor had her way paved for her. I don't like her music at all, and I feel like other artists are just as good or even better and don't get enough recognition like she does.
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ReplyDeleteWell done on your beautiful blog! I'm a pretty big fan of Black Sabbath as well and this song is undoubtedly my favorite of theirs, probably for the same reason I also don't really like Taylor Swift, which is I like meaningful lyrics! I was unaware she came from a wealthy background to boot. I was a big fan of hers as a child but as an adult all I can think when I listen to her songs is "if only everyone's problems were as meager as this."
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Hey Lydia! The thing that I found most interesting was your reflection on Death Grips' impact on music and internet culture. How you described their chaotic and powerful sound, especially in "Beware," shows their uniqueness. What I liked the most was your connection with Black Sabbath’s "War Pigs" and how it ties into family memories.
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