Hey, folks,
So I was out walking the pooch the other day, earbuds in place (uncharacteristically so — Mod, I may be coming around to your perspective on these things; increasingly, I find I favor the sound of the wind through the trees over bonus tracks from the most recent Apples In Stereo album… but I digress) — anyhow, earbuds in place — when I experienced a somewhat jarring alphabetic song transition that really got me thinking. The first song that popped into my earbones was this one: Track One.
Now, understand, I love this song. And I also have some firmly rooted opinions about its Importance. But when this track followed it into my brain, I really had to stop and think: Track Two.
My first reaction, strangely enough, was one of, um, relief. In other words, though I enjoyed bobbing my head to Track One as it coursed through my head, I was pleased to listen to Track Two in comparison. This actually concerned me a bit. In an effort to allay fears about my taste in pop music, and how it might be in the process of geezification, I’ve been re-cue-ing this tune at odd intervals over the last four or five days — to make sure I wasn’t just liking Track Two more, you know, because I was strolling through the park on a pleasant winter’s day or something. Nope. I’m definitely liking this song more than Track One.
So I asked myself: why? And in the process, I came up with a few questions I’d like to pass along to all of you. Listen to these two tracks. (And I ask you to actually listen to them, in their entirety, before answering. I know you know both songs in question; for me, it was the *re*-listening that brought these issues into clear focus. Humor me.)
After listening, answer the following questions:
1. Which of these two songs do you think actually had the most, uh, measurable impact on day-to-day human behavior during its popularity? I seriously think that more people — though perhaps in a more modest, immediate, fleeting fashion — changed their behavior, or at least felt differently about themselves, upon hearing what Track Two had to say, than Track One.
2. Imagine you have an iTunes playlist of two songs: Track One and Track Two. Which are you likely to listen to more often, today? Please try to avoid wishful, rearview mirror-gazing/too-cool-for-school responses to this question.
3. Today, are there any popular — or even just critically popular — artists mining the veins these two artists explored 30 years ago?
I look forward to your responses.
HVB
HVB asked:
Putting overall popularity of Track Two vs Track One aside – let’s assume you mean a “greater percentage of listeners of each song” – I think a higher percentage of people who listened to Track One slacked off the next day in work than did the percentage of those who listened to Track Two who decided it wasn’t worth the effort to shake the oat brand crumbs from his beard.
I am much more likely to listen to Track One. The day I find myself wanting to listen to Track Two a second time is the day I don’t bother shaking the oat bran crumbs from my beard. Please shoot me when that day comes. No offense to beard wearers or oat bran eaters, mind you.
There are a handful, I would imagine, mining the works of Artist One. There are thousands, it seems, mining the works of Artist Two. That saddens me.
I agree with Mr. Mod on all accounts:
1. Track One
2. Track One
3. What he said…
So maybe on your lovely doggie walk you had your first “senior moment” or maybe the odoriferous wafting of poo clouded your judgment?
1. This is a tricky question, as phrased. Impact felt by fans of Track One is far more easily measurable, because they probably wouldn’t shut up about the impact that Track One might have had on them. Which is a point alluded to in the question re: Track Two and the modest, fleeting impact it might have had. But listening to them both, I really can’t imagine what impact Track Two had on anyone other than convincing them to sit on the couch for three minutes and forty-one seconds more than they’d initially expected.
2. I’m not even really a fan of The Track Ones – whomever they might be! – but I’d probably play that several times throughout the day and only listen to half of Track Two once (not counting the listen I did give it just now, for the sake of science). Most of the day would be spent rhythmically drumming my fingers on the desk while thinking of some other, third song whenever I wasn’t typing.
3. It seems like there probably have to be people out there following the lead of Artist Two, but I honestly can’t think of any popular/critically-praised ones who are currently active.
Instead of assuming this might be an age-related shift in taste, is it possible you just brought some good shit back with you from South America?
LOL! That was the comment of the day so far. Great stuff, alexmagic. Oh and you’re a geezer hrrundi. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, mind you. As much as I love artist 1, I’m just as inclined to put on oh I don’t know, Joni Mitchell or Nick Drake or something when the mood strikes me.
I don’t see why one song has to be chosen over the other.
In my musical universe, all sorts of different bands and songs coexist peacefully. Last night, for example, I listened to Mike Heron’s solo record, then Let it Bleed. After that, I played punk rock in band rehearsal.
I recall the story about a guy having discovered punk, throwing out all of his mint copies of Beatles vinyl. Pretty stupid decision, I would say.
Dr. John wrote:
Come on, Doc, Hrrundi asked us to humor him. Beside, it’s not like he was asking for your eternal thoughts on these songs, just what you felt about the specific questions on, if I read his questions right, this particular day. I’d hate to see someone send another Townsperson a link such as this one.
Regarding your response, what part of “apples and oranges” don’t you quite get?
My friend, that sounds like the last cop out of an insecure man.
PS, Dr. – I should let HVB defend himself, shouldn’t I? I’m only giving you a hard time because rather than not answer at all you chose to criticise how the questions were framed. In thinking about this, however, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s better what you did – to raise hell – than to silently object or agree with HVB’s queries. Can you imagine how many people are silently nodding along in agreement with Hrrundi? What will it mean to him when you see him on the street and give him a high five for a fine topic you couldn’t bother to give him props for electronically?
Come to think of it, I’m most disturbed by having to hear Track Two on what started as a fine morning.
I’m too tired to comment very intelligently on the Importance of anything – it’s been a long week and it’s Friday night and my son’s asleep in the next room and I’m off to bed. I will say, however, that Track Two is more relevant to my life as an adult. What I don’t get, however, is how someone is supposed to act, or think of themselves differently, after hearing it. If anything, it’s about self-acceptance. Not Gwen Stefani-style self-glorification, but self-acceptance. How is this song supposed to change anyone, Hrrundi?
Oh yeah, one other thing: Track Two has a way more slamming drum sound. Listen without prejudice.
Well, the same two tracks also appear sequentially on my i-pod. I’m not embarassed to admit owning Track 2, since I grew up hearing that stuff as a kid so it has some sentimental value.
I think they are a horrible pair of songs to hear together because the contrast is so jarring. Each has their time and place and they do not coexist well. I would probably be happier taking a walk to Care of Cell 44, Careless Love, or Carey.
On to the questions..
1. Track 1 – I don’t think Track 2 ever inspired anybody to do anything. Track 1 probably inspired me to try less at work more than a few times.
2. It’s close, but I guess I lean to Track 1. Neither is a destination song, since I’ve got them both memorized, but I’d be more likely to let Track 1 play through to the end.
3. I suspect the are more artists mining the works of the Track 2 performer. I’m not hearing anything like Track 1 these days, which is a real shame. But I’m not really down with the new scene.