Why do you like music?

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

Awhile ago my girlfriend at the time [now an ex and for good reasons] and I were listening to my iPod. 'MakeDamnSure' by Taking Back Sunday came on, and I crooned "Oooh I love this song!" This was a couple weeks after it had come out, so I had been rocking that song quite a bit, and I really did [and still do] love it. After listening to it, my ex proceeded to tell me that I was retarded for liking a song like that, because there was no way I could have related to the lyrics. I responed with the argument that you don't have to relate to the lyrics of a song in order to like/enjoy/appreciate it. She disagreed [I should probably mention that her favorite band is AC/DC...], and it launched into a super long and detailed argument..one of the few that I actually won :P

But anyway..obviously I would hope that all of you agree with me on that part, but I wonder what is your reason for actually liking the music that you do. Is it the instrumental style that gets you? The expressive nature of lyrics in general? The creativity? What?
Please share. I'm curious.

[Neo Cassady]

Different things in different songs, but I do put a major emphasis on lyrics (in the music I listen to that has them). The lyrical content is important, sure, but it doesn't have to be relatable to be good. It just has to evoke imagery, or tell a good story, in the same way that good novels do or good poetry does. Personally, I can't personally relate to a lot of the songs I find lyrically appealing, in the same sort of way that I can't personally relate to American Psycho.

That said, a lot of what draws me to certain music is a combination of quality lyricism and the right instrumentals behind it.

[AP_Punk]

because it makes me look cool

[oddwithoutend]

haha I really hope she doesn't actually relate to all ACDC songs because that's just scary.

Edit: To answer your question, I'm pretty sure it has a lot to do with escapism.

[Neo Cassady]

haha I really hope she doesn't actually relate to all ACDC songs because that's just scary.

She's got the biggest balls of them all.

[Alou]

Relating to a song amplifies your love for it, in my opinion. There is nothing like the feeling when you find a random song that exactly personifies how you are at that moment. It's amazing. But in general I can listen to any song and put myself into the writers shoes. I guess in an actor kind of way. You assume the role of the person singing the song when you listen to it.

[eliselovesmusic]

Relating to a song amplifies your love for it, in my opinion. There is nothing like the feeling when you find a random song that exactly personifies how you are at that moment. It's amazing. But in general I can listen to any song and put myself into the writers shoes. I guess in an actor kind of way. You assume the role of the person singing the song when you listen to it.


Great post (great avatar too dude).



I definitley like to relate to the lyrics, which is probably a big reason why bands like Paramore and FOB do so well: because the kids listening to them can relate to the 'woe is me: I'm in high school' type thing.

However, even if I cannot relate to the lyrics I still like the writing to be inpirational in some way eg my two musical 'heroes' Jeff Buckley and John Lennon.

I also like the actual music to evoke certain emotions, eg choosing a minor will always give off a sad feeling, a gentle guitar or piano part (ie 'Hey There Delilah' by Plain White Tees, 'Love' by Lennon respectivley) can be associated with love. The way the singer uses his/her voice can also create an amazing musical experience (ie Mother by Lennon, Lover You Should Have Come Over by Buckley). A great singer won't just sing lyrics, he'll sing feelings, and caress each word.

I know that's a kinda long explanation but yeeeeeeaaaaaaaah I love talking about this stuff - thanks for the thread.

[nlo13]

Cuz I Want To Stick It To "the Man"

[eliselovesmusic]

Cuz I Want To Stick It To "the Man"


How original of you.

[nlo13]

How original of you.

School of Rock reference, buddy. Calm down.

[eliselovesmusic]

School of Rock reference, buddy. Calm down.



I am aware of said reference.

School of Rock = one of all time favouite movies.

Burn.

[secretsociety92]

I like my music because I enjoy listening to it, that is basically it.

[awakeohsleeper]

Lyrics firstly. But it has to be accompanied by music that generates feelings. I love a good spine-tingling song with excellent, though-provoking lyrics.

[fadedmemories]

I just like it.

[_><_]

I don't know why. I just do.

[Charles777]

I like it because it makes me feel very very good. Very good.

