BEATS
Music is once again ruined for me. Compression has affected how I listen to music and now actively counting beats has done the same. It’s one of those things that once you hear it, you can’t un-hear it.
I think it’s really interesting how the emphasis on a beat can alter a song as much as it does. When we listened to the audience clapping on the wrong beats, it sounded so off and would have definitely distracted me if I was in a band. I’m also curious as to why the switch from placing emphasis on the first and third beats to the second and fourth beats occurred. I guess with the rising popularity of pop songs or the shift away from European background?
Class really got interesting when we switched to listening to period style pieces of the popular songs. It was cool to hear how placing emphasis on the other beats that were popular back in the day affected the songs so much. Some of the songs were decent, while others were actual trash. Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” and “Every Breath you Take” were GARBAGE. The beat was really off and it was uncomfortable to the ears. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” however were alright, especially in the New Orleans style. I really enjoy period style movies, so I thought I would enjoy period style songs. I was wrong, well, for the most part.
I’m curious as to why reggae-ton beats are coming back into popularity. Maybe because it makes the song really easy to dance to? As soon as I hear it, the hips start to sway and it’s fun to listen to. I’m not sure, but I really enjoy the “addition” into the music that I enjoy today.