Love the music, hate the singing.

[Truman122]

I've found there are a good amount of bands out there composed of good creative musicians, but with lead singers I just can't stand for one reason or another. Then again, I've often found the opposite true as well. What do you guys do when you come across a new band like this? Do you muscle through and just get past the singing, or do you forget about them and move on?

For example, I was and still am a big fan of the pop punk genre. Hearing good things about TTTYG, I decided to give it a listen. At first I couldn't stand Stump's voice, but eventually it grew on me. Now it's one of my favorite albums. On the other hand, I heard a lot about Fireworks, gave them a listen, and find their singers voice insanely annoying.

So what are some other bands you think could benefit from a new lead singer?

[PengusNiugnep]

A Skylit Drive and Saves The Day definitely took a while to get used to. Also, when I was younger I could not stand Tom Delonge's voice but now I like it.

[Ari Christos]

Can't get into Geoff Rickly's voice for the life of me. I think Thursday are great though, other than that.

[Smeee]

Can't get into Geoff Rickly's voice for the life of me. I think Thursday are great though, other than that.

Totally agree with you. I've never been that impressed with them vocally, particularly the clean vocals. Musically, I love them though.

[Max_123]

Can't get into Geoff Rickly's voice for the life of me. I think Thursday are great though, other than that.
agreed as well
same with (old) Thrice

[fanberlinboy]

I'm not a huge fan of Jordan Pundik's vocals on old New Found Glory stuff. I've gotten over it mostly.

[crypticv24]

It took me a looong time to get into Bayside because of the Ranieri's voice. I actually only was fully convince by seeing them live.

I still can't stand Bright Eyes because of Conor's singing style. And if I hear screaming in a song, I usually turn it off immediately.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Saves the Day, Glassjaw, Daggermouth, and Bright Eyes all took me a while to get used to the vocals.

[MADSTA]

Joanna Newsom

[Ari Christos]

Totally agree with you. I've never been that impressed with them vocally, particularly the clean vocals. Musically, I love them though.

agreed as well
same with (old) Thrice

And all this time I thought I was alone on this site haha.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Led Zeppelin. I can't for the life of me get into Plant's vocals.

[Captain Awesome]

I like Thursday's music, not so much the vocals but FUCK the guitar riff on "Understanding in a Car Crash" is fun as shit to play.

[cubine]

It wasn't til my sophomore year that I could bear to listen to anything with non-melodic vocals, and then I saw The Bled open for Linkin Park and MCR and everything changed. I still can't quite get over that cookie monster uber-growl stuff though. Whitechapel is a good example of a band that I would probably like without the hyper deep guttural stuff.

I don't really dig All Time Low's singer or hardly any of their soundalike bands. It would be fine if there were just a little more edge to the vocals, but they come off as a little too clean and polished for me. Give me Fat Mike's ragged voice over their auto-tuned harmonies any day.

[GuitarR0cker1]

Passion Pit. I'm meh on the vocals but I fucking love the music.

[tcg47]

My brother can't stand Silversun Pickups or Coheed and Cambria, but I like them both myself. When I first heard of SP I was pretty sure the singer was a chick, though.

I love Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (at least their S/T) but the singing definitely grates on you

childstarschildstarsCHILDSTARSCHILD STARSchildstarschildstarsCHILDSTARS CHILDSTARSchildstarschildstarsCHILD STARSCHILDSTARS

[luvsickcatalyst]

Definitely The Hold Steady took me a while vocally. I loved the music, but his vocals...gaaah, just annoying. They still bug me, but not as much.

[Bruised26]

there's this one Christian band called Third Day that has great music, but listening to the vocals is like getting a needle stabbed through your balls.

[fueledbyvictory]

My brother can't stand Silversun Pickups or Coheed and Cambria, but I like them both myself. When I first heard of SP I was pretty sure the singer was a chick, though.

I love Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (at least their S/T) but the singing definitely grates on you



I thought the singer was female too!

[justlikehoney]

FUCK the guitar riff on "Understanding in a Car Crash" is fun as shit to play.
This, plus Jet Black New Year and the lead parts in Signals Over the Air .

[cwhit412]

I thought the singer was female too!
ANDME!

[tbone0329]

the blood brothers

[mattmatumbo]

I'd have to say Colossal, absolutely brilliant music, horrible singing though.

Oh god, just gave them a listen, their singer must die.

[murrich]

Joanna Newsom

I used to be the same, my brother liked her and I couldn't stand her, but I gave her another chance like a month ago and loved it.

[sargentlgfuad]

I'm not a huge fan of Jordan Pundik's vocals on old New Found Glory stuff. I've gotten over it mostly.
yeah, definately him. sometime Endless Hallway erks me, but not all the time.
and passion pit would be a great band if they got a new singer.

[meroki22]

Joanna Newsom

Word

[SophGod]

Hayley Williams voice is so god damn annoying

[Grub]

Skylit drive takes the cake for me, and I usually love vocals like that.

[jay_klinkhammer]

None because I'm not as picky.

