Seems like I'm in the minority here, but I really enjoy pop music in certain situations. It certainly takes a back seat to other more serious genres, and I don't listen to it when I have other options, but otherwise, I have no problem with pop music. I'm not really a club guy, but I do go to bars and if some Katy Perry, or Lady Ga Ga comes on, I have no problem with it. In fact, I would much rather hear that at a bar than Yes' "Reveling the Science of God." I certainly like that Yes masterpiece better, but not at a bar... that would certainly be a mood kill.

Two other examples:
1) I drive all day for work, so I listen to "my" music all day everyday, so when I go on a road trip with my wife, we listen to Hits1 on XM radio all the way, and I quite enjoy the break; it's kind of like taking a break from reading Hemingway to read the comics-- serious and pop music serve two separate purposes.

2) I've made it a personal rule that during parties at my house, I under no circumstances play progressive rock. No else wants to hear it. Ultimately, I have plenty of time for my music, so I don't mind a pop break here and there, and the guests certainly stay longer and leave happier.

How do I react to pop music in a bar or club? Well, if it's good pop music then I enjoy hearing it and if it's crappy pop music then I don't really pay attention. But even the worst music music is preferable to walking into a bar and hearing some football/baseball/basketball game blaring from the TV.

if i was at a party or something, i can handle it. most of it's not what i'm into but there's the occasional song that i like. i'd hate to be the downer that moans in the corner at a party and complains about the music. admittedly i do that in my head but... whatever...

Yeah, I agree sports at the bar is a buzzkill but what's worse is when the bartender would rather blare COPS than turn the jukebox on. Bleh...

I've never been to a club. I don't know anyone that listens to pop music. Well ... one of my friends has a girlfriend and she does. But we don't hang out anymore. Because of her. And her pop music. Lady Gaga comes on at the bar I'm outta there. At least going outside for a cigarette. I've brought headphones to the bar before. I'll hang out on the patio and just go in to get refills.

I've successfully dodged pop music and commercials for the last 5 years or so basically. (I stopped watching tv and listening to the radio all together)

Overhere the clubs where they play bad music usually contain the wrong kind of people.
So that sort of works :).

Same over here.

I have found that I'm more tolerant of British popular radio than of NA popular radio. That said, you still get massively sick of Cee Lo when you hear **** You on the hostel radio once every hour.

I listen to a lot of mainstream music myself. However, I also listen to some of the underground music. It is annoying when people are unwilling to listen to some music because it isn't mainstream....

I tend to just ignore it. It's easy to blend music I don't like into background noise, regardless of where I am. Then I end up being pleasantly surprised when they play something I like.

I'm with UB, though...I can tolerate some torturous music if it means grinding with a cute girl.

Yes, exactly! Luckily for me, my boss is a big classic rock fan so he let's my play my preferred classic rock playlist from my iPod.