Tastes
The following section describes pretty much what I like and don't in every one of these genres and subgenres, plus up to 5 of my favorite albums from each and records or bands that I've tried and not enjoyed.
Also, some
cool statistics from my RYM: seems most of my ratings are of albums from the 2010's, but the 2000s have the highest rated average and are close in # of scores. However, you can notice a big gap between those and the 90s, and an even bigger one with the rest. What this means is that I'm a
modern listener and the further I go back in time, the less likely I am to enjoy an album. Dunno exactly why this happens, I guess I just have a harder time connecting with stuff prior to the 90s, although there are a handful of records I love from those years. Seems I'm the opposite of those "born in le wrong generation" folks
Rock
Alternative / Indie RockI'm going to be quite loose here as I don't really know much of these, or I've already covered several artists in some of the other genres.
What I likeI think stuff that doesn't sound like a Radiohead, Pixies, The White Stripes, or Muse clone it's welcomed. Stuff that goes into creative directions while still being catchy and enjoyable seems to work best for me, but just very strong songwriting will be fine.
What I don't likeGeneric hipster crap. Or generic anything I guess
Fav albums- Anathema - A Natural Disaster
- Alter Bridge - Blackbird
- Faith No More - Angel Dust
- Arcade Fire - Funeral
- David Bowie - Earthling
Art / Experimental RockThis ain't a very clearly defined genre but rather a way to put together rock artists that make music far from conventional dad rock and usually blend genres and styles and try new sounds and song structures. Many "prog" artists I love tend to be classified like this as well.
What I likeLove me atmospheric music, catchy choruses, mix of genres and styles, and much creativity. I tend to prefer modern stuff although there are some oldies I enjoy much.
What I don't likeKinda hard to tell, but if your music doesn't fit those things above, I likely won't connect with it. There's also something about certain kinds of melodies and chord progressions that were used a lot throughout the 70s that are prominent on, say, David Bowie's output from that era, that I don't enjoy. Some of those cues are present on some modern artists in the indie/alternative rock or post-hardcore scenes. Also, the more experimental stuff can be pretty hit-or-miss.
Fav albums- Nine Inch Nails - The Fragile
- Radiohead - OK Computer
- Gustavo Cerati - Bocanada
- King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King
- Steven Wilson - Grace for Drowning
Post-RockI realize I've listened to quite a few post-rock albums, even if I'm not a huge fan of the genre. However, as I've explored it in some interesting ramifications, I've come to know pretty much what works for me and what doesn't.
What I likeI definitely prefer the second wave of the genre, and some of the first wave as well. I like very imaginative, creative music that really merits being called post-rock, and not derivative stuff - Sigur Rós are one of my favorite bands for example. Also some kind of emotional impact is always welcomed. Sampling like GYBE! usually do as well. The best stuff is usually blended with other genres and styles.
What I don't likeCrescendocore like Explosions in the Sky or Mono, just don't. I mean, I don't mind crescendos in my music, but when that's all a band's got, I get bored. Very ambient stuff may not be my cup of tea as well do be careful.
Fav albums- Godspeed You! Black Emperor - F♯A♯∞
- Sigur Rós - Ágætis byrjun
- Ruined Machines - Pressure & Obsession
- Talk Talk - Spirit of Eden
- Bark Psychosis - Hex
Progressive RockAlthough according to RYM this is the genre with most albums in my collection, I don't really like prog.
What I likeI'm definitely more of a fan of what I call "Atmospheric prog", which is pretty much all those bands from the late 90s and the 2000s commonly labeled as "prog" that have really nothing to do with the 70s genre. These artists tend to focus on simpler song structures, moody and atmospheric pieces, emotional impact, and occasionally using mellotrons or synths, etc. Groups like Anathema, Porcupine Tree (and Steven Wilson's body of work), Riverside, Gazpacho and David Maxim Micic I dig a lot, but also some albums, like Opeth's Damnation, or even Pink Floyd's DSotM and WYWH, and Mike Oldfield's Ommadawn are somehow in this vein. I'd even argue that Radiohead and dredg are a little proggy in this sense.
What I don't likeTechnical wankery. Look, I don't mind it as long as it does fit the song and isn't there for the sake of it, like DT often do. Probably why I never got into lots of 70s prog, although I've enjoyed some Yes (CttE has some amazing moments ruined by obnoxious technical sections that come out of nowhere).
And cheese. For some reason, as time goes by, I like cheesy music less and less. Dunno why, just makes me kind of uncomfortable these days. I don't mind a little cheese if the music appeals me in general, but be very careful with this.
So some artists I'm not fond of for other reasons are Rush, Coheed & Cambria, Beardfish, Cardiacs, Pain of Salvation and Genesis.