[himynameismaxx]

the number twelve looks like you. fersure.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

Hayley Williams voice is so god damn annoying

Have you heard this song??
suY7Pxzpi4E

[Bi11 Lumburgh]

Led Zeppelin. I can't for the life of me get into Plant's vocals.

you are nuts

and I can't believe I'm the first to say this, but Set Your Goals, I absolutely hate his voice, he sounds like whiny midget, but the music is tight

[Car Crash Dream]

you are nuts

and I can't believe I'm the first to say this, but Set Your Goals, I absolutely hate his voice, he sounds like whiny midget, but the music is tight
There are actually two singers for Set Your Goals. I'm with you on that, but they put on shows that are super energetic. The vocalists feed off each other, it is pretty awesome actually.

[TopperHarley]

Bayside, hands down.

[WhoSaidThat?]

you are nuts

and I can't believe I'm the first to say this, but Set Your Goals, I absolutely hate his voice, he sounds like whiny midget, but the music is tight
I'm not saying he's a bad vocalist, it just doesn't do it for me. I'm not "nuts".

[oddwithoutend]

It depends on why you don't like the vocals. For example, if you think the vocals are too "weird", then you should probably continue listening as it may grow on you as you begin to understand it more. On the other hand, if the vocals are too commonplace or boring for you then you can probably just stop listening.

[Shatter_Glass]

Led Zeppelin. I can't for the life of me get into Plant's vocals.

Dear god.....no way. lol i can't fathom this.

Have you listened to Black Sabbath? I'd say Ozzy was (arguably) the best voice back in the day.

[oddwithoutend]

I hate Ozzy's voice.

[SophGod]

Have you heard this song??
suY7Pxzpi4E

yeah, makes me want to throw my computer out my window.

[Jonnyborg]

Fucking Anthony green in Circa Survive

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

yeah, makes me want to throw my computer out my window.

Blows my mind.

[cuzimlefthanded]

Hayley Williams voice is so god damn annoying
Really? What do you find so unappealing about it?
Fucking Anthony green in Circa Survive
Sometimes, I find his voice fucking amazing, like on "Act Appalled" or "Dear Child...". But other times, it annoys the hell out of me.

Took me a long time to get into Ryan Hunter's voice (singer of Envy On The Coast).

[theguy77]

i think the western world places too much value on the talent of the singer in today's music, and im not even just saying that because its a common complaint when it comes to my own music, i really just think it shouldn't be a dealbreaker as often as it is. its one thing if the voice is horrible but i've found that unappealing voices can always grow on me if the music is good, especially as long as the vocals are in key (good luck finding professional music that lacks this). why throw out amazing songwriting for ONE aspect? i wouldnt listen to more than half of what i listen to if i valued the talent of the vocalist THAT much. i'd even go so far as to say that in most of the music i enjoy, the vocalist has the easiest role.

[cuzimlefthanded]

Blows my mind.

Her voice was annoying at times in AWKIF, but in Riot! and brand new eyes, it's fucking glorious.

[cuzimlefthanded]

i think the western world places too much value on the talent of the singer in today's music, and im not even just saying that because its a common complaint when it comes to my own music, i really just think it shouldn't be a dealbreaker as often as it is. its one thing if the voice is horrible but i've found that unappealing voices can always grow on me if the music is good, especially as long as the vocals are in key (good luck finding professional music that lacks this). why throw out amazing songwriting for ONE aspect? i wouldnt listen to more than half of what i listen to if i valued the talent of the vocalist THAT much.

Saosin is a perfrect example of this. Cove sounds AMAZING in studio recordings, but he's pretty poor in live performances (not to mention his lyrics are terrible). That said, Saosin remains one of my favorite bands due to the band's ability to write some pretty awesome music (at least on TTN and the S/T)

[IntoTheSun]

i think the western world places too much value on the talent of the singer in today's music, and im not even just saying that because its a common complaint when it comes to my own music, i really just think it shouldn't be a dealbreaker as often as it is. its one thing if the voice is horrible but i've found that unappealing voices can always grow on me if the music is good, especially as long as the vocals are in key (good luck finding professional music that lacks this). why throw out amazing songwriting for ONE aspect? i wouldnt listen to more than half of what i listen to if i valued the talent of the vocalist THAT much. i'd even go so far as to say that in most of the music i enjoy, the vocalist has the easiest role.

But certainly the vocal delivery of a song is part of the appeal of a band. I think it depends on the different aspects of singing, and you are confusing and meshing mutiple parts of it. If the singer has a "unique" or unappealing tone, then it's something that one can grow to love. However, if the vocals are presented and expressed in a mundane or unengaging way, then that is more like the fault of the singer. I don't think a singer has to have "talent" per se, but they should sing in a way that engages the listener.

[THE_SICKEST]

A lot of my favorite bands' singers grew on me. Glassjaw and Thursday were the biggest ones though. Now they're two of my favorite vocalists.

Also there were and still are a lot of screaming styles that I find unappealing. That sometimes keeps me from enjoying a band, constant screaming that sounds like ass.

[theguy77]

But certainly the vocal delivery of a song is part of the appeal of a band. I think it depends on the different aspects of singing, and you are confusing and meshing mutiple parts of it. If the singer has a "unique" or unappealing tone, then it's something that one can grow to love. However, if the vocals are presented and expressed in a mundane or unengaging way, then that is more like the fault of the singer. I don't think a singer has to have "talent" per se, but they should sing in a way that engages the listener.

some singers have more submissive voices though. ive quite often heard that ben gibbard of death cab, for example, has an unengaging voice. the same goes for a lot of slowcore and slowcore-influenced bands, popular versions of the latter being pedro the lion and american analog set. i dont think it's at all a detriment in the first place; i can often find the more subdued vocal styles to be endearing and unique, and even apart from that if the vocals don't engage me, then who's to say the music can't? like ive said, the vocals are only one part of it, and it's only fair to give them a chance to grow on you rather than writing off the band's whole creative effort just because the singer isn't that good. if people acted the same way toward bands with less talented guitarists and drummers then we'd see most mainstream music fall off the grid.

