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FlugelFlyer · 08-21-2005, 09:10 PM

Given this is a lounge post, hopefully this develops a lounge atmosphere and not a steel cage one. I don't intend this isn't a topic to debate personal beliefs in music or promote any beliefs or any music; rather, I'd like to see opinions on how personal beliefs affects tastes in music, if at all.

For me, it's no secret that I'm a Christian Republican, and being primarily in the rock / metal side of things as a musician, one has to wonder how I cope with being in a world of primarily secular liberals. To me, I've found as I expand my musical tastes, I have to evaluate not only what the artist's message is, but also what's behind the message. One of my favorite popular bands is the "self intellectualized pinko commie" power trio of the 70's and 80's, Rush. I don't think Geddy has vocalized anything belief but an anti-feudal society as he might put it, heavily denouncing superficiality. For me, rather than immediately toss him in the can, these days I try to evaluate what prompts him to sing about such things, and what I can speculate is that he sings about "God and Government" being used as tools to supress weak people. What I personally believe is true Christianity isn't something that can be forced down other people's throats; it is something that can only be presented and can only be accepted by each individual.

The above also coincides with my favorite "indie" band, Aghora. The vocal theme is primarily Buddhist philosophy from what I can gather, often times speaking about how "truth reveals nothing more than self". To me, before I can make a commentary on the lyrics, I'd have to ask myself, "What defines 'self'?" I'm no sage of Buddhist philosophy, but to my knowledge, they believe that self is inherently good, whereas Christians believe self is inherently bad. What I can gather personally is that self is not the same thing in each culture.

Closer to you guys, Miles Davis has been accused of being racist. To me, that is an independant issue of what he's done for jazz and for modern music. The trumpeters and other musicians he has influenced through his music will always stand alone as a great act and leave him with a great legacy.

Anyways, I don't intend this to be preachy-preachy. My question to all of you: personal beliefs are strong in each individual's life; so do you see an important connection between beliefs and musical taste?

One of the things that though has traditionally annoyed me is people suggesting such ridiculous comments as "If you listen to Pantera, you're a confederate skinhead," or "If you listen to System of a Down, you're a pinko commie." I believe I'm allowed to enjoy music on a musical level regardless of the message behind it.

Finally, yes, you could say I'm the type who listens to everything from Mahler to Mog Ruith.

08-21-2005, 09:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
FlugelFlyer Piano User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Palos Park, IL Posts: 320	Personal beliefs and music Given this is a lounge post, hopefully this develops a lounge atmosphere and not a steel cage one. I don't intend this isn't a topic to debate personal beliefs in music or promote any beliefs or any music; rather, I'd like to see opinions on how personal beliefs affects tastes in music, if at all. For me, it's no secret that I'm a Christian Republican, and being primarily in the rock / metal side of things as a musician, one has to wonder how I cope with being in a world of primarily secular liberals. To me, I've found as I expand my musical tastes, I have to evaluate not only what the artist's message is, but also what's behind the message. One of my favorite popular bands is the "self intellectualized pinko commie" power trio of the 70's and 80's, Rush. I don't think Geddy has vocalized anything belief but an anti-feudal society as he might put it, heavily denouncing superficiality. For me, rather than immediately toss him in the can, these days I try to evaluate what prompts him to sing about such things, and what I can speculate is that he sings about "God and Government" being used as tools to supress weak people. What I personally believe is true Christianity isn't something that can be forced down other people's throats; it is something that can only be presented and can only be accepted by each individual. The above also coincides with my favorite "indie" band, Aghora. The vocal theme is primarily Buddhist philosophy from what I can gather, often times speaking about how "truth reveals nothing more than self". To me, before I can make a commentary on the lyrics, I'd have to ask myself, "What defines 'self'?" I'm no sage of Buddhist philosophy, but to my knowledge, they believe that self is inherently good, whereas Christians believe self is inherently bad. What I can gather personally is that self is not the same thing in each culture. Closer to you guys, Miles Davis has been accused of being racist. To me, that is an independant issue of what he's done for jazz and for modern music. The trumpeters and other musicians he has influenced through his music will always stand alone as a great act and leave him with a great legacy. Anyways, I don't intend this to be preachy-preachy. My question to all of you: personal beliefs are strong in each individual's life; so do you see an important connection between beliefs and musical taste? One of the things that though has traditionally annoyed me is people suggesting such ridiculous comments as "If you listen to Pantera, you're a confederate skinhead," or "If you listen to System of a Down, you're a pinko commie." I believe I'm allowed to enjoy music on a musical level regardless of the message behind it. Finally, yes, you could say I'm the type who listens to everything from Mahler to Mog Ruith. __________________ Bach 180LR, 72 bell Bach 1-1/2C Bach 3D