Ok, fearless readers, I need your help. We have quite the quandary to discuss. Help answer the following question: What happens when you dont 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. Dont believe me? Here are a few examples to start the conversation:
Kayne West Yes, hes a punk. Yes, hes an ass. And yes, his music is unique, catchy and hard not to like. One minute hes jumping on stage at the MTV VMAs and ruining Americas sweetheart Taylor Swifts speech, and the next hes got one of the hottest songs ("Run This Town") off one of the hottest albums (Jay-Zs The Blueprint Vol. 3). Hes spoiled, an egomaniac, but extremely talented.
Jared Leto Yes, hes an actor and yes hes 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 groups songs as part of the list. Humble he is not. But just when youre 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 hes dating right now, Jennifer Aniston you get the idea). But heres the problem. The man can straight shred a guitar. He might be the closest thing to the next Eric Clapton that we have. Dont believe me? Listen to his John Mayer Trio album TRY! And by the sound of his new single "Who Says," it looks like hes gonna be around for awhile longer.
Yes, its 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 youre like me, you can always just turn off the news and turn up the music. Doesnt feel as guilty if you dont know the crime.
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