[IntoTheSun]

some singers have more submissive voices though. ive quite often heard that ben gibbard of death cab, for example, has an unengaging voice. the same goes for a lot of slowcore and slowcore-influenced bands, popular versions of the latter being pedro the lion and american analog set. i dont think it's at all a detriment in the first place; i can often find the more subdued vocal styles to be endearing and unique, and even apart from that if the vocals don't engage me, then who's to say the music can't? like ive said, the vocals are only one part of it, and it's only fair to give them a chance to grow on you rather than writing off the band's whole creative effort just because the singer isn't that good. if people acted the same way toward bands with less talented guitarists and drummers then we'd see most mainstream music fall off the grid.
I don't think it's a detriment at all either...some people prefer more subdued vocals, which is fine. I think we're getting examples of "unpolished" vocalists and "less talented" vocalists a bit mixed up. To me, there's a big difference. Personally, I love a lot of unpolished vocalists. I mean, with what you said about the more mainstream bands though, I think the focus on the singer a lot more because the quality and style of the singer usually carries the group rather than the instrumentation (this is a generalization of course). The thing with vocals is, it's really difficult to have a through and concise discussion because there are so many different scenarios and preferences. I guess some people just like their music with more vocal emphasis...it all depends on the listener.

Edit: PS...MERRY CHRISTMAS AP BROTHER! :santa:

[SophGod]

my favorite band is Thursday. I liked them a lot, but didn't get into the vocals as much as the rest. Time passed, and now i think Geoff has an incredible voice. ESPECIALLY live, he was great.

edit - this is directed at no one in particular, i just saw Thursday mentioned a few times and thought i'd say this.

[mattmatumbo]

Bayside, hands down.

I must admit, although i don't listen to this band, that yes their singer's voice is just awful, pure awfulness.

[muzicislife31]

The Rocket Summer. Bryce's voice really bugs me, but I like the rest of the sound.

[x1onexwo1fx]

bands that have already been mentioned: coheed and cambria, circa survive, thursday, saves the day, thrice, envy on the coast... pretty much bands that i took a while to get used to but now love.

huh, no one's mentioned manchester orchestra yet? someone's already mentioned silversun pickups, and their vocals sound very similar. lydia's another example of male vocals that can be mistaken for female's ...not to say that i ever thought mo's vocalist was female, i mean, the first time i ever heard them i was seeing them live...

at first, i found tegan and sara's vocals to be a bit off-putting, but i got used to them real fast and now i love them.

i don't think i've listened to any bands whose vocals i didn't eventually end up liking.

[theguy77]

I don't think it's a detriment at all either...some people prefer more subdued vocals, which is fine. I think we're getting examples of "unpolished" vocalists and "less talented" vocalists a bit mixed up. To me, there's a big difference. Personally, I love a lot of unpolished vocalists. I mean, with what you said about the more mainstream bands though, I think the focus on the singer a lot more because the quality and style of the singer usually carries the group rather than the instrumentation (this is a generalization of course). The thing with vocals is, it's really difficult to have a through and concise discussion because there are so many different scenarios and preferences. I guess some people just like their music with more vocal emphasis...it all depends on the listener.

in fact i think thats the majority. why else would the most popular music of today have been distilled down to a showcase for the vocalist? i personally think thats absolutely retarded. music isnt a fucking talent show, its an art.

Edit: PS...MERRY CHRISTMAS AP BROTHER! :santa:

MERRY CHRISTMAS! hope you get what you waaaanted!

[IntoTheSun]

in fact i think thats the majority. why else would the most popular music of today have been distilled down to a showcase for the vocalist? i personally think thats absolutely retarded. music isnt a fucking talent show, its an art.
Jesus, no kidding. My guess is because the singer sings the melody, and melody and hooks are what most mainstream music is based off of. With me though, I do prefer vocals as an expression of emotion...I hope you don't find that to be retarded :blush:
MERRY CHRISTMAS! hope you get what you waaaanted!

You mean I got into Dartmouth?! :-d Jkkkk. I guess I pretty much did, not really sure what else I wanted...oh yeah! I wanted a new ipod because the one I have now ran out of memory space. Guess what I want from you?

[theguy77]

Jesus, no kidding. My guess is because the singer sings the melody, and melody and hooks are what most mainstream music is based off of. With me though, I do prefer vocals as an expression of emotion...I hope you don't find that to be retarded :blush:

haha of course not! its okay to have preferences i just dont like the way music appreciation is so exclusive in general to ONE of several aspects of the artist's creative aims.

You mean I got into Dartmouth?! :-d Jkkkk. I guess I pretty much did, not really sure what else I wanted...oh yeah! I wanted a new ipod because the one I have now ran out of memory space. Guess what I want from you?

you know you wanted to go to university of maryland like your big brother. lol and i got an ipod touch, so my longstanding rebellion against apple and their pretentious user interfaces must come to an end. its worth it to have music with me at all times though.

what is it that you want from me?

