X-Factor melted my Eardrums

ScottishSte · 06-23-2012, 05:32 AM

Running a music website I come across a wide array of new music of all different quality. This is sometimes enjoyable and can also be very frustrating when you have to sit through nonsense. Having taken some time to actually listen to the lyrics of numerous songs the worst thing that an artist can do in my eyes is sing about something that has no reference to them personally or as described in the Hip hop world would be “Fake ass”.

Music provokes emotions in different people, I once knew a guy that played Westlife as his “Sex Tape” to me that particular music provokes either vomiting or convulsion of my eardrums which is not something that then would put any potential partner in the mood. The key would be that the musician feels what they are singing, they need to really relate to what their saying otherwise it is uncomfortable and unnatural. Think about it why do you think the vast majority of songs have references to love, whether it be sexual or romantic.

“Steve what does this have to do with X-Factor?” I hear you say. Well the answer to that particular question should be glaringly obvious from my opening paragraphs. You have singers on there who turn up in jeans a tshirt and because they have stood outside for upwards of 5 hours their hair looks greasy and they often look like they just got out of bed. You then hear their auditions and think ok that wasn’t bad maybe I would sit through that at my local pub karaoke night. Then comes the next rounds which are a series of songs that they have been forced to sing and often learn in some cases and you think wow these are pretty rubbish. Finally after much tense drama about will they wont they be chosen it is then onto the live studio programme, the most annoying part of the show. You hear the crowd go wild (not surprisingly considering its their aunt Jean and Uncle Bill sitting in front row) and they sing something that has been a hit at some point in time probably from someone talented. The songs are chosen by the judges and they are taught how to sing it by a vocal coach.

To draw a parallel to my point you would say that some sportsmen (or sportspeople if you want to be PC) are solid at what they do, while some are gifted. That gift is in fact the talent to create something, be in a new move or a different way of doing something, whilst all the others use someone else’s creation and perform it admirably. This is why X-Factor really does melt my eardrums, listening to some of the crimes against music over the years this dross programme has been on. All the people on there have a general desire to be Famous, not be musicians but be Famous, that in itself is not enough to please the majority of people enough to spend their hard earned cash on your music. Its like going to a market stall and being told you can pay £10 and buy this cool t-shirt that says FKUC or you want the real thing that will set you back upwards of £30.

Darwin once came up with a theory, something to do with the fittest surviving and this can be applied across most things. Just watch Never Mind the Buzzcocks on BBC2 UK and you’ll see that they have a line up where talent less people stand before a panel of judges who can’t remember what they looked like. Imagine sitting in 50 years and your children run up and say “What was the best concert you went to?” Will you say the X-Factor tour? If your answer is yes then I’m curious as to why your parents allow you to use the internet and more curious about why you would be reading articles when clearly you should be looking at pop up books!

This piece was written whilst listening to Kings of Leon - Use Somebody, Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah and the entire Buffy Soundtrack.

GuitarBizarre · 06-23-2012, 06:55 AM

We don't allow advertising from new members. You should look over the rules RE: Your signature: Music Banter - Announcements in Forum : Announcements, Suggestions, & Feedback

mr dave · 06-23-2012, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottishSte

Will you say the X-Factor tour? If your answer is yes then I’m curious as to why your parents allow you to use the internet and more curious about why you would be reading articles when clearly you should be looking at pop up books!

This piece was written whilst listening to Kings of Leon - Use Somebody, Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah and the entire Buffy Soundtrack.

Who made you the judge of other people's taste? Is anyone supposed to be impressed by the fact that you listened to the entire Buffy soundtrack while griping about an obviously commercialized talent show geared to the lowest common denominator?

I can't wait to read your next rant about how greasy bacon is or something equally obvious and mundane.

Mojo · 06-23-2012, 08:08 AM

I gotta agree. While you do make one or two decent enough points, it just makes you appear incredibly pretentious. yes, I do not like The X-Factor at all and I think it would be rather sad if that was the best concert someone had ever been to. However, I would be saddened by this because of all of the wonderful concerts I've been to and how much the experiences have meant to me which someone else may not have experienced, or even cared about, themselves.

Those who don't really care all that much for beer would likely just drink defaults. Wine and they would just drink house etc.

Those who arent all that bothered about film might just watch whatever was on TV or showing at the cinema and wouldnt necessarily explore in any greater depth.

Those who dont particularly have a great interest in music are likely to just listen to whatever they hear on the radio, whatever they are exposed to by loved ones and friends and yes, maybe these kind of people would enjoy The X Factor more than someone like you, because they arent comparing what they see on that show to any of the music they get into via other avenues. They may not have other avenues or even want them.

If someone likes The X-Factor, so fucking what? It doesnt affect me in any way. It doesnt necessarily mean you are in any way a superior being. It just means you share different interests and opinions.

