I have a theory (and I do have several theories, we all know that) that there are 3 basic types of people when it comes to music. There are some who listen to music and enjoy the words and meanings behind them. There are others that don't take notice to the words because they just can't get past how wonderful the music sounds. And there are yet others who can listen to both, focusing on the lyrics and sounds equally. I am a music listener. I don't ignore the words on purpose, it's just that the music is what attracts me to the song, and if I can't enjoy the way the song sounds, then the words really don't matter. You could have the most beautiful lyrics in your music, but if the melody and instrumentals (or lack thereof) get on my nerves, I could never enjoy the song.
So, to go along with my theory, that explains why I like electronica. For those of you who may not be aware of this genre, electronica is a broad term for music that is based on drums and other noises, usually created through a synthesizer. Maybe if I tell you that I like techno, you'd understand what I'm saying. Except I don't like techno. Techno is a subcategory of electronica. Here's an analogy for you: Rock is a genre of music. There are different categories, such as Classic Rock, Modern Rock, and Hard Rock. There are then subcategories of these afore mentioned groups. Southern Rock is a form of Classic Rock, Soft Rock is a form of Modern, and Heavy Metal is a form of Hard Rock. There are even other categories that branch off these subcategories. Well, Electronica is a genre of music like Rock, House Music is a category of Electronica, Progressive House is a subcategory of House, and so on. Just to give you a little more background in the world of electronica, here are some categories: Trance (this is what most Americans know as club music), Techno (more mainstream European radio style), House, Hardcore (I like to refer to this as Crazy Happy Neo Nazi music), Drum N Bass, Jungle, Breakbeat, and Trip Hop (not to be compared with the totally opposite Hip Hop). There are other categories as well, maybe considered sub-categories, maybe not. These might include Industrial, the New New Wave (a mix of 80's sounding New Wave with Electonica influences), and maybe even New Age (think Enya). So now you're a little more educated in the ways of Electronica.
And now, what my long-winded ass has been working towards this whole time: What kind of music do I like? As if you care by now, right? Well, if you pass by my door you'll most likely hear Drum N Bass and Jungle. Among my favorites that may be considered of this genre: Roni Size (even better when collaborating with Reprazent, who itself is composed of several individal DJs and singers), Goldie (very artsy at times, in my opinion), LTJ Bukem, Grooverider, older Adam F, Royksopp, and High Contrast. Sci-Clone is an extremely excellent artist, however it is extremely hard to find tracks by this person. Each artist/group has a very definate sound all their own. Of course I listen to other types of artists as well. Portishead may sound very gloomy, but I actally find it quite relaxing and medicinal in an emotional sense. The Prodigy, who started out more like Techno and ended up more of a electro-punk band, may not be considered electronica by most anymore, but I don't feel there's any genre that you can fit them into. They're another group that has created a sound of its own. Propellarheads album "Decksanddrumsandrockandroll" is the perfect soundtrack to listen to while playing Quake or another game of that sort. And yes, I'll even admit to liking Basement Jaxx, mainstream as they may be. I also listen to some classic rock, Steely Dan, The Steve Miller Band, America, and The Eagles are of my favorites. But no music can lift my soul up higher than that of Jamiroquai. Now there is a big controversy around the Jamiroquai chat rooms right now about how the band that started out as an Acid Jazz/Funk band is now resorting to virtually lyricless songs(they may as well not have lyrics, the words are so shallow). I do believe they have gone downhill as far a words are conserned and am very disappointed in this. However I've lucked out, because even though I don't enjoy their message (or lack thereof) anymore, they've turned to the Disco/Funk/Dance sound that really gets me going. Although I wish I could write to them personally (I won't try, because my letter saying that meaning should be restored in their music because right now it's lacking would never see the light of day) I will stick by them until they prove to me that there is just no use in listening to their music anymore. And if there are any fellow Jami fans out there, I'd love to hear from you because it seems that the only thing America recognizes Jamiroquai for is, "Oh, that's that guy who wears that hat in that video with the furniture moving around, right?" A good song, but I doubt the American public listened to the words, they're so programmed to determine the worth of a song by its video. Please, if you haven't heard much from Jamiroquai, listen to some of their earlier cd's (pre-Virtual Insanity American publicity video) put out in 1993-1996. There's a link on my link page for the official Jamiroquai website, as well as other artists mentioned. I've recently delved into the world of Lo-Fi, or at least I think it maybe be called that. Maybe boarderline Trip Hop (why do they call it Trip Hop? Sounds like Hip Hop, and it's anything but...). I reccomend the Supreme Beings of Leisure, Bent, Theivery Coorporation, and Uko. The music is very mellow, but not New Age, and can still keep a very good beat. If you want to try them out, go to SoulSeek and download a couple of songs. If you like it, please buy the CD because if we keep getting away with downloading free MP3's, CD prices will go beyond that of their already outrageous prices!