[IntoTheSun]

haha of course not! its okay to have preferences i just dont like the way music appreciation is so exclusive in general to ONE of several aspects of the artist's creative aims.



you know you wanted to go to university of maryland like your big brother. lol and i got an ipod touch, so my longstanding rebellion against apple and their pretentious user interfaces must come to an end. its worth it to have music with me at all times though.

what is it that you want from me?

Are you staying up late today, buddy? If so, I think we've got ourselves another takeover!

I know what you mean, I would feel really frustrated too, if music was mostly confined to ,say, guitar. But as a singer, I do play more attention to vocals as a whole, I'm afraid...it's what I understand best.

You want to know something funny? We've celebrated Christmas with family today, and we're doing it again on Saturday...but Christmas is actually tomorrow. So basically we're celebrating Christmas the day before and after, but not actually on it. Lame haha.

Pretentious user interfaces? What's this nonsense? They do have a shitload of useless apps though. I wish people would actually listen to music with their ipods these days...

I want MUZAK RECS.

PS: listened to Caribou yesterday....;-)

[:-)]

It took me a long time to get used to Billy Corgan's voice, but once I did I absolutely loved it and he became one of my favorite vocalists of all time.
All the vocals he's been doing these past few years have been totally passionless though, and they've just sounded terrible. It's time for Smashing Pumpkins to stop.

[Roboman]

Smashing Pumpkins - they have some fucking awesome riffs, but I can't stand Corgan's voice.
Saves the Day's early albums (i.e. the only ones people seem to like :rolleyes: ) - Chris' voice still kind of bothers me on Can't Slow Down and Through Being Cool, which is why I have never actually listened to those two, but love all their work afterwards. It would be cool if they re-recorded them...but I'm sure I'll make it through them some day.
Thursday - I've known of their existence pretty much since I started listening to music and I'm sure I'd enjoy them more if Geoff's voice didn't put me off. Listening to them again now, and I guess it's not so bad. Hm.
Metal bands with absolutely, completely unintelligible vocals. I love my shredding and double-bass drums as much as the next guy, but if I can't understand ANYTHING coming out of the vocalist's mouth, I won't enjoy the band. Also, those power metal guys with the really high voices get rather annoying.

[quicksilv001]

Most of the scene bands this site worships. Oh wait, the music sucks too.

[danielineffigy]

glassjaw definitely

Also, the Fireworks hate upsets me. His voice is perfect for that type of music, they're one of the only pop-punk bands I like.

[hf57]

saves the day i still have not been able to get into because of vocals. and i remember when protest the hero got really big in my city because thats where they're from, i could not understand at all why they were getting so popular. i thought their singer was completely brutal, but after seeing them live so many times i really started digging them.

[cshadows2887]

I guess some people just like their music with more vocal emphasis...it all depends on the listener.
I'm finding that a decent amount of people on AP seem to want to stratify this. I don't see why you can't like both. I've always been a fan of glistening-well produced pop with layers of pristine vocals, but I'll also throw on The Velvet Underground and more or less disregard Lou Reed's sneering as anything but another instrument. I don't see why someone can't appreciate music that emphazises and doesn't emphasize vocals for exactly what they are, without having to decided that one is better.


in fact i think thats the majority. why else would the most popular music of today have been distilled down to a showcase for the vocalist? i personally think thats absolutely retarded. music isnt a fucking talent show, its an art.


I don't that it's really just a recent trend. Trace it back to when pop music was mainly crooners like Sinatra or Dean Martin or Nat King Cole. Their arrangements were always vocally-dominant too. And as much as we all love the Beatles' musicality, their music frequently took a backseat to their three-part harmony. I think it's just that pop music's purpose, when you distill it, is to give the listener something to sing along to, a tune to have stuck in their head, so presenting them with the melody right up front is just efficient.

[Truman122]

saves the day i still have not been able to get into because of vocals. and i remember when protest the hero got really big in my city because thats where they're from, i could not understand at all why they were getting so popular. i thought their singer was completely brutal, but after seeing them live so many times i really started digging them.

I started listening to STD so long ago I kinda forget if I didn't like his voice at first. I definitely enjoy it now, at least on their first 3 albums, but it does annoy me in another way. I feel like Chris Conley can't really ever belt it. I mean he's a good singer, but I've never really heard any intensity with his voice. Maybe that's just me though.

PS: Merry Christmas.

[princesschad]

saves the day, although I don't really like the music either. the vocals stand out though.

[mulcahy67]

blood brothers. i can get into pretty much anything vocally whether i care for it or not, but i just cannot get into these guys. it just grates my ears.

also, a lot of bands have some really shitty screamers/growlers, like the devil wears prada. but thats just a detriment to the genre.

[SophGod]

oh i remember when i first heard glassjaw i thought to myself "jesus this guy can't sing at all" i dug their more screamy songs and just listened to those, but now i really dig everything they do, just took a little to get into Daryl's voice. He sounds better in Head Automatica, but Glassjaw is much better.

[G apostrophe Ra]

[QUOTE=theguy77;59427652]in fact i think thats the majority. why else would the most popular music of today have been distilled down to a showcase for the vocalist? i personally think thats absolutely retarded. music isnt a fucking talent show, its an art.



