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Albums you do not get...a plea for help and understanding

So like most of you (I bet), I listen to tons of music.  But there are just some albums I never learned to appreciate.  I hope this thread can serve as a teaching tool.  I did not get Mingus at first but now he is one of my favorites.

Perhaps ending each post with, "What am I missing?" would be a good idea.

I will start with Graceland by Paul Simon.  Most of my friends call me crazy (still after all these years...OUCH that was bad) but I never desire to listen to this record.  I get the African influence and rhythm but it just does not impress me.  Alternatively when Peter Gabriel did the African influence thing I found it stunningly good. Paul Simon as a musician impresses me in his other works.  What am I missing?

bancsee
16f4's avatar
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16f4
1,063 posts
 

I can’t understand anything by the Grateful Dead. And I really tried, even working at one of their concerts as security no less (UMaine April 1983). Worst concert ever. Never met a fan who wasn’t insufferable. Am I the only one who thinks they all sing off key?

 

As for a single specific album, Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band - Trout Mask Replica.  Rubbish. 

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emrofsemanon
292 posts
 

i never grokked Sun Ra, god bless him RIP. when i heard him sing "space is the place" i just stood there slack-mouthed in non-comprehension. i don't know what i was supposed to be hearing and enjoying. 

au_lait
352 posts
 

The biggest gateway for me was Michael Franks. I was mid twenties staying in a cabin on Lake Tahoe doing research (I was a geologist). I went to this tucked away high end cool restaurants hidden in an old growth forest. One of his albums was playing… it completely changed my world… opened it up.

Prett much all his albums are good too!

jsbail
368 posts
 

Zappa. Just don't get it. 

Purple rain. Spun it recently and didn't make it through the first side.

Laurie Anderson. Want to understand, I just don't

noske
783 posts
 

I sometimes grab a CD by some well known and much blessed artist to evaluate what the fuss is all about.

Two recent disappointments - Sinatra. Mariah Carey.

edit - I suspect that Shatner isn't supposed to be taken seriously. 

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