The Most Unwanted Song (part 1):
You can listen to The Most Wanted Song here.
I find this project very interesting since it really demonstrates the objectivity of music taste, and how much it is influenced by culture and exposure.
I have been trying to make this experiment on myself by listing elements I like and dislike in music, but with little results. I suppose that unless I am directed in pointing out specific elements, my lists really can mean anything. I bet no one could, only by looking at my lists, pinpoint my very favourite song (also because I have many favourite songs which aren't alike), or the song I despise the most (because there are many songs I dislike).
Anyway, here are my lists just for fun:
Like:
-low notes
-syncopated rythms
-songs close to being off-tune (using bemols and dieses in unexpected ways)
-sharp ending
-voice organically mixed up with instruments
Dislike:
-fade-outs
-"80s" saxophone
-misused drum machines (very objective, I know)
-long solos that add nothing to the song
-harp in pop ballads (and pop ballads in general)
Clearly, this doesn't lead anywhere. I'll just leave you with a few songs I enjoy, (which might or might not exemplify what this post is all about, oh dear):
(Thanks to Fashion Forestry for linking Daphne Oram and her work, remember Snow?)
What about you?
I would be very interested in seeing your like and dislike lists, and feel free to include links!