For me, music is a deeply personal, subjective subject. So it’s strange that it provokes so much unsolicited commentary and criticism.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned—and keep trying to forget—it’s this: far too many think far too highly of their opinions, preferences, and tastes. Especially on the internet.
Like whatever you like, but please don’t expect me to like your Top 40 either.
I might. I might not. But I won’t even listen if you insult my kind(s) of music.
Last week and over the weekend, I let a handful of rude dudes and music snobs get inside my head and piss me off. I’m mostly on the other side of it now, but I can’t be the only who resents being told what to do…or what to play.
Most commenters were just being typical asshats. But a few tried to pass off their personal tastes as irrefutable facts—as if somehow their playlist held the key to all that is good in the world. Puh-leaze. Get off the cross…we need some firewood. To burn all that pompous bullshit.
Personally and professionally, for better and worse, I listen to what and who I want. I also choose whatever music I think works when making my videos. And to those who don’t like or agree? Oh. Well. Life goes on.
What I want to know is who died and made these jokers kings/queens?
All I know is I didn’t ask their opinion, so I’m done with their nonsense.
This isn’t just about taste—it’s about control.
Some people, bless their hearts, act like they own the rights to music appreciation. Same goes for art, politics, or whatever. The truth is opinions and tastes vary. They are a reflection of who we are and where we are in life.
But let’s not pretend that everyone shares that sentiment. Some people get so wrapped up in their version of what’s “good” music, they forget that music is supposed to be about feeling. That’s where things get messy.
The bottom line is that we’re all allowed to pick our own playlists and soundtracks. The next time someone their music tastes are superior to your own, I suggest you sing this little ditty…loudly and proudly:
“Nobody can tell ya
There's only one song worth singing
They may try and sell ya
'Cause it hangs them up to see someone like you”
MAKE YOUR OWN KIND OF MUSIC
Performed By Cass Elliot
Written By Barry Mann + Cynthia Weil
And if some have a problem with that? Don’t forget to sing your own special song and to tune those mfers out. Cuz ain’t nobody got time for that.
Thanks for reading and subscribing!
Clint
FEATURED SUBSCRIBER NOTE
"Love the slide shows with good music.”
Curtis E. Gay
Thanks, Curtis, and all patrons—past, present, and future—for supporting my work!
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
- ) 🌈
The Tragedy of Compaq (Asianometry) 💾
Raiders of the Lost Art: Hitler's Art Dealer (Best Documentary) 🖼️
Al Parker: The Greatest Gay Porn Star of All Time? (
) 🌈
ON THIS DAY
BIRTHDAYS = HIGHLIGHTS
1412 = Joan of Arc = French martyr and saint 🌈
1878 = Carl Sandburg = American poet and historian
1883 = Kahlil Gibran = Lebanese-American poet and painter
1930 = Vic Tayback = American actor
1944 = Bonnie Franklin = American actor and singer
1955 = Rowan Atkinson = English actor, producer, and screenwriter
1970 = Julie Chen = American journalist and tv host
1982 = Eddie Redmayne = English actor and model
1982 = Tiffany Pollard = American tv personality
1984 = Kate McKinnon = American actor and comedian 🌈
HOLIDAYS + OBSERVANCES = HIGHLIGHTS
EVENTS = HIGHLIGHTS
1967 = NYC’s Civil Service Commission makes public its year-old policy of allowing city agencies to hire and employ lesbians and gay men. The new policy comes partly in response to the Mattachine Society’s lobbying efforts. 🌈
1974 = In response to the 1973 oil crisis, daylight saving time commences nearly four months early in the United States.
1975 = Wheel Of Fortune, hosted by hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford, premieres on NBC.
1977 = The first issue of Directions for Gay Men magazine is published in Toronto. It lasts one year. 🌈
1979 = Village People's "Y.M.C.A." becomes their only UK #1 single. At its peak, it sells over 150,000 copies per day. 🌈
2015 = Florida recognizes same-sex marriages. 🌈
PHOTO + QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The older you get, the more you realise how happenstance...has helped to determine your path through life.”
Rowan Atkinson
NEW + FEATURED
COLLIDEPRESS.COM = ON SUBSTACK
Blog + Newsletter + NSFW
Pioneers + Pride + SFW + Shop
COLLIDE PRESS = LINKS + MORE
Ko-Fi + Linktree + Shop + YouTube
Amazon + Bluesky + Threadless + Tumblr
I don't compliment your music, as I do not feel moved to do so. I don't recognise some of it. I might not always feel delighted by some of it. However, I do not feel it is an inappropriate accompaniment with the images. I like most of it. Maybe some people are unaware that there is a sound volume control which can mute the music if they don't like it. Personal tastes, preferences and opinions are not established facts about the absolute and universal value or quality of anything. Opinion is not truth, it is purely individual opinion.
The nasty comment on your music made me laugh a little. Because I have been particularly loving some of the music you've used recently. One I caught and treasured is the one where the background music plays a series of slow movements from various Beethoven piano sonatas. So much fun to hear music one already knows about