“Algorithms based on our “likes” serve us more of the same, which sounds desirable at first but is actually quite limiting.”
This is why I really miss having a printed newspaper. I love reading random stories about topics that I might not otherwise have been exposed to. Or seeing ads for interesting events. Our algorithmic culture limits serendipitous experiences.
I'be always felt the same way about Billy Joel -- Meh. But recent events led to my reading his biography and ultimately his career is fucking amazeballs. I can't say that I'm putting much (any) Billy Joel on to listen to, but if nothing else I have a much greater appreciation for the skill, sheer stick-to-it-ivness and EFFORT he expended in order to be as ubiquitous as he is.
Expanding my Aural receptivity sounds good [pun intended]. I have read your book and your postings and they have expanded my openness to the universe of things . On point I firmly believe their is no bad music [or books, or art]; only what works for my ears [mind and/or eyes]. I hear the roar from the crowd about things that turned them off. "what about..." I will leave that for the critics. I do think there is a place for algorithms. I never would have found some songs/albums were it not for streaming service suggestions So for me as the Buddhist say I try to find the Middle Ground.
Your Practice has obviously been spot-on. Thank you for uncovering a few more of my conditioned biases, I’m always looking to battle with those demons.
I’m so excited to see this here! I came to this conclusion “all music is good” myself a while ago, after pondering my already present urge to listen to and learn about things I didn’t necessarily “like”. Feels like Doug said what I’ve been thinking all along!! Love this attitude, thank you for sharing and spreading. There is deep wisdom in these perspectives, I think, for all of life.
At 50-something, after many years of making ,and teaching music I have recently discovered the magnificent world of video game music and it's like being a teenager again in all the best ways! Never rule out a genre. Thanks for the reminder.
Just tuned into the GTD stream - so so good!Slide trumpet, Persian bandari music, German folk, and New Orleans clarinet. And that was just the first four songs! I always forget how great WFMU is and being able to access this stream and archive is such a gift. Thanks for sharing.
Looking forward to hearing more from Doug in your next newsletter!
Excellent piece. I became musically aware in the 70s and can't go a day without it playing. While I feel we had the best music back then, more likely because of my emotional tie to it, there is still so much out there from all over the world that continues to astound me. I listen to SOMAFM.com a lot and lately one specific channel called Bossa Beyond, "Silky-smooth, laid-back Brazilian-style rhythms of Bossa Nova, Samba and beyond". I can't get enough of it. Thank you for a wonderful article.
“Algorithms based on our “likes” serve us more of the same, which sounds desirable at first but is actually quite limiting.”
This is why I really miss having a printed newspaper. I love reading random stories about topics that I might not otherwise have been exposed to. Or seeing ads for interesting events. Our algorithmic culture limits serendipitous experiences.
I'be always felt the same way about Billy Joel -- Meh. But recent events led to my reading his biography and ultimately his career is fucking amazeballs. I can't say that I'm putting much (any) Billy Joel on to listen to, but if nothing else I have a much greater appreciation for the skill, sheer stick-to-it-ivness and EFFORT he expended in order to be as ubiquitous as he is.
That's the spirit! Thanks for this :)
Expanding my Aural receptivity sounds good [pun intended]. I have read your book and your postings and they have expanded my openness to the universe of things . On point I firmly believe their is no bad music [or books, or art]; only what works for my ears [mind and/or eyes]. I hear the roar from the crowd about things that turned them off. "what about..." I will leave that for the critics. I do think there is a place for algorithms. I never would have found some songs/albums were it not for streaming service suggestions So for me as the Buddhist say I try to find the Middle Ground.
It's fair to say there's a place for algorithms, yes. But I agree it's all about staying open. Thanks much :)
Sharing this since it seems relevant, for those interested:
https://everynoise.com/
Thanks for this!
Your Practice has obviously been spot-on. Thank you for uncovering a few more of my conditioned biases, I’m always looking to battle with those demons.
I’m so excited to see this here! I came to this conclusion “all music is good” myself a while ago, after pondering my already present urge to listen to and learn about things I didn’t necessarily “like”. Feels like Doug said what I’ve been thinking all along!! Love this attitude, thank you for sharing and spreading. There is deep wisdom in these perspectives, I think, for all of life.
At 50-something, after many years of making ,and teaching music I have recently discovered the magnificent world of video game music and it's like being a teenager again in all the best ways! Never rule out a genre. Thanks for the reminder.
That's very cool!
Wow, I'm already enjoying WFMU. What a discovery, thanks
Just tuned into the GTD stream - so so good!Slide trumpet, Persian bandari music, German folk, and New Orleans clarinet. And that was just the first four songs! I always forget how great WFMU is and being able to access this stream and archive is such a gift. Thanks for sharing.
Looking forward to hearing more from Doug in your next newsletter!
Amen brother! And yes more Doug later this morning. Thanks as always!
🙏
Excellent piece. I became musically aware in the 70s and can't go a day without it playing. While I feel we had the best music back then, more likely because of my emotional tie to it, there is still so much out there from all over the world that continues to astound me. I listen to SOMAFM.com a lot and lately one specific channel called Bossa Beyond, "Silky-smooth, laid-back Brazilian-style rhythms of Bossa Nova, Samba and beyond". I can't get enough of it. Thank you for a wonderful article.
This is great, and I will check that out. Thanks much!
Is it Otis Spann or Michael Stanley that dId Hotel Lorraine?
The version I heard that day was Otis Spann. It's not on Spotify. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKOKg2JbEpA
Cool, thanks! Love it.
All music isn't good. Some of it is just terrible. And, that's not on me. That's on the lack of talent or work ethiuc of the guys playing.