[EmzOLV]

I like music for the way it makes me feel absolutely amazing, and covers a whole range of situations and emotions which I don't feel affected by through other entertainment mediums (such as sport I guess). Plus, after going for a few studies last year, I found out that I was lucky enough to have synaesthesia, so music to me, is a whole other form of sensation of colours and imagery which I experience, it's just I have a likening for pop punk and various rock genres more than others, but obviously all genres and styles of musical performance have an effect on it...

It's also why I can't listen to music in the car (or I'll crash). Such an idiot :)

Specifically why rock / punk music? I guess it's just the various influences as I was growing up, linked with teenage rebellion (may as well have a hint in that) and pure connection with the happiness I get listening to that form of music. Nothing brings a smile to my face than the first time I heard the chunky guitar solos of a certain song, or the beatdown from another. I dunno, its uncontrollable :)

[kearn1tm]

Like any art, I marvel at the craft, the technical intricacies and applaud the effort. I recently dusted off DJ Shadow's Endtroducing..... for the first time in two years. It's brilliant and his ear for fantastic pre-recorded sounds and aptitude for shaping, molding and synthesizing them together in organic and innovative ways is astounding.

I've only taken one or two introductory music theory courses, so I'm certainly not a formulist or student of the game, but it's the nuts and bolts that I can listen to for hours and find myself enamored with the final product and its respective elements coming together.

Moreover, music is the amalgamation of lyrical message (what's available in prose) and malible sound, and the dynamic between the two has never failed to, at the very least, amuse me, and with the best work, has me obsessed.

Of course, for some songs/artists/albums, there's a relatability factor. The furor and kineticism of live music being played and made in front of an audience is also something unique to music. It's quite distinctive from seeing a sporting event live, or a live art show.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

haha I really hope she doesn't actually relate to all ACDC songs because that's just scary.

Edit: To answer your question, I'm pretty sure it has a lot to do with escapism.

She was kind of obsessed..it was slightly frightening :-(
I love the word 'escapism' for this..everyone says how different music evokes different emotions, whish is definitely true, though sometimes I just need the music to help me get away from my emotions..to help me escape and not have to worry.

Great post (great avatar too dude).



I definitley like to relate to the lyrics, which is probably a big reason why bands like Paramore and FOB do so well: because the kids listening to them can relate to the 'woe is me: I'm in high school' type thing.

However, even if I cannot relate to the lyrics I still like the writing to be inpirational in some way eg my two musical 'heroes' Jeff Buckley and John Lennon.

I also like the actual music to evoke certain emotions, eg choosing a minor will always give off a sad feeling, a gentle guitar or piano part (ie 'Hey There Delilah' by Plain White Tees, 'Love' by Lennon respectivley) can be associated with love. The way the singer uses his/her voice can also create an amazing musical experience (ie Mother by Lennon, Lover You Should Have Come Over by Buckley). A great singer won't just sing lyrics, he'll sing feelings, and caress each word.

I know that's a kinda long explanation but yeeeeeeaaaaaaaah I love talking about this stuff - thanks for the thread.

Relating to lyrics is definitely a majorly good thing, I just don't find it necessary to the enjoyment of a song.
The lyrics themselves don't have to identify with the listener as much as they should evoke some sort of feeling from the listener and induce some sort of imagery. And the lyrics coupled with the actual music, I think, is what creates the mood or 'feel' of the song..like for example, a Death Cab song could put a person into a state of calmness or even a somber mood..and the same song could be done by, say, Underoath, and result in a totally opposite emotion for the listener. I think the musical style has a lot to do with it.

I love it too - especially hearing different people' opinions on it :-)
Anytime.

I like music for the way it makes me feel absolutely amazing, and covers a whole range of situations and emotions which I don't feel affected by through other entertainment mediums (such as sport I guess). Plus, after going for a few studies last year, I found out that I was lucky enough to have synaesthesia, so music to me, is a whole other form of sensation of colours and imagery which I experience, it's just I have a likening for pop punk and various rock genres more than others, but obviously all genres and styles of musical performance have an effect on it...

It's also why I can't listen to music in the car (or I'll crash). Such an idiot :)

Specifically why rock / punk music? I guess it's just the various influences as I was growing up, linked with teenage rebellion (may as well have a hint in that) and pure connection with the happiness I get listening to that form of music. Nothing brings a smile to my face than the first time I heard the chunky guitar solos of a certain song, or the beatdown from another. I dunno, its uncontrollable :)

That's actually really interesting..it sucks to not be able to listen to music in the car, but I think I'm a bit jealous of you..though I'm not really sure what all your synaesthesia entails..care to elaborate?