Blarobbarg · 06-23-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojopinuk

Those who dont particularly have a great interest in music are likely to just listen to whatever they hear on the radio, whatever they are exposed to by loved ones and friends and yes, maybe these kind of people would enjoy The X Factor more than someone like you, because they arent comparing what they see on that show to any of the music they get into via other avenues. They may not have other avenues or even want them.

If someone likes The X-Factor, so fucking what? It doesnt affect me in any way. It doesnt necessarily mean you are in any way a superior being. It just means you share different interests and opinions.

This. Just because we have knowledge of and enjoy more (and subjectively better) music than many others doesn't mean we're somehow better than them because of it.

PS- That said, I applaud you for being a new member and making such a long, well thought out post. I seriously hope you're not going to end up getting banned for advertising, because though I disagree with the point of your post, I enjoyed reading it. So stick around whoever you are, and don't get yourself banned.

06-23-2012, 05:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
ScottishSte Groupie Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 1	X-Factor melted my Eardrums Running a music website I come across a wide array of new music of all different quality. This is sometimes enjoyable and can also be very frustrating when you have to sit through nonsense. Having taken some time to actually listen to the lyrics of numerous songs the worst thing that an artist can do in my eyes is sing about something that has no reference to them personally or as described in the Hip hop world would be “Fake ass”. Music provokes emotions in different people, I once knew a guy that played Westlife as his “Sex Tape” to me that particular music provokes either vomiting or convulsion of my eardrums which is not something that then would put any potential partner in the mood. The key would be that the musician feels what they are singing, they need to really relate to what their saying otherwise it is uncomfortable and unnatural. Think about it why do you think the vast majority of songs have references to love, whether it be sexual or romantic. “Steve what does this have to do with X-Factor?” I hear you say. Well the answer to that particular question should be glaringly obvious from my opening paragraphs. You have singers on there who turn up in jeans a tshirt and because they have stood outside for upwards of 5 hours their hair looks greasy and they often look like they just got out of bed. You then hear their auditions and think ok that wasn’t bad maybe I would sit through that at my local pub karaoke night. Then comes the next rounds which are a series of songs that they have been forced to sing and often learn in some cases and you think wow these are pretty rubbish. Finally after much tense drama about will they wont they be chosen it is then onto the live studio programme, the most annoying part of the show. You hear the crowd go wild (not surprisingly considering its their aunt Jean and Uncle Bill sitting in front row) and they sing something that has been a hit at some point in time probably from someone talented. The songs are chosen by the judges and they are taught how to sing it by a vocal coach. To draw a parallel to my point you would say that some sportsmen (or sportspeople if you want to be PC) are solid at what they do, while some are gifted. That gift is in fact the talent to create something, be in a new move or a different way of doing something, whilst all the others use someone else’s creation and perform it admirably. This is why X-Factor really does melt my eardrums, listening to some of the crimes against music over the years this dross programme has been on. All the people on there have a general desire to be Famous, not be musicians but be Famous, that in itself is not enough to please the majority of people enough to spend their hard earned cash on your music. Its like going to a market stall and being told you can pay £10 and buy this cool t-shirt that says FKUC or you want the real thing that will set you back upwards of £30. Darwin once came up with a theory, something to do with the fittest surviving and this can be applied across most things. Just watch Never Mind the Buzzcocks on BBC2 UK and you’ll see that they have a line up where talent less people stand before a panel of judges who can’t remember what they looked like. Imagine sitting in 50 years and your children run up and say “What was the best concert you went to?” Will you say the X-Factor tour? If your answer is yes then I’m curious as to why your parents allow you to use the internet and more curious about why you would be reading articles when clearly you should be looking at pop up books! This piece was written whilst listening to Kings of Leon - Use Somebody, Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah and the entire Buffy Soundtrack.

06-23-2012, 08:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	I gotta agree. While you do make one or two decent enough points, it just makes you appear incredibly pretentious. yes, I do not like The X-Factor at all and I think it would be rather sad if that was the best concert someone had ever been to. However, I would be saddened by this because of all of the wonderful concerts I've been to and how much the experiences have meant to me which someone else may not have experienced, or even cared about, themselves. Those who don't really care all that much for beer would likely just drink defaults. Wine and they would just drink house etc. Those who arent all that bothered about film might just watch whatever was on TV or showing at the cinema and wouldnt necessarily explore in any greater depth. Those who dont particularly have a great interest in music are likely to just listen to whatever they hear on the radio, whatever they are exposed to by loved ones and friends and yes, maybe these kind of people would enjoy The X Factor more than someone like you, because they arent comparing what they see on that show to any of the music they get into via other avenues. They may not have other avenues or even want them. If someone likes The X-Factor, so fucking what? It doesnt affect me in any way. It doesnt necessarily mean you are in any way a superior being. It just means you share different interests and opinions. __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust