Men profess to be lovers of music, but for the most part they give no evidence in their opinions and lives that they have heard it.
– Henry David Thoreau
For months now, I’ve been posting about the music I listen to, as reported by my music streaming service, Tidal. However, judging by the complete lack of interest, everyone, apart from a handful of appreciative people, just isn’t interested.
It’s either because my musical preferences are plain awful or that it’s pretty standard for people to not give a fuck about what other people listen to. It’s also occurred to me that I might well be a music snob.
A music snob is variously defined as someone who holds an elitist attitude toward music, believes that specific genres, artists, or forms of music are superior to others, and believes that their taste in music is objectively better than other people’s or may express disdain for popular or mainstream music.
Since I’ve frequently publicly expressed my disdain for Taylor Swift, among others, Swifties and take freakish pleasure in broadcasting what I listen to monthly, I guess I’m guilty as charged on all the above accounts.
Almost a decade ago, Richard Dawson listed ten signs in a Medium article that might reveal if someone is a music snob. I confess to at least a few of those, but definitely not in point number nine because although I’ve dabbled in a few musical instruments, I have absolutely zero talent or aptitude for any of them. Yet, I still despairingly desire to play at least one, even passably.
9. You play one instrument but have dabbled in pretty much everything.
“What do I play? Well I’m a multi-instrumentalist really but for the last 6 months I’ve plunged deep into the world of the Djembe drum. Afrobeat is in my bones… This week.”
As a matter of fact, my snobbery may go beyond the actual music to how I listen. While most people are content at listening on any random medium, I have invested a small fortune in high-end stereo equipment that will take the best advantage of the quality of the recording itself.
I am referring, of course, to the world of the audiophile, a hobby that is often described as elitist, disturbingly expensive, and self-absorbed. Unfortunately, I have become addicted, and I refuse to be treated.
So, without further ado, I have reached the point where I cannot resist pushing home my snobbishness by releasing for public scorn but for the benefit of that faithful handful who like this type of thing, my wrap-up from Tidal of my top artists and songs for the year 2024.
As a parting shot, I would like to reiterate that Taylor Swift is not featured anywhere in the much more extensive list supplied by Tidal, and I’m super proud. To all my fellow music lovers, snobs included, I wish you many happy hours of listening pleasure in the coming year… and snobbishness.
lenny unencumbered 