Live Music

As I am currently in the process of making major life decisions and facing questions about where I would like to live and what I would like to do, some other self-realizations have surfaced, such as my love for Camry's and Sprite. Although these things do not help my popularity, I have found that few people are actually offended when I explain the subtle sex appeal of the Camry Hybrid or when I order a Sprite, and just a Sprite, at a bar. However, there are going to be some hurt feelings when I start admitting that I strongly dislike live music, especially when it is played by someone I know. I have suspected this dislike for a while, but had not taken the time to figure out why until recently confronted. Here is what I came up with:

My Aversion to Live Music: An Explanation and a Few Qualifications

I will begin with the qualifications. First, I love music. These days, I especially prefer Baroque music, Paul Simon, and hip-hop, although I have yet to choose a side on the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop/rap feud. (I am leaning towards the East Coast.) Second, I enjoy the performance of some Classical music, especially chamber music. I have found that the calm of the situation helps me to think clearly, and I generally get some good writing done after a concert.

That being said, I do not like going to concerts or performances of rock, alternative, hip-hop, folk, or electronic music. Supposedly, live music is meant for socializing. However, it is too loud for any conversation to occur, meaning that I have to socialize by drinking a beer and collectively bobbing. The value is placed on looking relaxed, even though I am expected to stand the entire time. I would be more relaxed if I was at a job interview- at least I could use my words. And wear a suit.

If the music is being played by someone I know, the pressure to enjoy myself intensifies, and I cannot explain afterwards that the reason I did not have a good time is because I do not like live music. I have to find something to compliment, as if I'm not drained from trying to look happy and fun when they caught my eye mid-concert.

Even when seeing musicians I enjoy like Van Morrison or Coldplay, I spend the entire time trying to guess how many songs they will play (8? 12? God forbid two encores?)

I see no other option than to institute a temporary, but firm, no-live-music policy. However, I am open to negotiations. I recently rewrote a former policy that mandated solitary museum visits, and have since visited three museums with other people.