Annoying.......I think so.

Posted over 2 years ago

Artist:
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XTC
Album:
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Skylarking
Track:
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Dear God

What is more annoying, artists who talk about politics on their records or artists who talk about god? I really can't stand either, but I will have to side with the political statements on this one. Nothing turns me off faster than hearing a band, liking the sound, then finding out they are in the spiritual section of the record store. I am not sure why this is, and I was wondering if people have found themselves in the same boat. I feel I can deal with the political statements because most of the music I listen to shares the same political views as myself. Case in point was the first time I heard a part of a Relient K song. I was going to investigate more about the band, but found out that they were labeled as inspirational rock. Never listened again. Anywho, I am sure that lightning bolt is on its way down, so I bid you a fond farewell.

Comments (10)

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Marta says I for one cannot stand political sentiments most of all, I would probably like Audioslave, System Of A Down etc. if not for the messages in their songs. Although I do like the music, I don't see any point in defining a band "staight-edge"/"inspirational rock" etc.

Permalink posted 01/19/2007
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elketerbentzadik says I'll go on record as saying I hate Gospel music, and popular "praise" music. However, I don't mind "inspirational" music or music from "believers," even if it promotes their religious ideology as long as it's good music. Christian hip-hop acts like Pigeon John and Lifesavas are a good example. Or synthpop act Half Handed Cloud; his last album was basically a suite of super-religious songs, but they were beautiful and well crafted. If the music is artful I can appreciate it, even if it's about Jesus, even though I'm definitely not "about" Jesus in any way shape or form. That said, saying you're annoyed by songs about politics or religion is kind of like saying you're annoyed by songs about love and feelings. That's pretty much the entire spectrum of art since the beginning of time, and definitely the foundation of traditional American popular music. You might as well be saying you don't like songs that are about anything. Art strikes a chord with us because it arouses thought and emotion in us. This can be done in subtle ways or in an "in your face" manner. Either way, most of that thought and feeling comes from the psychological, emotional, spiritual and intellectual concepts we harbor within our most private selves. Religion/spirituality, mythology, psychology, emotion, politics/society, love, romance, sexuality, these things drive our appreciation of art and music.

Permalink posted 01/19/2007
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Nixne Svix says Some bands you know what you are getting to, but like atheletes and politics....I dont want to hear about who you think helped you to create/win/govern. Man, we have so much hard work to do and there are so many great subjects to discuss/debate or involve oneself in.....that unless the subject matter is directly dealing with subjects like God or Spirituality, I for one really dont want to hear it. Case in point , if I were the Quarterback for some NFL team and I had just won the Super Bowl and I say," I thank myself , because I am an Atheist and I believe I am God and this entire universe is a chemical reaction. Nature is my Religion as I believe in Science and no Religion organized." No one wants to hear that shit , so why would I want to hear about their shit? As far as Politics , I wish more Artists/Athletes were more involved , but usually by the time they do anything it seems pathetic. Most that is.

Permalink posted 01/19/2007
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chucky says I find them equally annoying. But if it's very subtle I can handle it.

Permalink posted 01/19/2007
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Rawkkiddoh says Elketer, I strongly disagree with you. Saying politics and religion are the same as love and feelings is a far stretch. Feelings (i.e. love) are basic needs everybody has. I do not have a strong need for politics or for religion, and not having them as a basic part of my life is not so important. To live life with out feelings though, that is another story. Maybe it's because most wars fought in this centrury have dealt with or around religion and politics. If they are not in music, well then it is no loss for me. To say I can not appreciate art because of this view, well its like taking a jab at me. My beliefs, both religious and political are my own personal agenda. I don't enjoy having someone stuff their opinions down my throat, and because of this I don't like songs about anything? Being annoyed with something is one thing, out right hating it is another. I meant to make this post as a place to get peoples opinions on the subject matter. Not to get slammed and be told I am a person who has no idea of what the foundations of popular music are.

Permalink posted 01/19/2007
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dermahrk says There is no surer way to get me to abandon an artist, or at least skip certain releases, than to let me know that they "get political". I love musicians for making music. Why they think I would be interested in their opinions about politics is beyond me. If I want political opinions I will consult those whose expertise is in that area, not some asshole with a guitar. If I want good music, I will not call the fucking Senate. Music should be about common experiences and should bring us together, not drive us apart.

Permalink posted 01/20/2007
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chulsmith says i think this is why a lot of "popular" music is popular. people want a distraction from what's going on in the world. they don't want to hear messages about religion or politics. they want to hear songs about chicks with no arms and no legs or boo hoo i lost my girlfriend - you know, stuff they can relate to or that is funny. (and i hope some of you know which song i'm referring to with the no arms/no legs comment...) truth is, artists are going to write what's in them. some use their platform to get their message across. really, if you think about it, there isn't a better medium than music to influence the teens. some artists may get into the music biz just because of the platform it presents. others could give two shits because they just wanna make money. personally, i like a little politics. i think it's too bad that americans, especially young adults, aren't more worldly. and i'm not preaching, just stating an opinion. and i'll be the first to admit that i, too, until recently, was one of them. i have a lot of catching up to do...

Permalink posted 01/20/2007
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ShawnaMarie89 says Well, I have to say, I usually just ignore them either way... Not that I really ignore the lyrics, but if I like the music.... I just don't really think about them. Like, I listen to Rage Against the Machine fairly often. But, if I don't like the artist and their pissing and moaning about politics, I tend to like them even less.. When it comes to artists talking about God... Well, I don't have anything against it, but I will say that the most popular Christian music tends to be bad. But there's still those good bands, and there's also a lot of musicians that may not be signed to a Christian label or whatever, but are still Christian, and sing songs about God. Heard the song "To Be Alone With You" by Sufjan Stevens? Anyways... Yeah, I guess I'd have to say neither.. (And, the only people that classify Relient K as "Inspirational Rock" are those people that to uber-Christian parents)

Permalink posted 01/20/2007
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mktackabery says I don't know if it matters much, but I can relate to being completely turned off by artists who talk about how they feel they can "still make good music and preach at the same time." This seems to be a uniquely American phenomenon; I may be wrong but I don't think there are French bands stuffing Jesus down our throats. I think there is too much God in American life as it is.

Permalink posted 01/21/2007
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Rawkkiddoh says Shawna, the parents and Target. Go look for them there, inspirational is how they are viewed. Maybe its the fact that I like in a ultra-conservative Minnesota I dont know. Mkta, I agree with you 100%. Let me choose to "believe" how I want to.

Permalink posted 01/21/2007