Universally Liked Music/Artists

[Nerd.]

A friend and I had a conversation about the Beatles. We came to the conclusion that everyone can find at least one song to like. A person who does not like a single Beatles song simply does not like music. Assuming that he or she has sampled every one. And doesn't have some odd grudge against them.

Since this conversation, I have wondered what other musical artists might belong in this category. Not as a matter of taste. There are many things I prefer over the Beatles. But they are good. I like them. Assuredly, there are other artists with the ability, general appeal, and diversity to be considered.

I want help compiling a list of musicians. Ones that have something to offer everyone. This is something that requires discussion. It may be a short list by the end.

To start the list:

Universally Liked Music/Artists
1. The Beatles

To start the discussion:

I think Nirvana and Regina Spektor could be on this list. Both are good. They have a range of sounds. Nirvana's 'About a Girl' sounds like an early Beatles song. Their cover of the Lead Belly's 1940's version of the folk song 'In the Pines/Black Girl', 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night' is compelling. And the ever popular 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' has a simple, angsty allure of it's own. Regina Spektor is very diverse. 'Fields Below' has a trance-like effect upon a listener. 'Oedipus' and 'Aprés Moi' are more playful. The frequent references to philosophy and literature attracts those seeking a complexity of thought. Songs like 'Laughing With' and 'The Call' engage a broader audience. Everyone likes piano.

Thoughts?

 

[snafupants]

Most people with functional hearing can groove to Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix.

 

[DesertSmeagle]

I dont know anone who doesnt like at least one pink floyd song...they have songs that are like the perfect blend of so many different types of music.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

I don't think there actually can be a list. Some people just don't like certain types of music. I think Bob Marley is the only artist who could truly be on this list and maybe Santana.

 

[Claverhouse]

A friend and I had a conversation about the Beatles. We came to the conclusion that everyone can find at least one song to like.

You are wrong.

My main regret regarding the assassination of John Lennon is that it did not occur when he was about 14.

A person who does not like a single Beatles song simply does not like music. Assuming that he or she has sampled every one. And doesn't have some odd grudge against them.

False conclusions. In the last week I have downloaded Walter Geiseking's piano works; The Chieftains' 'Celtic Wedding of Brittany'; ever more v. Weber; Romanian Marchs, 'Corul Doina al Armatei'; Blind Willie's Last Session; and some CantoPop by Faye Wong. I just think the Beatles were whiny little cunts.





Claverhouse

 

[Anthile]

You are wrong.

My main regret regarding the assassination of John Lennon is that it did not occur when he was about 14.

I knew you were going to say something like that when I saw you posted here.

I just think the Beatles were whiny little cunts.

Well, that's something that is true for 95% of all artists (conservative estimation).

 

[Nerd.]

Perhaps Claverhouse falls under the "hates The Beatles just to be contrary" category. It's okay. That's how I feel about Michael Jackson. Except, I rock out to 'Smooth Criminal'. In secret.

 

[RubberDucky451]

If you listen to a large array of different music your thoughts on peculiar music will change dramatically.

Certain classical artists or jazz musicians are hard to listen to if you haven't had a good background in music.

I do like the Beatles but I'm not going to listen to them for another 5 years or so.

 

[shoeless]

i was just going to say michael jackson. maybe you just proved that assertion. smooth criminal is an excellent song.

i think i'll go download some nirvana.

 

[Anthile]

Come on, Nirvana is the most triumphant example of overrated music. Most people only remember Smells Like Teen Spirit and back in the day MTV played it to death and beyond. If you ask me, the only good songs Nirvana has ever done are Lithium and Lake Of Fire - and the latter is actually a cover. Dave Grohl was the only member with real talent and everything he did after Nirvana is infinitely superior. I think if Cobain didn't kill himself, Nirvana would have ended up like Guns N' Roses - "Hey, I didn't know they were still around".

 

[kantor1003]

Can't say I ever have enjoyed a nirvana song. I'm gonna second michael jackson.

 

[terraxceles]

If we go by your definition...all commercial pop music.

It's catchy and usually danceable, but most people wouldn't admit to liking it.

 

[Nerd.]

Come on, Nirvana is the most triumphant example of overrated music. Most people only remember Smells Like Teen Spirit and back in the day MTV played it to death and beyond. If you ask me, the only good songs Nirvana has ever done are Lithium and Lake Of Fire - and the latter is actually a cover. Dave Grohl was the only member with real talent and everything he did after Nirvana is infinitely superior. I think if Cobain didn't kill himself, Nirvana would have ended up like Guns N' Roses - "Hey, I didn't know they were still around".

But you DO like a Nirvana song. I'm sure anyone on this list could be considered overrated. This isn't about talent, but that they have at least something to offer anyone. Though, you're right. They lacked musical talent in a big way. And the Nevermind album was incredibly overrated. And it was their worst album. By far. I like them anyway.

Can't say I ever have enjoyed a nirvana song. I'm gonna second michael jackson.

Okay I have to agree with Michael Jackson. Obnoxious as it is for the most part.

If we go by your definition...all commercial pop music.

It's catchy and usually danceable, but most people wouldn't admit to liking it.

I dunno. I'm sure I'm not alone in finding no enjoyment in the majority of pop music. Also, most fail to span generations. Many pop artists have only one sound. Further, a significant portion of pop artists are not the writers/composers. Only performers.

 

[echoplex]

Yeah, I don't agree. Mainly because I don't think everyone (or even most people) approach music in an open, unbiased way. In fact, it's bias in part that likely fuels most musical enjoyment and/or hatred. For instance, someone may love an artist for reasons more to do with association or nostalgia, rather than from an objective perspective (if that's even possible).

Perhaps you could say that if someone were to approach music completely stripped of its context and associations (ya know, like The Beatles seeming 'whiny' or Nirvana being 'overrated') that they would likely be able to at least somewhat enjoy a song or two that they otherwise wouldn't be able to due to their overall perception of the artist. But it's not all about the music itself, because music is art, and art communicates feelings and worldviews, and if you can't stand what's being communicated (or what you think is) then you may find it hard to stand the music itself, even if it's 'alright' in and of itself.

Plus, some people just hate certain instruments. If you hate the sound of an electric guitar, well there's thousands of artists you're going to hate right away, and that's without even discussing how 'good' they are.

That being said, I do find that I'm usually able to enjoy an artist if I approach them the right way or if I'm in the right mood. I tend to forgive flaws others likely wouldn't.

 

[nexion]

There is no "universally-liked music."

Just saying.