Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 37 posts ] 

Board index : Music Talk : Rock/Pop

Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
 Post subject: Are you a lyrics person or music person?
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:08 pm 
Offline
Major Label Sell Out

Joined: Thu Dec 02, 2004 12:35 pm
Posts: 1997
Location: H-Town
Semi-related to my other post regarding songmeanings.net.

I've noticed that there seems to be two classes of people (at least in my view) when it comes to music appreciation. Those who study, interpret and remember..even absorb...the lyrics and meanings of a song. Then you have those that may know the words when it comes to the chorus or can make out a line here or there, but never really let the words become a distinct part of the listening experience.

I would say that I probably fall more into the latter category. Knowing and having an appreciation for a lot of different types of music and wider than the general public musical knowledge, I never really focus on the words. Rather I focus on the song as a whole without necessarily "picking it apart".

So, where do YOU fall?

_________________
frosted Wrote:
But, Juice, since yr both batshit and guilty, I guess s'alright.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:09 pm 
Offline
Big in Australia
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:00 am
Posts: 19821
Location: Chicago-ish
Depends on the song.

Sometimes the melody is so damn strong, the lyrics don't matter... and vice-versa.

Sometimes, however, a terrible lyric can ruin a song for me.

_________________
Paul Caporino of M.O.T.O. Wrote:
I've recently noticed that all the unfortunate events in the lives of blues singers all seem to rhyme... I think all these tragedies could be avoided with a good rhyming dictionary.


Back to top
 Profile WWW 
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:11 pm 
Offline
frostingspoon
User avatar

Joined: Sat Oct 23, 2004 1:38 pm
Posts: 10237
Location: Hill
i don't always analyze lyrics to try to cull every drop of meaning i can out of them, but bad or banal lyrics can seriously turn me off, and great lyrics can help me ignore less exciting music.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:14 pm 
Offline
Worldwide Phenomenon

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 2:47 pm
Posts: 3052
PopTodd Wrote:
Depends on the song.

Sometimes the melody is so damn strong, the lyrics don't matter... and vice-versa.

Sometimes, however, a terrible lyric can ruin a song for me.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:15 pm 
Offline
Go Platinum
User avatar

Joined: Tue Oct 26, 2004 1:20 pm
Posts: 7730
Location: Portland, OR
PopTodd Wrote:
Depends on the song.

Sometimes the melody is so damn strong, the lyrics don't matter... and vice-versa.

Sometimes, however, a terrible lyric can ruin a song for me.


couldn't have said it better myself.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:17 pm 
Offline
"Weddings, Parties, Anything…"
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 4:30 pm
Posts: 932
Location: Brooklyn
HaqDiesel Wrote:
i don't always analyze lyrics to try to cull every drop of meaning i can out of them, but bad or banal lyrics can seriously turn me off, and great lyrics can help me ignore less exciting music.


same, though it takes interesting sounds and rhythms to catch my attention by default.

_________________
that's mr. mr. mister to you.
ph not v


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:20 pm 
Offline
Hair Trigger of Doom

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 2:05 pm
Posts: 21295
Location: Subpoenaed in Texas
dnorwood Wrote:
PopTodd Wrote:
Depends on the song.

Sometimes the melody is so damn strong, the lyrics don't matter... and vice-versa.

Sometimes, however, a terrible lyric can ruin a song for me.


couldn't have said it better myself.


Yeah, I'm in this camp, too. Brilliant lyrics can make a meh song quite good. And I'm willing to overlook somewhat crappy lyrics if the music's good enough to compensate. But if we're talking cringe-worthy lyrics, the music probably has no chance to save the song.

_________________
bendandscoop.com


Back to top
 Profile WWW 
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:21 pm 
Offline
frostingspoon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:47 am
Posts: 13881
Location: parts unknown
I like both, but lean more towards songs with lyrics...I feel something is missing otherwise.

_________________
http://www.geminicrow.com


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:23 pm 
Offline
frostingspoon

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 1:07 pm
Posts: 12618
i agree with haq.

most of my favorite artists are ones that write lyrics i really connect to - dylan, costello, westerberg.