Like any art, I marvel at the craft, the technical intricacies and applaud the effort. I recently dusted off DJ Shadow's Endtroducing..... for the first time in two years. It's brilliant and his ear for fantastic pre-recorded sounds and aptitude for shaping, molding and synthesizing them together in organic and innovative ways is astounding.

I've only taken one or two introductory music theory courses, so I'm certainly not a formulist or student of the game, but it's the nuts and bolts that I can listen to for hours and find myself enamored with the final product and its respective elements coming together.

Moreover, music is the amalgamation of lyrical message (what's available in prose) and malible sound, and the dynamic between the two has never failed to, at the very least, amuse me, and with the best work, has me obsessed.

Of course, for some songs/artists/albums, there's a relatability factor. The furor and kineticism of live music being played and made in front of an audience is also something unique to music. It's quite distinctive from seeing a sporting event live, or a live art show.


Haha well you certainly sound like more 'student of the game' than I..with that being said, I do agree with you in that music's appeal lies in the artist's ability to intertwine words and soud to make a piece..and depending on the artist, with varying degrees of beauty.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

I am aware of said reference.

School of Rock = one of all time favouite movies.

Burn.

Great, great movie. Jack Black is the MAN.

[Alou]

Great post (great avatar too dude).



I definitley like to relate to the lyrics, which is probably a big reason why bands like Paramore and FOB do so well: because the kids listening to them can relate to the 'woe is me: I'm in high school' type thing.

However, even if I cannot relate to the lyrics I still like the writing to be inpirational in some way eg my two musical 'heroes' Jeff Buckley and John Lennon.

I also like the actual music to evoke certain emotions, eg choosing a minor will always give off a sad feeling, a gentle guitar or piano part (ie 'Hey There Delilah' by Plain White Tees, 'Love' by Lennon respectivley) can be associated with love. The way the singer uses his/her voice can also create an amazing musical experience (ie Mother by Lennon, Lover You Should Have Come Over by Buckley). A great singer won't just sing lyrics, he'll sing feelings, and caress each word.

I know that's a kinda long explanation but yeeeeeeaaaaaaaah I love talking about this stuff - thanks for the thread.

Got it off of google. It's not that spectacular. :(

True. That's generally why singers are considered the 'front' of the band. People can connect with them the easiest.

[IWasaCamera]

Because of beards primarily.

[polarbearsummer]

because I like talking down to people about it.

[Five-Star]

The way it sounds and the feeling I get from the good music.

[kearn1tm]

I only like music because I want Vinh to like me.

[IWasaCamera]

He doesn't know that I already do so shhhh.

[Javs]

Actually, out of all my favorite songs, I don't relate to any of them one bit.

It's usually lyrics that get me first into a song though. A good song with shitty lyrics is really considered shit to me in the long run.

[phil19]

lyrics are not the be all and end all. you can like a song even if you cant relate to the lyrics. a great melody or a killer guitar riff and im in heaven. i think being able to relate to the lyrics is a bonus and enhances the enjoyment of the song, but its not necessary

[Genuma]

so people will like me..... :sadangel:

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

lyrics are not the be all and end all. you can like a song even if you cant relate to the lyrics. a great melody or a killer guitar riff and im in heaven. i think being able to relate to the lyrics is a bonus and enhances the enjoyment of the song, but its not necessary

QFT.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

The way it sounds and the feeling I get from the good music.

Digging your avatar..I love the artwork for that album, but I hevn't heard anything from it yet..how is it compared to their other stuff?

[Five-Star]

Digging your avatar..I love the artwork for that album, but I hevn't heard anything from it yet..how is it compared to their other stuff?

Music wise it's better. Wires has better songs though. I actualy bought it today from hot topic. It came with an ASD tee. It's a good album though, def got some great songs.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

Music wise it's better. Wires has better songs though. I actualy bought it today from hot topic. It came with an ASD tee. It's a good album though, def got some great songs.

Hmm maybe I'll check it out..any recommended songs? And how much was the shirt/CD?

[Five-Star]

Hmm maybe I'll check it out..any recommended songs? And how much was the shirt/CD?