I agree with you in a respect, but I would feel naive assuming that the commonplace American pop music fan isn't focused primarily on vocals. Also, maybe music isn't *purely* a talent show, but pretty much all art has a level of preening and competitiveness involved. Art is not inherently egalitarian or anything; for the most part we tend to want to see people with talent or at least charisma creating or performing art.

[mattmatumbo]

PS: listened to Caribou yesterday....;-)

Good band.

[mathy3890]

saves the day i still have not been able to get into because of vocals. and i remember when protest the hero got really big in my city because thats where they're from, i could not understand at all why they were getting so popular. i thought their singer was completely brutal, but after seeing them live so many times i really started digging them.

I listened to them once ages ago for the same reason, they're from my town, but I couldn't stand it. My music taste has changed so much since then, I'll probably like them a bit more if I listen to them right now.

[Hockeywall]

saves the day i still have not been able to get into because of vocals. and i remember when protest the hero got really big in my city because thats where they're from, i could not understand at all why they were getting so popular. i thought their singer was completely brutal, but after seeing them live so many times i really started digging them.

It's funny when rody's voice cracks and he sounds like he is a 14 year old girl screaming some parts

[kboe@bex.net]

It's funny when rody's voice cracks and he sounds like he is a 14 year old girl screaming some parts
Although its quite old news I thought it was funny when pth said they had more talent than thrice

[mattplayscheap]

i like ben folds five's music.. But the vocals eh....

[j4callen]

First time I heard Max Bemis I was so confused. He sounded like he was just talking and was super nerdy. I had never heard anything like it. Then, after probably 4-5 full listens of Is A Real Boy, I started to forget about it and picked up on all the subtle melody, not to mention the fantastic lyrical content. Now SA are my favorite band.

Saves The Day was definitely another one that grew on me. I've learned that as long as you put on a song and the singer isn't literally bad (not hitting notes) but instead weird, there's a good chance the unique quality will win you over in the long run and become a lasting favorite.

[tyramail]

i can't really get into much from either saves the day or bayside because i can't stand the vocalists.

[handlikesecret]

there's this one Christian band called Third Day that has great music, but listening to the vocals is like getting a needle stabbed through your balls.
weird, i always though Mac Powell had a great voice! :shrug:

[DylanCa]

i can't really get into much from either saves the day or bayside because i can't stand the vocalists.

I understand that Anthony's voice is different, but I don't get why people can't get into it. Especially with their acoustic album.

[tyramail]

I understand that Anthony's voice is different, but I don't get why people can't get into it. Especially with their acoustic album.
their acoustic album is actually the album of theirs i have enjoyed the most haha.

[AndrewIcex]

Rarely do I find a band where I cannot get use to the vocal work.

[Jamos4184]

Saw Crime In Stereo open for Thrice and Brand New. Not sure how they sound on their albums, but their singer was struggling big-time at that show (either his voice was just tired from touring or that's how he normally sounds). The band sounded good, though. Fantastic drummer.

[Jamos4184]

Led Zeppelin. I can't for the life of me get into Plant's vocals.

Robert Plant's voice nearly MAKES Led Zeppelin. Not to say Page isn't an outstanding guitarist, or that Bonham is one of the best drummers in rock 'n' roll history, or the fact that John Paul Jones is probably one of the most underrated bassists, but Plant is definitely one of the best vocalists in rock history (only with Zeppelin - I can't stand that album he did with Alison Krauss).

[scott!athedisco]

Some of my favorite bands in the whole entire world I wasn't so into at first listen due entirely to the lead singer's voice. Oftentimes I would only hear songs from a single album I didn't particularly care for (P Stump on TTTYG, Anthony Raneri on TWW, Geoff on FC, Tim McIlrath on SSotCC), and then be turned off from exploring anything else in their discography. It wouldn't be til I discovered FUCT, Bayside, War all the Time, and The Sufferer and the Witness, where I really went "holy shit how did I not like their voice?" and rediscover the greatness of the albums I passed over too quickly.

Conversely, some of the albums which I loved originally due to the singing, have become completely irritating and un-listenable for the same reason. The vocals for Halifax, Head Automatica, Lostprophets, the Used, and FFTL for some reason drive me crazy.

I also cannot for the life of me get into Manchester Orchestra, Saves the Day, Hit The Lights, or Midtown due to the vocals, despite loving the instrumentation.

[theguy77]

I don't that it's really just a recent trend. Trace it back to when pop music was mainly crooners like Sinatra or Dean Martin or Nat King Cole. Their arrangements were always vocally-dominant too. And as much as we all love the Beatles' musicality, their music frequently took a backseat to their three-part harmony. I think it's just that pop music's purpose, when you distill it, is to give the listener something to sing along to, a tune to have stuck in their head, so presenting them with the melody right up front is just efficient.

there's a difference between music with the melody as the focus and music where the melody is the only sense of diversification. you can have a solid, prominent melody, AND instrumentation that complements and accompanies it with tasteful arrangements, which is what the beatles did later in their career.