Fav albums- Porcupine Tree - In Absentia
- Anathema - Weather Systems
- Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon
- Riverside - Anno Domini High Definition
- Mike Oldfield - Ommadawn
ShoegazeI haven't explored this particular genre much, but I like stuff influenced by it.
What I likeI love that wall of sound in many genres, like in Devin Townsend's music...
What I don't like...however, when that's the only idea a band can pull off, like My Bloody Valentine, well...
Fav albums- Have a Nice Life - Deathconsciousness
- The Angelic Process - Weighing Souls With Sand
- Steven Wilson - Insurgentes
- Slowdive - Souvlaki
- Deftones - White Pony
Metal
Alternative MetalI don't even know if this is a genre or just a nice way of not saying "nu-metal", but I'm guiding myself by the albums RYM puts under this, so.
What I likeUnique bands that mix styles and do their own thing. Great riffs, memorable melodies.
What I don't likeLinkin Park or Limp Biskit clones. Avoid at all costs
Fav albums- Devin Townsend - Addicted
- OSI - Blood
- Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine
- Incubus - S.C.I.E.N.C.E.
- Tool - Aenima
Death / Black MetalI've tried both classic and modern music from these genres, and they're not for me.
What I likeI don't mind some growls or blast beats in my music as as it's just an element among other ideas. Just making it the focal point of the music won't work with me.
What I don't likeBasically anything that can fit quite into these genres. Even hipster stuff like Alcest and Deafheaven aren't my thing at all. So be extremely careful when sending something like this. I've also tried Opeth beyond Damnation (which I love), Agalloch to no avail.
Fav albums- Obsidian Kingdom - Mantiis
Progressive MetalI guess you could say this is the genre that got me into music as a whole, thus I've had some time to explore it and know pretty much what I like, but there's still space for surprises.
What I likeAs usual, blend of styles, very creative ideas, strong songwriting, etc. Basically anything that you can't use the word "generic" to describe it.
What I don't likeDream Theater clones or Djent stuff like Animals as Leaders. Just don't. Also same comment about cheese I made before stands here as well. For some reason I don't really like it when it's mixed with Thrash or Power Metal.
Fav albums- Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
- Liquid Tension Experiment - Liquid Tension Experiment 2
- Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime
- Riverside - Anno Domini High Definition
- David Maxim Micic - Bilo 3.0
Symphonic / Power MetalIt seems most people who get into metal have had a phase in which they've inevitably listened to this genre and have sticked to it or moved on. I was never into these and several roulettes and Plug.dj sessions have just reaffirmed my believes.
What I likeUuuhhh... I like the Wheel of Time song by Blind Guardian because it's well-written and epic, but that's about it.
What I don't likeBasically everything
They're just one of those genres in which there are like a million bands that all sound very similar to each other and could be described as generic, some way cheesier than others. They just don't float my boat, but you're welcome to try at your own risk.
Fav albums- Can't really think of any.
Electronic
DowntempoThis is more of a loose label for electronic music that's just chill and relaxing.
What I likeA great atmosphere, soft vocals, analog keyboards/synths, warm, soft beats, simple melodies, somehow catchy songs. Air are a great band on this regard.
What I don't likeGeneric sounds, really. Any artist using preset sounds just bores the crap out of me. For some reason I'm not a big fan of Boards of Canada - I know they're IDM or whatever, but their music is pretty relaxing yet not really appealing to me for the most part.
Fav albums- Air - Moon Safari
- Morcheeba - Big Calm
- Darren Korb - Transistor OST
- Röyksopp - Melody A.M.
- Hooverphonic - A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular
ExperimentalAnother loose label for stuff that blends many genres or just doesn't really fit anywhere (or that I'm too lazy to make a separate entry for).
What I likeCurious mixture of styles, sounds, ideas, great melodies, etc.
What I don't likeOverly pretentious crap, harsh noise, excessive glitches. Lack of melodies.
Fav albums- Burial - Untrue
- Kashiwa Daisuke - Program Music I
- Radiohead - Kid A
- Ulver - Perdition City
- Akira Yamaoka - Silent Hill 3 OST
Trip-hopIt's one of my favorite genres so I've listened to a LOT of this stuff but there's still much left to explore. Trip-Hop influences on other genres is always a plus for me.
What I likeCreative ideas, mix of styles, memorable melodies. Lo-fi beats. Great atmosphere. Emotional impact.
What I don't likeArtists like Tricky bore me, his songs are very basic in terms of songwriting and structure and get boring quick. Stuff that just imitates the big names and does nothing unique at all is not my thing. I kinda dislike moaning female vocals on this (and in general).
Fav albums- Massive Attack - Mezzanine
- Saltillo - Ganglion
- Portishead - Dummy
- DJ Shadow - Endtroducing...
- Gorillaz - Demon Days
Others
Ambient / DroneThis tends to be more of a miss than a hit kind of music for me.