The Boy Without a Demon
Thank God It's Cloudy Out
Those Cannons Could Sink a Ship
Eva The Carrier
Heaven
Running With The Light
We Are The Children of Adelphia

cd/shirt combo was 20 bucks.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

The Boy Without a Demon
Thank God It's Cloudy Out
Those Cannons Could Sink a Ship
Eva The Carrier
Heaven
Running With The Light
We Are The Children of Adelphia

cd/shirt combo was 20 bucks.

I will definitely be checking out at least those songs, if not buying the entire thing..that's a pretty fucking good deal!

[Five-Star]

I will definitely be checking out at least those songs, if not buying the entire thing..that's a pretty fucking good deal!

Yea man, I went in to buy the cd then they guy was like you can get a shirt too for 20 bucks and the cd was 14 by it's self so why not.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

Yea man, I went in to buy the cd then they guy was like you can get a shirt too for 20 bucks and the cd was 14 by it's self so why not.

Haha hellz yea why not! A shirt for 6 bucks pretty much..sweet stuff.
So have you seen them play before?

[Five-Star]

Haha hellz yea why not! A shirt for 6 bucks pretty much..sweet stuff.
So have you seen them play before?

Nope, I'm hoping to see them next month at Warped Tour. Not really feeling the 30 minute sets but what the hell.

[Misstamara]

i like music beacuse it makes me express my feelings :blush:

[thesafeword]

I'm so pretentious that I just straight up don't like music.

[murrich]

I agree with thesafeword, liking music is to agree that you're a sheep for liking a band someone else likes, I'm pretty non conformist.

[eliselovesmusic]

I agree with thesafeword, liking music is to agree that you're a sheep for liking a band someone else likes, I'm pretty non conformist.


I think my loling at this comment was the intended affect...

[kearn1tm]

so people will like me..... :sadangel:

Have you tried watching their scotch?

[boysandbulletsx]

lyrics are not the be all and end all. you can like a song even if you cant relate to the lyrics. a great melody or a killer guitar riff and im in heaven. i think being able to relate to the lyrics is a bonus and enhances the enjoyment of the song, but its not necessary
Right? Otherwise bands like Explosions in the Sky wouldn't have any fans.

[phil19]

Right? Otherwise bands like Explosions in the Sky wouldn't have any fans.

ive never heard explosions in the sky??

[EmzOLV]

That's actually really interesting..it sucks to not be able to listen to music in the car, but I think I'm a bit jealous of you..though I'm not really sure what all your synaesthesia entails..care to elaborate?

Haha, I'm jealous of people who can listen to it in the car! I take long journeys, gets real boring :(

I'll quote from the UK Synaesthesia Association website as they probably put it the best way possible:

"Synaesthesia is often described as a joining of the senses. Sensations in one modality (e.g. hearing) produce sensations in another modality (e.g. colour) as well as it's own. Synaesthetic experiences are often driven by symbolic rather than sensory representations, such as letters, numbers and words. It is also often experienced in the absence of external sensory input, such as one's "inner speech"."

So for example, if I listen to Jack's Mannequin, the main sensory colour I've found that I see changes from a pale blue to ocean blue, to a light yellow and so on. It's something I never realised that I had developed because I figured everyone could just do it. However synaesthesia differs in everyone and so, although colour is strong with me, I've found that I could listen to a song I've never heard of and in those 3 minutes, have imagined a whole video surrounding it, or at least the context of the song interpreted by myself into moving images which are kinda like daydreaming... it's a bit weird.

It's like day dreaming on the bus, where you kinda lose your vision for a bit and then suddenly you just realise you have to get off?

I hope that explains a bit anyway :) there's loads of websites on it I can direct you too if you're interested!

[boysandbulletsx]

ive never heard explosions in the sky??
Really?! Are you pulling my leg? Anyway, they're an instrumental band.

[phil19]

Really?! Are you pulling my leg? Anyway, they're an instrumental band.

im serious

[boysandbulletsx]

im serious
Well, let's just say that Brand New are big fans.

[LamarVannoy]

Actually, out of all my favorite songs, I don't relate to any of them one bit.
same here. i just enjoy music that tells a good story.

