Comments on: Why Can't We Always Blink New Music?

By: Jay

Jay — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:46:24 +0000

I think this most often happens with "preferred" or favorite artists. We buy albums from them expecting to like them. If the new material doesn't match our expectations, we may be disappointed and actually give away or sell the album on Amazon.

I would assert that some music is "timed release" music. It almost always repays re-listening when from a preferred artist.

If not, the Blink is determining if this new material from a less favored or unknown artist is, in fact, "timed release" or just not your cup of tea.

By: Nemo

Nemo — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:51:33 +0000

I agree. I read his book (I agreed with some of it) and I also notice it takes me a minimum of 3 listens before I can get comfortable (or not) with a new album. As much as I love music (and I do a lot), I often find myself in a state of anxiety when I buy a new album, because I don't yet feel connected to the cd and are not familiar with the tunes.
I think it comes down to something that may be just a personal issue I have to deal with. I think I listen to music not passively, but rather actively; trying to hear every instrument and track of the song. Therefore, it almost becomes work. It is a much different experience that one I might have with a cd I know from start to finish, where I can multi-task while still understanding the music fully. Perhaps it becomes somewhat memorized and I can automatically anticipate the familiar sounds.
But that's just me…

By: Kahnrad

Kahnrad — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:00:11 +0000

Hi Jason, nice post!

You're not alone! Sometimes I will hear a song and absolutely not like it. Then a few weeks later, I'll hear the same song, and swear it's the first time I've heard it, and have to buy it, like now. – The only way I know this happens is that friends will look at me all confused, citing my dislike for the song not long ago.

I believe music incites an emotional response, much in the same way any other source of stimulation does, heightening our existing emotions/moods/etc.

While the gut instinct is of course valid, there are an amazing amount of variables that sway our thoughts and opinions, in this case, about music.

Thanks for sharing this post!