_________________
dumpjack: "I haven't liked anything he's done so far, but I'll still listen."


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:23 pm 
Offline
Go Platinum
User avatar

Joined: Tue Oct 26, 2004 1:20 pm
Posts: 7730
Location: Portland, OR
FT® Wrote:
But if we're talking cringe-worthy lyrics, the music probably has no chance to save the song.


My only caveat to this would be New Order (some of the time) and Morphine (most of the time).


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:30 pm 
Offline
Gayford R. Tincture

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:22 pm
Posts: 13644
Location: The Weapon Store
I'll ignore bad lyrics for the sake of good music (to an extent, I guess), but not so much the opposite.

For me, music isn't so much about language and things you can express with words. Good lyrics are always a plus, though.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:33 pm 
Offline
frostingspoon

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 1:07 pm
Posts: 12618
dnorwood Wrote:
FT® Wrote:
But if we're talking cringe-worthy lyrics, the music probably has no chance to save the song.


My only caveat to this would be New Order (some of the time) and Morphine (most of the time).


new order are the kings of rhyming a word with the exact same word in the next line.

_________________
dumpjack: "I haven't liked anything he's done so far, but I'll still listen."


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:34 pm 
Offline
TEH MACHINE
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 3:28 pm
Posts: 16684
Location: Jiggin' for Yanks
I tend towards a song's music and energy, not necessarily it's speed but that certain quality that it puts forth. I like good lyrics as much as anyone but I'll be honest and say that a lot of the time I don't really care if the lyrics are dumb or not. If I find the music and the singer's voice compelling, that's usually enough. If the lyrics are great and it has some type of resonance with me, all the better. Often enough, I'm not listening to the lyrics and just feel like hearing the quality of a singer's voice.

_________________
All I can say is, go on and bleed.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:35 pm 
Offline
Garage Band

Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:22 pm
Posts: 526
rparis74 Wrote:
i agree with haq.

most of my favorite artists are ones that write lyrics i really connect to - dylan, costello, westerberg.


What about The Shins? Are you able to connect with whatever James Mercer is singing about?

_________________
you are sleeping. you do not want to believe.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:43 pm 
Offline
frostingspoon

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 1:07 pm
Posts: 12618
no - there are a lot of other bands I like (outside of my pantheon) that I like but often have no f'n clue what they are singing about - i would put the Shins in that group along with New Pornographers and a host of others.

_________________
dumpjack: "I haven't liked anything he's done so far, but I'll still listen."


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:44 pm 
Offline
Go Platinum
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:46 am
Posts: 6690
Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Lyrics/vocals are generally more important to me. I barely listen to any instrumental music.

And like Todd said...

PopTodd Wrote:
Sometimes, however, a terrible lyric can ruin a song for me.


i.e.
Outkast - 'Roses'


Back to top
 Profile WWW 
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:48 pm 
Offline
Garage Band

Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:22 pm
Posts: 526
rparis74 Wrote:
no - there are a lot of other bands I like (outside of my pantheon) that I like but often have no f'n clue what they are singing about - i would put the Shins in that group along with New Pornographers and a host of others.


I would agree. I forgot about the New Pornographers. I really like the songs but have no clue what the hell that Carl Newman is singing about.

_________________
you are sleeping. you do not want to believe.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:49 pm 
Offline
frostingspoon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:50 pm
Posts: 15260
Location: Raised on bread and bologna.
DumpJack Wrote:
I tend towards a song's music and energy, not necessarily it's speed but that certain quality that it puts forth. I like good lyrics as much as anyone but I'll be honest and say that a lot of the time I don't really care if the lyrics are dumb or not. If I find the music and the singer's voice compelling, that's usually enough. If the lyrics are great and it has some type of resonance with me, all the better. Often enough, I'm not listening to the lyrics and just feel like hearing the quality of a singer's voice.


I'm more in this camp.

_________________
A poet and philosopher, Mr. Marcus is married and is a proud parent.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:51 pm 
Offline
Go Platinum
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:51 am
Posts: 6327
The primary interest for me is the music.

Obviously great lyrics on great music elevates a song above those with poor lyrics but I see good lyrics as being very much a bonus item.