[El_Jeffe]

Haha, I'm jealous of people who can listen to it in the car! I take long journeys, gets real boring :(

I'll quote from the UK Synaesthesia Association website as they probably put it the best way possible:

"Synaesthesia is often described as a joining of the senses. Sensations in one modality (e.g. hearing) produce sensations in another modality (e.g. colour) as well as it's own. Synaesthetic experiences are often driven by symbolic rather than sensory representations, such as letters, numbers and words. It is also often experienced in the absence of external sensory input, such as one's "inner speech"."

So for example, if I listen to Jack's Mannequin, the main sensory colour I've found that I see changes from a pale blue to ocean blue, to a light yellow and so on. It's something I never realised that I had developed because I figured everyone could just do it. However synaesthesia differs in everyone and so, although colour is strong with me, I've found that I could listen to a song I've never heard of and in those 3 minutes, have imagined a whole video surrounding it, or at least the context of the song interpreted by myself into moving images which are kinda like daydreaming... it's a bit weird.

It's like day dreaming on the bus, where you kinda lose your vision for a bit and then suddenly you just realise you have to get off?

I hope that explains a bit anyway :) there's loads of websites on it I can direct you too if you're interested!

this is really interesting, because i too have the same ordeals. although it hasn't been soo strong that it stops me from listening to music while i drive haha. but ever since i first liked a song, i've always associated colours with music. it's just been "the norm" since i can remember, so it's never seemed weird or unusual to me. although i've heard it rather common in various strains, it is nice to actually meet someone who fully understands haha

[echo.park]

Relating to a song amplifies your love for it, in my opinion. There is nothing like the feeling when you find a random song that exactly personifies how you are at that moment. It's amazing. But in general I can listen to any song and put myself into the writers shoes. I guess in an actor kind of way. You assume the role of the person singing the song when you listen to it.

Exactly.

[theguy77]

because its the one form of art i actually comprehend well enough to indulge into with such fervor. ive found im a pretty right-brained person, or as my parents and ex-teachers would argue, a both-brained person who favors the right side more (explaining my disposition towards art) with a background in music as well as being musically inclined (explaining why music is the art form i picked). add that in to an obsessive personality when it comes to my hobbies and you end up with one big music makin' music lovin' muthafucka.

[oddwithoutend]

I'm not sure if I believe in synaesthesia as something only certain people have. I'm thinking it's more about choosing to use it. Or, as Picasso would say, "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist when he grows up".

[LaDiabla]

i dont like music. I hate it.

[theguy77]

I'm not sure if I believe in synaesthesia as something only certain people have. I'm thinking it's more about choosing to use it. Or, as Picasso would say, "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist when he grows up".

my theory is that it exists in everyone but on varying levels. i feel that those who are more inclined toward synaesthesia, and ALSO have the nature to develop intuitive liberal/creative thinking, become artists sooner or later. those who have the former but not the latter can make great musicians, but only in their spare time as their ambitions lie elsewhere. those who have the latter but not the former are the really unfortunate ones who have to keep it as a hobby; those are the ones that are told to "keep their day jobs".

and then theres the ones who have neither, the people who just say "oh i dont really like music". and most people who are passionate about music (or some kind of art form), like most of us on this site, we try to be tolerant and try to acknowledge that they're just different types of people but secretly we judge them and think "jesus, how uncultured can you possibly be?"

[oddwithoutend]

my theory is that it exists in everyone but on varying levels. i feel that those who are more inclined toward synaesthesia, and ALSO have the nature to develop intuitive liberal/creative thinking, become artists sooner or later. those who have the former but not the latter can make great musicians, but only in their spare time as their ambitions lie elsewhere. those who have the latter but not the former are the really unfortunate ones who have to keep it as a hobby; those are the ones that are told to "keep their day jobs".

Makes sense to me.

[bradnewman]

I think i listen to music to romanticize my life..... to make my life more interesting than it seems, and to enhance emotions, thoughts, and actions.

[oddwithoutend]

and then theres the ones who have neither, the people who just say "oh i dont really like music". and most people who are passionate about music (or some kind of art form), like most of us on this site, we try to be tolerant and try to acknowledge that they're just different types of people but secretly we judge them and think "jesus, how uncultured can you possibly be?"

haha yes, that's my father and brother, actually. I was not raised to be an artist at all. If it was remotely possible to prevent me from being artistic, it definitely would have happened. So I guess I would say I'm definitely born with synaesthesia, and that it's likely not something that could ever be learned.

