Ok, fearless readers, I need your help. We have quite the quandary to discuss. Help answer the following question: What happens when you don’t like an artist, but like his/her/their music? Is this the equivalent of treason? Does this upset the music gods?
Help me out here. This seems to be a common problem in music land today. Don’t believe me? Here are a few examples to start the conversation:
Kayne West – Yes, he’s a punk. Yes, he’s an ass. And yes, his music is unique, catchy and hard not to like. One minute he’s jumping on stage at the MTV VMAs and ruining America’s sweetheart Taylor Swift’s speech, and the next he’s got one of the hottest song’s (“Run This Town”) off one of the hottest albums (Jay-Z’s The Blueprint Vol. 3). He’s spoiled, an egomaniac, but extremely talented.
Jared Leto – Yes, he’s an actor and yes he’s the lead singer for the rock group 30 Seconds to Mars. Leto was once asked to name the top five songs of all time. And then named two of his group’s songs as part of the list. Humble he is not. But just when you’re ready to be done with him and put him in permanent d-bag status, his group releases a new album with a damn good new single (“Kings and Queens”). You like rock music, you like that song. No way around it. Starting to see the rub here?
John Mayer – Perhaps the most annoying on this list (ok, maybe a coin toss between him and Kanye). Yep, we are all tired of all the kiss and tell (see; Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson, whatever chick he’s dating right now, Jennifer Aniston – you get the idea). But here’s the problem. The man can straight shred a guitar. He might be the closest thing to the next Eric Clapton that we have. Don’t believe me? Listen to his John Mayer Trio album TRY! And by the sound of his new single “Who Says,” it looks like he’s gonna be around for awhile longer.
Yes, it’s ok to feel conflicted. Confused. A little unsure. There are dozens (maybe hundreds) of examples everywhere you turn. So what do you think? Are you committing music sin by listening to the music of the people you hate? Are we encouraging them? Leave your thoughts (and examples) below.
Of course, if you’re like me, you can always just turn off the news and turn up the music. Doesn’t feel as guilty if you don’t know the crime.
This article appears in Oct 20-26, 2009.
I think Kanye and Jared are perfect exampoles, but not Mayer. And if you enjoy someones music…it doesnt mean you have to support them by buying it. You can just listen, then hate quietly. hahaha
Examples*. I would also like to add…I think Kanye’s head will explode in 2010.
Big difference between Kanye and Jared, Jared is prideful, Kanye is conceited. Jared would never pull a stunt like Kanye did on Taylor Swift. Jared does however come up with most of the songs, lyrics, videos,directing videos, promo ideas, plus he has the acting thing going too. Jared is just proud of his work and all who are closely associated with it. Jared sometimes seems like he is on a sugar high when interviewed. Kanye would take the candy from a baby’s mouth….and tell the baby that he, deserves it more 😛
Music speaks for itself. If it touches you and respond to it then listen for the joy of that particular song. I do not care for Kanye West as a person. But, his music at times is good and I enjoy a few of his songs.
Jared Leto is just talented. His music, his acting, his environmental statement of taking care of the planet. I do like 30 SECONDS TO MARS and enjoyed the last 2 albums. I looking forward to the 3rd album’s release on Dec. 8. He has a knack for rubbing people the wrong way, not sure how that happens, but it does.
John Mayer- momma told me if I can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all- I think that’s what I will do for him.
But, to go back to your original question- I think you have to look at times beyond the person or group and decide if what you’re listening to is what you like- if it is listen, if it’s not- don’t listen.
Good information…keep it flowing.
Jared is goodlooking and talented, but I haven’t liked that d-bag since he messed with Frodo at the MTV Woodie awards. That was his Kayne West moment for me. Being a bully is never cool. I don’t care how much talent you think you have. I won’t see his movies or buy his albums. F@ck him and Kayne.