[ohheroine]

Daryl Palumbo's voice was what initially inclined me to listen to glassjaw. i thought it was unique and incredible. strange to see all the hate for it

[FueledByRock]

Early blink took me a bit to get used to vocally, and NFG also took a few listens to get past Jordan's nasally vocals. I can't get into Silversun Pickups because I just can't get past Brian's vocals. When I first heard Saves the Day I could understand nothing at all, but Chris's voice grew on me. Thinking about it, a lot of my favorite bands took me a while to get used to vocally.

[BozzBlonde]

Two Tongues.
Can't really get into Chris Conley's vocals.

[Knatuhlee]

death cab for cutie.

[wroteurname]

Vocals are probably the least important part for me when it comes to music.

[doppelganger]

i usually get accustomed to vocals. i.e. joanna newsom

[S9Dallasoz]

I thought the singer was female too!

I don't get how anyone can listen to "Lazy Eye" in it's entirety (or "Future Foe Scenarios", or "The Royal We" songs where he really starts belting it out) and think Brian Aubert's vocals could possibly be female, but many agree with you.

[SophGod]

to be honest i thought SSPU had a female singer when i first heard Lazy Eye. actually, i couldn't tell. in any case, i always loved his vocals. one of my favorite bands ever. Swoon is SOOOO GOOOOOD.

[ManInMusicBox]

Silversun Pickups. I didn't listen, at first, because of the voice. Now I am used to it and pleased.

[TERRABITHIA]

Taking Back Sunday. Especially their new stuff. Like "Sink Into Me", I fucking love the beginning guitar riff, but I really cannot stand Adam's voice and the pre-chorus in "Make Damn Sure", is the definition of annoying/irritating

[eliselovesmusic]

joanna nusome.

actually, i know this is kind of like musical blasphomey, but tom waits' voice kind of irritates me.
i still listen to and love his music though, don't get me wrong.

[_><_]

I can't get into Polar Bear Club because of vocals.

[blebbio]

Ponytail

[fueledbyvictory]

I don't get how anyone can listen to "Lazy Eye" in it's entirety (or "Future Foe Scenarios", or "The Royal We" songs where he really starts belting it out) and think Brian Aubert's vocals could possibly be female, but many agree with you.

It's not all the songs, just some. But he does have a nice voice. It's different.

[theguy77]

death cab for cutie.

:-(

[imahoodlum]

Joanna Newsom
Came in here to say this. Unique voice, that's for damn sure. I was just telling my aunt about her. She agreed that the music itself was very likable but the voice is on the different side.

[shimmyshakes]

Most pop punk bands.

[cshadows2887]

Most pop punk bands.

Yay cynical dismissivness.

[IntoTheSun]

Yay cynical dismissivness.

Ooo, snarky ;]

[cshadows2887]

Ooo, snarky ;]

Haha I'm in a grouchy mood. So I'm picking fights. Going to see Avatar in t-minus one hour too, because a 3-D headache is exactly what I need tonight. Haha.

[eatsound]

I couldn't stand Jordan Pundik's voice on older New Found Glory stuff or Anthony Raneri's voice in general, but now I like them both.

[ramomcferno]

My brother can't stand Silversun Pickups or Coheed and Cambria, but I like them both myself. When I first heard of SP I was pretty sure the singer was a chick, though.

I love Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (at least their S/T) but the singing definitely grates on you

childstarschildstarsCHILDSTARSCHILD STARSchildstarschildstarsCHILDSTARS CHILDSTARSchildstarschildstarsCHILD STARSCHILDSTARS

When I first heard Coheed I said "Who is this chick...I don't think I like this." Now one of my favorite bands.

[oddwithoutend]

i think the western world places too much value on the talent of the singer in today's music
Who are you to say how much value listeners should place on different aspects of music? Couldn't your statement just be reworded to say "I place less value on vocalists than most people"?
i really just think it shouldn't be a dealbreaker as often as it is.
You mean it isn't a dealbreaker for you very often?
why throw out amazing songwriting for ONE aspect?
Because people tend to appreciate that aspect more than other ones.
i wouldnt listen to more than half of what i listen to if i valued the talent of the vocalist THAT much. i'd even go so far as to say that in most of the music i enjoy, the vocalist has the easiest role.
This is fine, but it doesn't follow that others should adhere to your standards.

[Kneeka]

New Found Glory, his voice bothers me so much. Also, Bayside but I've gotten pass that.

[theguy77]

Who are you to say how much value listeners should place on different aspects of music? Couldn't your statement just be reworded to say "I place less value on vocalists than most people"?

You mean it isn't a dealbreaker for you very often?

Because people tend to appreciate that aspect more than other ones.

This is fine, but it doesn't follow that others should adhere to your standards.

on a case by case basis, i wouldn't hold such a preference against someone. however, its depressing to me that the majority of people have such a myopic perspective of music which completely disregards its artistic components and is focused entirely on talent, and in most cases not even instrumental talent but vocal talent. they want a good voice and a message they can relate to, and everything else just goes out the other ear and is not even processed by their minds. seems like artistry is only truly appreciated by a minority.

[Bruised26]

All Downhill from Here- NFG
Oh... my... goodness. I cannot stand the vocals. I like alot of their other vocals, but this is just awful and nasally.