[lynnie]

Seriously, music gets me through the day. Without it, I would feel lost… :nod:

[oddwithoutend]

I think i listen to music to romanticize my life..... to make my life more interesting than it seems, and to enhance emotions, thoughts, and actions.

I definitely can understand this. So you think it's more of an enhancement than an escape?

[theguy77]

haha yes, that's my father and brother, actually. I was not raised to be an artist at all. If it was remotely possible to prevent me from being artistic, it definitely would have happened. So I guess I would say I'm definitely born with synaesthesia, and that it's likely not something that could ever be learned.

hahaha yeah. see my mom used to put classical music on when i went to sleep, from the time i was a baby until i was like 8, and that kind of gave me the jumpstart i needed to embrase that synaesthesia. and it was like, when i was 3 i would go around the house acting like i was playing a violin. when i was 4 i would improvise arrangements (they tended to be a fusion of classical music and electronic music) off the top of my head and make mom listen to me attempt to perform all the instruments with my mouth simultaneously. when i was five we went to my aunts house and she had a piano there, and i just started playing every nursery rhyme and christmas tune i knew (twinkle twinkle little star, jingle bells, etc.) by ear.

so it was kind of always there, and when i turned 11 my mom decided to embrace it by renting me a piano and getting me lessons, and it really just snowballed from there. eventually i started hanging with the skaters/"punk kids" (note: very loose definition) at my junior high school and since i was too much of a pussy to skateboard i decided to learn guitar and started watching fuse on TV instead to fit with that crowd. and like, i was completely obsessed with playing and listening to music by the time i hit high school. and my dad always thought it was so unhealthy, and through all four years of high school he tried to fight the obsession out of me and force me to be more focused and interested in my schoolwork, and it just never worked. i got grounded from my guitars all the time for skipping out of homework assignemnts but the withdrawals just made it even harder to focus on school. ive always favored that right side of my brain over the left (which my dad still feels is a waste) and here i am in college still not studying for that exam because im practicing an elliott smith song or trying to develop some verse i wrote that day into a song.

[bradnewman]

I definitely can understand this. So you think it's more of an enhancement than an escape?

Well its most likely a combination of things featuring both enhancment and escapism..
but yess more enhancment than escapism for me personally

[oddwithoutend]

Haha wow. Yeah, I try to keep a healthy balance between the right and left side of the brain. I'm an artist that majors in physics. While I would like to believe that having an artistic side is important, I know people that prove the contrary.

Edit: meant to quote Ryan.

[oddwithoutend]

Well its most likely a combination of things featuring both enhancment and escapism..
but yess more enhancment than escapism for me personally

Yeah, I guess it sort of has to be a bit of both...

[RuledBySecrecy]

Well its most likely a combination of things featuring both enhancment and escapism..
but yess more enhancment than escapism for me personally

That is a great explanation! Ha ha

You are right though... music gets me through the day, whether the day is a good or bad one... :-)

[EmzOLV]

my theory is that it exists in everyone but on varying levels. i feel that those who are more inclined toward synaesthesia, and ALSO have the nature to develop intuitive liberal/creative thinking, become artists sooner or later. those who have the former but not the latter can make great musicians, but only in their spare time as their ambitions lie elsewhere. those who have the latter but not the former are the really unfortunate ones who have to keep it as a hobby; those are the ones that are told to "keep their day jobs".

and then theres the ones who have neither, the people who just say "oh i dont really like music". and most people who are passionate about music (or some kind of art form), like most of us on this site, we try to be tolerant and try to acknowledge that they're just different types of people but secretly we judge them and think "jesus, how uncultured can you possibly be?"

Ditto that! I think its true that everyone can develop it and that we all have it to a certain degree (apologies if I mistyped and made it look like I meant certain people, that was a genuine error haha) but yeah, I think that this is pretty much the best way to put it :)

[lynnie]

I definitely can understand this. So you think it's more of an enhancement than an escape?


I think it is both. It enhances my life, but it is also a great escape. Like today, I know I have a horrible job of updating this financial spreadsheet. But to make it better for me, I stick my headphones in and listen to music. It helps me get on. Same for cleaning, if I need to do a big spring clean, crank up the music and get lost in it all! :-)