Just curious to know...

When you listen to music, what do you notice you tend to inadvertently focus on?

Words, instrumentation, vocals, everything, or nothing in particular.

If you get a chance, let us know what your tendency is by taking our new poll on the homepage - http://www.bluerodeo.com/

For me, it's the words

The music is what always drwas me first in so I voted for instrumentation. But truth be known the lyrics have to be there too in order to keep my interest. And Even songs that don't "sonically" appeal to me initially can become fast favs based on lyrics.

So there's my quandry but I'm sticking with my vote because as I said it's the music that always draws me in first.

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Where my designer B*tches at?

MAGNETS....COWS....HERD....it all makes sense now?

There's nothing worse than driving in a snowstorm with a GPS that's on the rag

Do you take PAYPAL?

I voted Everything, but that doesn't have to apply to every song. It will be different for every somg I hear what will catch my ear first & then I'll pay attention to the other aspects.
Since I enjoy a lot of instrumental stuff from the likes of Anne Lindsay, Jason Fowler, Natalie McMaster, etc. It's obviously not always the lyrics. But they are a very big part of my enjoyment of a song when they are present.

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(Sammy, Sam, Samantha formerly known as DebP)

"we should be makin' plans for gettin' outta here"

I listen to the beat first I think. That's what gets my mindset on what kind of a song it's going to be. Like rock or love. But I do listen to everything because I focus on the words of the song for sure. I guess I will have to take the poll.

Hey DebP I just saw something added to your avatar

quote:

Originally posted by justaroundmidnight:
Hey DebP I just saw something added to your avatar

Holy Crap! Thanx for pointing that out, JAM. I didn't even notice!

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(Sammy, Sam, Samantha formerly known as DebP)

"we should be makin' plans for gettin' outta here"

Personally, I tend to listen to the voice and the overall sound of the song first. If the voice doesn't appeal to me, I won't be able to listen to what he/she has to say. If I enjoy the voice and the sound, then I can move on to the lyrics. Interesting topic, Lisa!

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Don't waste the time, the time that isn't lost (Jim Cuddy)

I tend to notice the strong points first. These vary with the song. For instance, the drumming on Outskirts is exceptionally attractive but so are the vocals. Then again, the words to Outskirts are unusually compelling and well-stated whilst the guitar is musing and entrancing. At the same time, the bass is upbeat and lends itself to the drumming while simultaneously being serenaded by the masterful organ playing. Perhaps I should have just said everything....maybe I did...

PS Congrats on your second pick Sammy!

I voted everything, but it really depends on the song. Sometimes it's the words that get me, other times it's the instrumentation. As an example, the line that I use as my new quote (from Find A Way To Say Goodbye) really caught me, I had that one line in my head for days before I learned the rest of the song, but then Greg's guitar interlude in House of Dreams was so haunting the first time I heard it that I got goosebumps every time I thought of it for weeks afterwards. It's all really a toss-up in my opinion.

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Yesterday is yesterday. (This Town)

It's only heaven descending. (Black Ribbon)

Just remember, if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off.

I went with instrumentation. My favourite thing is when every element works together well to make a good-sounding song.

I think pacing of a song is a good thing, nothing unnecessary... take Don't Get Angry for example... very simple song for instrumentation, but it's so good. Where something like I Will has full instrumentation, and is also very good.

So really it's about having a good chord progression and melody.

I think people can get away with average voices, and average words... if the music is good. Even good singers don't necessarily make good music (Celine Dion). Average singers can make good music (Adam Duritz of Counting Crows).

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"Even though you tried so hard, you couldn't hide your smile"

The Sparkster's Myspace Music Page

quote:

Originally posted by DebP:

quote:

Originally posted by justaroundmidnight:
Hey DebP I just saw something added to your avatar

Holy Crap! Thanx for pointing that out, JAM. I didn't even notice!

Congratulations Sammy on your second pick. Keep posting kiddo.

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Greg Keelor met Jim Cuddy and then I met you people. Serendipity is a marvellous thing.


"I guess I don't know if I believe in God but
I know a song can make you feel good once
in a while." ~Greg Keelor~

The lyrics are what I focus on. I love them for their words.

congrats on the new pick DepP! Now you have a spare if you loose one. Jim keeps his spares on his guitars. I think you should keep yours right on top of your avatar!

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I carry with me the memory of a field I once knew, of a night so full of stars that I was left humbled by it's endless beauty. I know that whatever the cost, life is worth living. So bring it on...I can take it.

If I like a song, it's usually because of the tune. If I dislike a song, it's usually because of the lyrics.

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"Revolution is the first to go
The rest is forced to stay."

~ Steven Page, "Wilted Rose."