[oddwithoutend]

however, its depressing to me that the majority of people have such a myopic perspective of music which completely disregards its artistic components and is focused entirely on talent,
So you're basically saying you wish people understood things as well as you.
and in most cases not even instrumental talent but vocal talent.
Again, just because you appreciate instrumentation more than vocals doesn't mean vocals are an inferior aspect.
they want a good voice and a message they can relate to, and everything else just goes out the other ear and is not even processed by their minds.
This is hyperbolic and unreasonable, but even if it were true, there's no reason why those with this view should change to match yours.
seems like artistry is only truly appreciated by a minority.
No, art is truly appreciated by everyone. Some care more about art than others, but everyone appreciates it.

[theguy77]

So you're basically saying you wish people understood things as well as you.

come on, rick. you're over-exaggerating what you perceive to be a condescending attitude in my arguments, which isn't what i intended at all.

Again, just because you appreciate instrumentation more than vocals doesn't mean vocals are an inferior aspect.
i never said that. i can certainly appreciate the fact that some forms of music attach more focus to the vocals, just because my tastes are somewhat eccentric in that category doesn't mean i dont love it when a voice truly appeals to me. i adore sufjan stevens' voice, and its my favorite part of his more minimalistic works.

This is hyperbolic and unreasonable, but even if it were true, there's no reason why those with this view should change to match yours.
like i said, it's not something i frown upon in a case by case basis, its just disappointing to me that few people see it like i do. i can rarely get a satisfying reaction from others when i share music with them. sometimes where i live i feel pretty isolated in the way i look at music and the one friend of mine who has the same passion for the instrumental details as i do isn't always interested in the styles of music and kinds of bands i have to offer. i never said i expected the opinions of others to change but is it so unreasonable to just wish i could share my passions with others?

No, art is truly appreciated by everyone. Some care more about art than others, but everyone appreciates it.
maybe that was audacious of me to say, but in my experience nearly everyone says they like music that has a talented vocalist and messages they can relate to, neither of which are relevant to art as i define it. i can recognize that that's subjective, but that doesn't change my sentiment.

[oddwithoutend]

come on, rick. you're over-exaggerating what you perceive to be a condescending attitude in my arguments, which isn't what i intended at all.


i never said that. i can certainly appreciate the fact that some forms of music attach more focus to the vocals, just because my tastes are somewhat eccentric in that category doesn't mean i dont love it when a voice truly appeals to me. i adore sufjan stevens' voice, and its my favorite part of his more minimalistic works.


like i said, it's not something i frown upon in a case by case basis, its just disappointing to me that few people see it like i do. i can rarely get a satisfying reaction from others when i share music with them. sometimes where i live i feel pretty isolated in the way i look at music and the one friend of mine who has the same passion for the instrumental details as i do isn't always interested in the styles of music and kinds of bands i have to offer. i never said i expected the opinions of others to change but is it so unreasonable to just wish i could share my passions with others?


maybe that was audacious of me to say, but in my experience nearly everyone says they like music that has a talented vocalist and messages they can relate to, neither of which are relevant to art as i define it. i can recognize that that's subjective, but that doesn't change my sentiment.
No, it's cool that you wish people shared that passion with you. However, that sentiment does not justify this:
i think the western world places too much value on the talent of the singer in today's music,

[IntoTheSun]

No, art is truly appreciated by everyone. Some care more about art than others, but everyone appreciates it.

Oh, really?

No, it's cool that you wish people shared that passion with you. However, that sentiment does not justify this:

I don't see anything wrong with him feeling that way.

[oddwithoutend]

Oh, really?
To not appreciate art means that you don't find anything beautiful or appealing, andthat you have no idea in your mind of what could be beautiful, which by human nature, is impossible.
I don't see anything wrong with him feeling that way.
Maybe you don't see that he's essentially saying I should appreciate things more the way he does?

[IntoTheSun]

To not appreciate art means that you don't find anything beautiful or appealing, andthat you have no idea in your mind of what could be beautiful, which by human nature, is impossible.

Yes, all people can sense beauty in the world, but what does that have to do with appreciating art? You could see a tall pine tree and think it was beautiful, but I'd call it a tree, not art. Also, I disagree that art is inherently beautiful...which is what I implied from your post. Correct me if that's wrong.

Maybe you don't see that he's essentially saying I should appreciate things more the way he does.

No, haha, I actually don't see that at all.

[oddwithoutend]

Yes, all people can sense beauty in the world, but what does that have to do with appreciating art? You could see a tall pine tree and think it was beautiful, but I'd call it a tree, not art. Also, I disagree that art is inherently beautiful...which is what I implied from your post. Correct me if that's wrong.
Look up the word "art".
No, haha, I actually don't see that at all.
He said he thinks people place too much value on the message and vocals in songs. This implies, or more precisely, is equivalent to saying that placing less value on the message and vocals in songs would be correct. I place more value on the message and vocals of a song than nearly anyone I've ever met. Therefore, Ryan thinks I appreciate music incorrectly, or if you like, in a way that's inferior to his standards.

[El_Jeffe]

People are probably going to look at me in sheer disbelief, but i could never get into the vocals from Sigur Ros, I've always wished they were an instrumental band...

[theguy77]

No, it's cool that you wish people shared that passion with you. However, that sentiment does not justify this:

yeah, i guess i could see what you're going at. my bad for phrasing myself that way.

