I think there's something almost intrusive to an unfamiliar listener about DTs music that creates a barrier for casual listening. I say this because I've put some occasional DT on at a party (if I ever get a chance to get near where the music is coming from, and it's normally when people are in a state to not care too much about what's being played
) I generally went for heavier songs, some that I possibly wouldn't casually listen myself, but I tried to consider stuff that might catch on. I know I've got through entire runthroughs of: Pull Me Under, Lie, Panic Attack, Constant Motion. I remember putting Honor Thy Father on once and someone went up and changed it before the vocals even started... Pfft...
I was on holiday; a sort of camping trip with some mates around new years a few years ago. Was hardly a public setting but I put on a few DT songs throughout the day, but I learned that as soon as it turns into a carnival or gets too chaotic, some people got a bit upset and wanted to put on something a bit more 'easy listening' like Rolling Stones or White Stripes. *sigh*
I also put on 'Dance of Instrumentals' and/or' Stream of Instrumentals' (can't remember which one it was) at some point, I actually got an hour through it before it was changed due to a carnival section but realised I was probably pushing my luck by putting on something like that.
Pretty much I find people will, unfortunately in this order, either:
- Instantly reject it
- Appreciate some of the muscianship but not really be into the style
- Love it
Also, not that I agree but I've noticed some of the first criticisms are:
- Carnival music
- JLB
- Jarring or unexpected transitions