I was talking with someone today and realized I did something I do quite often that might be a trait that gets me into trouble: I boldly state my preference for (or against) something.
In this case, it was being tired of classic rock from a lifetime of overexposure. I think I offended the person, but saved it by clarifying that I’m mostly tired that there is a play list of seemingly 100-songs that have been in continual rotation for 50 years.
Anyway, it occurs to me that I’m just stating my preferences and I personally thing that’s fine and normal, but that people get personally offended if you don’t like what they like; which makes no sense to me. It’s like if you don’t like bland food, I’m not going to get offended because I can’t handle anything hotter than black pepper. It doesn’t ultimately mean anything significant.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions?
I would have said something like “I mean they call it classic for a reason, but I’m burned out on the same 100 songs all the time.” That way you’re acknowledging that their preference is valid, which is what they really want. Although I actually would have monologued for twenty minutes about Blue Oyster Cult and all their awesome songs that aren’t Don’t Fear the Reaper and Godzilla.
Yeah, i could have talked about the awesome celtic folk influences on Zeppelin, or how Paint it Black is a cool example of Phrygian mode… but, yeah, i honestly don’t know if blank stares of confusion are much of an improvement.
My usual go to with music is to bring in the trivia. Specifically with the same classic rock being overplayed, I’ll complain by saying “Again? What about [album cut that nobody knows but is obviously better]? [Band] have so many cool tracks they never play.”
Fun side note: this is a common complaint my partner and I have. They need to take a year and not play Hotel California, Love Shack, Don’t Stop Believing, etc. Just give them a rest.
Some years ago, a local classic rock station announced an upcoming “double shot” of Golden Earring. I quipped, “What, are they just going to play Radar Love twice?” AND THEY DID. Single version followed by live version. I guess not even Twilight Zone rates.