[IntoTheSun]

Look up the word "art".
I wiki'd it: Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music (http://www.absolutepunk.net/wiki/Music), literature (http://www.absolutepunk.net/wiki/Literature), film (http://www.absolutepunk.net/wiki/Film), sculpture (http://www.absolutepunk.net/wiki/Sculpture), and paintings (http://www.absolutepunk.net/wiki/Paintings). The meaning of art is explored in a branch of philosophy known as aesthetics (http://www.absolutepunk.net/wiki/Aesthetics).

Hmm, okay, I see what you're saying now. But I still don't agree that everyone can "appreciate" music, I read it in a neuroscience book once, and I know people in real life. Music is dead and flat to them. They draw no emotion from it whatsoever.

He said he thinks people place too much value on the message and vocals in songs. This implies, or more precisely, is equivalent to saying that placing less value on the message and vocals in songs would be correct. I place more value on the message and vocals of a song than nearly anyone I've ever met. Therefore, Ryan thinks I appreciate music incorrectly, or if you like, in a way that's inferior to his standards.

You wanna bet on that? :]

I still don't think that's what he's saying. He just appreciates music differently, and I think that's fine.

[oddwithoutend]

People are probably going to look at me in sheer disbelief, but i could never get into the vocals from Sigur Ros, I've always wished they were an instrumental band...
ha That's crazy, man!
yeah, i guess i could see what you're going at. my bad for phrasing myself that way.
No worries, man. I understand it was probably just an issue with your wording, and not your opinion.

[oddwithoutend]

Hmm, okay, I see what you're saying now. But I still don't agree that everyone can "appreciate" music, I read it in a neuroscience book once, and I know people in real life. Music is dead and flat to them. They draw no emotion from it whatsoever.
First, I never said everyone appreciates "music"; I said "art". Secondly, I have a very hard time believing that you know people that don't like any songs.

Edit: If I'm going to be honest, I think it's impossible for someone to not like any music.

[IntoTheSun]

First, I never said everyone appreciates "music"; I said "art".

Okay.

Secondly, I have a very hard time believing that you don't know anyone that doesn't like any songs.

:shrug: Maybe she's just never heard any good songs and hates all the ones on the radio. I have no idea. I shoulds ask her sometime.

[oddwithoutend]

:shrug: Maybe she's just never heard any good songs and hates all the ones on the radio. I have no idea. I shoulds ask her sometime.
If anyone has ever told you they don't like any songs, they're either lying or severely lack exposure. To not like any music is to not like any sound. To not like any sound is not a quality a human can possess.

[IntoTheSun]

If anyone has ever told you they don't like any songs, they're either lying or severely lack exposure. To not like any music is to not like any sound. To not like any sound is not a quality a human can possess.

Again, probably this.

Music does not equal sound. Speech is sound. Speech is not music.

[oddwithoutend]

Music does not equal sound. Speech is sound. Speech is not music.
I didn't say they were equal so I don't know how this applies. Music is sound that has been labelled as art. That said, I really can't be bothered retracing my thoughts for you. Merry Christmas!

[IntoTheSun]

I didn't say they were equal so I don't know how this applies. Music is sound that has been labelled as art. That said, I really can't be bothered retracing my thoughts for you. Merry Christmas!

Well, you said "to not like any music is to not like any sound"...so either sound equals music, or sound is a type of music. Neither which make sense. Anyway, I'm not really sure where this conversation is going anymore, so yeah. Merry Christmas too, Brick 1!

PS: The Microphones :inlove:

should I take this to the official bread?

[oddwithoutend]

Well, you said "to not like any music is to not like any sound"...so either sound equals music, or sound is a type of music. Neither which make sense.
Music is beautiful sound. Therefore, if you don't like any music, you don't find any sounds to be beautiful. ha Please stop telling me that I don't make sense. It's annoying.

[IntoTheSun]

Music is beautiful sound. Therefore, if you don't like any music, you don't find any sounds to be beautiful. ha Please stop telling me that I don't make sense. It's annoying.

I'm really sorry for annoying you, I just haven't had many interesting conversations in the past few days. I guess this one isn't helping anything, so I'll stop.

[lonelysuperstar]

Can't be bothered reading the whole thread, but I really hope someone else has mentioned Circa Survive. Just can't get into the vocals at all.

[cshadows2887]

in my experience nearly everyone says they like music that has a talented vocalist and messages they can relate to, neither of which are relevant to art as i define it. i can recognize that that's subjective, but that doesn't change my sentiment.

Eek. Nothing complicates an arguement like near absolutes.

[theguy77]

Eek. Nothing complicates an arguement like near absolutes.

"in my experience" kinda negates that though, dont you think? im not delivering an absolute for the population, just the ones ive come in contact with since i became more passionate about music.

[Wisdom Tooth]

Converge. The frantic jams are fantastic but I would rather stab a ball point pen through my ear then listen to him.

[cshadows2887]

"in my experience" kinda negates that though, dont you think? im not delivering an absolute for the population, just the ones ive come in contact with since i became more passionate about music.

Eh true. I think I looked right past that qualifier. BUt I do think you've just run into a lot of people in that camp. I don't think people who think that way are any significant majority in the general population of music fan-dom.

[wuduprod]

Converge. The frantic jams are fantastic but I would rather stab a ball point pen through my ear then listen to him.

dude. you listen to paul baribeau AND wildebeest...

[Chrisj182]

Less Than Jake.