_________________
He has arrived, the mountebank from Bohemia, he has arrived, preceded by his reputation.
Evil Dr. K "The Jimmy McNulty of Payment Protection Insurance"


Back to top
 Profile WWW 
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:55 pm 
Offline
A True Aristocrat of Freedom

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:46 am
Posts: 22121
Location: a worn-out debauchee and drivelling sot
DumpJack Wrote:
I tend towards a song's music and energy, not necessarily it's speed but that certain quality that it puts forth. I like good lyrics as much as anyone but I'll be honest and say that a lot of the time I don't really care if the lyrics are dumb or not. If I find the music and the singer's voice compelling, that's usually enough. If the lyrics are great and it has some type of resonance with me, all the better. Often enough, I'm not listening to the lyrics and just feel like hearing the quality of a singer's voice.


This is true with me, but it has been an evolution. For the longest time, Bob Dylan just SPOKE to me, but I was an introspective, even kinda guarded, pothead (Or as introspective and guarded as someone as naturally gregarious as me can be...let's just say a lot of times i lived in my own skull, and thought dudes like Bobby D and John R. Cash did too) Then I started to loosen up, and maybe get a little too loose, and only car about the JAIL factor..hence the love for The Stones, The Dolls, Strokes, etc...

If lyrics are too fey or puscafied for my tastes, it can turn me off, or if they are just plain bad, I don't respond well. BUT, if the music is too slow, plodding, or fey I don't really respond either.

So, I gues, Both? As an example, take Okkervil River, my favorite songs are For Real, Black and No Key, No Plan, which I think have BRILLIANT lyrics and are have enough drive to hold my interest.

_________________
Throughout his life, from childhood until death, he was beset by severe swings of mood. His depressions frequently encouraged, and were exacerbated by, his various vices. His character mixed a superficial Enlightenment sensibility for reason and taste with a genuine and somewhat Romantic love of the sublime and a propensity for occasionally puerile whimsy.
harry Wrote:
I understand that you, of all people, know this crisis and, in your own way, are working to address it. You, the madras-pantsed julip-sipping Southern cracker and me, the oldman hippie California fruit cake are brothers in the struggle to save our country.

FT Wrote:
LooGAR (the straw that stirs the drink)


Back to top
 Profile WWW 
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:57 pm 
Offline
frostingspoon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:35 am
Posts: 14323
Location: cincy
I a music person first, then vocals second, then lyrics third.


Back to top
 Profile WWW 
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 5:00 pm 
Offline
Bedroom Demos
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2004 5:06 pm
Posts: 478
Location: madison, wi
timmyjoe42 Wrote:
I a music person first, then vocals second, then lyrics third.


me too, and give me a good ol' fashioned guitar solo thrown in there to boot.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 5:07 pm 
Offline
Go Platinum

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 10:26 pm
Posts: 6459
I just look for a hot chick on the album cover.


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 5:08 pm 
Offline
Post-Breakup Solo Project
User avatar

Joined: Sun Apr 17, 2005 10:14 pm
Posts: 3298
too many variables to classify myself.
though, i pay a lot of attention to lyrics.

energy, groove and mood always account for a lot.

_________________
http://www.flickr.com/sunshinedaystar


Back to top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 5:08 pm 
Offline
Failed Reunion

Joined: Tue Nov 23, 2004 12:53 am
Posts: 4263
Location: any suggestions?
I'm a music and overall sound guy first and foremost, but lyrics are an important part of the sound package. The New Pornographers are the best example of this. I think "Letter From An Occupant" is one of the best songs there is because of the way it's put together as a sonic package and Neko's vocals are the main ingredient in that, even though I have no goddamn clue what she's singing about (and, really, does anyone?).

All that said, once I start noticing lyrics I can become a bigger fan of a band based on how they put words together. "Waste of Paint" by Bright Eyes was a big one, and The New Bomb Turks had quite a few truly smart, funny and biting lyrics for a punk rock n roll band that added a lot to an already great sound.

_________________
Kwame Kilpatrick texted to his mistress: "NEXT TIME, JUST TELL ME TO SIT DOWN, SHUT UP, and DO YOUR THING! I'm fucked up now!"


Back to top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 37 posts ] 

Board index : Music Talk : Rock/Pop

Go to page 1, 2  Next

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 7 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Style by Midnight Phoenix & N.Design Studio
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group.