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[Stripey]

This is something that has bothered me for a long time. There is a huge thread of negativity runnng through a lot of genres of music, some of which seem to be founded purely on themes like violence, death, decay, nihilism, hoplessness and angst. As the focus on the negative increases, the music itself seems to become less defined, less structured, vocals become nothing more than unintelligible screams and so on. Take a group like Napalm Death for example. Can the direction this type of music goes in be logically reduced back to nothing more than the simple primal scream of a frustrated and frightened human, unable to deal with existence and unable to see any intellectual escape route, resorting to the mindless behaviour of a mere animal?

Is it just simply a childish impulse to shock, or the equally as childish impulse to sound as aggressive and "dark" as possible?

Interestingly, in many cases there is an obvious dichotomy when you have vocal content of a deeply negative nature, paired with music which is obviously designed to be danced to and people do, and seem to be having a great time moshing or whatever. Perhaps this can be explained to some extent in the case of Napalm Death and the like. Where the lyrics are unintelligable and the music as a whole simply becomes sound, percussive, bassy, barely melodic: it is essentially dance music for people who have an affinity for the small range of sounds you generally find in traditional rock bands.

Where does the fatalism come from? I find it really interesting that so many people who are into this negative music, come from comfortable backgrounds and essentially have no problems beyond their own inability to cope with being alive. Why all the recurring motifs of pain and angst, when essentially most of the artists and their audiences have got it easy? Why do the subcultures formed around these ideas consist mostly of teenagers and 20 somethings who have failed to mature?

Why are there so few bands in Aberdeen that are interested in joy and positivity, and expressing it in a mature and coherent manner?

[Hogisbald]

Ironically Stripey, Napalm Death have produced some songs that are positive regarding anti-facist principals. However, I do think that 99% of metal has shitty lyrics. That is why I love Strapping Young Lad (well the music is ace too). They find it hilarious that they are grown men who are paid to scream and roar, it is a massive snigger towards that metal bands who take themselves deadly serious.

It is indeed a shame that bands feel the need to follow the sheep and sing about what all other bands within the genre sing about.

listen to stereophonics or bon jovi tracks "have a nice day" then decide why happy music is often less interesting.

though i totally agree there is far too much negativity within music.

[Scorge]

We (Spike) get pissed, make noise, have fun, and that's all there is to it.

Kudos for the eloquence, though at least in our case, you're guilty of overanalysing.

PS: I'm listening to drum and bass right now, apologies if this counteracts your argument......

[Stripey]

Originally Posted by Hog

Ironically Stripey, Napalm Death have produced some songs that are positive regarding anti-facist principals. However, I do think that 99% of metal has shitty lyrics. That is why I love Strapping Young Lad (well the music is ace too). They find it hilarious that they are grown men who are paid to scream and roar, it is a massive snigger towards that metal bands who take themselves deadly serious.

It is indeed a shame that bands feel the need to follow the sheep and sing about what all other bands within the genre sing about.

Do you think there is an element of irony involved, for example the "extreme noise terror, featuring KLF - 3am eternal" performance at the brit awards?

[Hogisbald]

Originally Posted by Stripey

Do you think there is an element of irony involved, for example the "extreme noise terror, featuring KLF - 3am eternal" performance at the brit awards?

I hope so lol.

Regarding Spike, there is a bit of a twist, Jake's lyrics are very observational, with a lorry load of irony.

[Scorge]

Originally Posted by Hog

with a lorry load of irony.

Is that your Cilla Black impression?

[Dayeth]

I think there's a lot less negativity in music than you think, a lot of what appears to be unintelligable angry nonsense is designed for the purposes of releasing angst and frustration in a positive and creative (depending) way ..and it makes people feel good. To me thats more positive than focusing on what already makes them happy.

Is this thread for real or am I imagining to cos I am drunk?

[GraemeC]

Originally Posted by Stripey

There is a huge thread of negativity runnng through a lot of genres of music,

Negativity is human nature, we are brought up on negative press, murder, rape, war, etc etc....you remember breaking up with a partner but do you remember how you met? when teaching customer care your told how a customer who has a bad experience will tell 20 people about it with no prompting, but a customer who's experience was good will tell no one unless asked.
In photography and art the most memorable work usually depicts atrocities, war, crucification, the wrath of god, death and destruction.....
Classical music will have its dreamy sections where your mind conjures up a leafy meadow, but more often than not its followed by the gathering storm bit....
Its funny, the strongest emotions are love and hate, I think modern popular music is just a backlash from the endless love songs churned out by so many artists.