What I likeVery interesting, unique soundscapes. Music with ambient sections, mostly heavy or intense stuff. Short tracks. Laidback music in general. I think I just don't really like ambient / drone music on its pure form but I can love records with much influence from it. I like some drone metal like Boris' Feedbacker.
What I don't likePure synths, just no. Very sparse songwriting. Stuff that only works as background music. Drone metal like Boris' Flood, stuff that drags with no interesting riffs.
Fav albums- Ulver - Shadows of the Sun
- Akira Yamaoka - Silent Hill 2 OST
- Bohren & der Club of Gore - Black Earth
- The Caretaker - An Empty Bliss Beyond This World
- Devin Townsend - Ghost
Art / Dream / Progressive / Chamber / Ambient / Synth Pop // Pop RockI don't know much pop music so decided to put all these into one thing.
What I likeCatchy melodies of course, but that don't feel derivative. Creative or unusual instrumentation like Kate Bush and St. Vincent. Focus on songwriting in general instead of just catchy ideas. I like music with some emotional impact.
What I don't likeGeneric radio pop like Carly Rae Jepsen or Grimes. Catchiness based solely on repeating the same words over and over is not very good in general.
Fav albums- Blackfield - Blackfield II
- Fishmans - Uchu Nippon Setagaya
- Talk Talk - The Colour of Spring
- Ulver - The Assassination of Julius Caesar
- No-Man - Together We're Stranger
FolkI don't think I've really explored much of this but I like some of what I've heard.
What I likeCreative, heartfelt melodies. Very honest performances. Unique styles. Varied instrumentation (piano is always welcomed).
What I don't likeLyrics-driven songs with boring instrumentation, like Bob Dylan. Or any Dylan clone. Generic singer-songwriter stuff.
Fav albums- Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
- Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man - Out of Season
- Sufjan Stevens - Illinoise
- Marketa Irglova - Muna
- The Angels of Light - How I Loved You
Hip-Hop / Instrumental Hip-HopI'm pretty new to this and don't know much stuff and am open to more!
What I likeI think I tend to prefer modern records and experimental stuff, like Death Grips, despite not being a huge fan of them. J Dilla, Nujabes, Deltron 3030, and DJ Krush are ok. I love DJ Shadow and some Aesop Rock.
What I don't likeTried some old-school stuff like ATCQ, Beastie Boys, and N.W.A. but they weren't really my cuppa tea.
Fav albums- Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly
- clipping. - CLPPNG
- Blue Sky Black Death - Late Night Cinema
- DJ Shadow - The Private Press
- Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Industrial I really need to explore more of this so any entries are welcome.
What I likeI love NIN because of how varied Reznor's albums are, always exploring different sounds while making all these catchy songs, even when they're brutal. I also like Rammstein, their music is simpler but very catchy and fun, they've got their own style. But I'm curious about the more experimental, electronic side of this genre, want to delve into Coil, Throbbing Gristle, and such one day. I like industrial influences in my music.
What I don't likeI think any clones of the above bands? I know this tends to be an edgy genre, but I prefer when it doesn't go too much over the board, to the point of being ridiculous. Tunes that are just catchy and don't try anything interesting bore me.
Fav albums- Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral
- Rammstein - Mutter
- Akira Yamaoka - Silent Hill OST
- Algiers - The Underside of Power
Modern / Classical MusicAnother little genre I haven't explored but dig what I know. Well, some of it.
What I likeBeautiful melodies, and unique takes. Although I'm kind of tired of typical orchestral music, Skyrim's soundtrack was very nice and varied. I like some old-school composers like Bach and Beethoven although I haven't really explored that part of music a lot.
What I don't likeClint Masell and A Winged Victory for the Sullen bore me, they sound like every other generic movie soundtrack. Stars of the Lid too. I guess I don't like stuff that relies a lot on just string sections. Or that feels meandering.
Fav albums- Nils Frahm - Spaces
- Mario Galaxy Orchestra - Super Mario Galaxy: Original Soundtrack
- Ulver With Tromsø Chamber Orchestra - Messe I.X–VI.X
- Kashiwa Daisuke - Program Music II
- Ludovico Einaudi - Divenire
JazzI really want to delve into more jazz but have been quite cautious about it, so have only explored a tiny fraction of it, it's even barely scratching the surface.
What I likeI think I tend to prefer modern stuff, mostly fused with other genres, or just unique takes on it. I really like Dark Jazz and noir vibes. I like Miles Davis' Kind of Blue too, although I tend to lose interest during the last two tracks.
What I don't likeI guess stuff that's too complex and heavily improvised so it feels "meandering".
Fav albums- Bohren & der Club of Gore - Sunset Mission
- BADBADNOTGOOD - III
- Snarky Puppy - Family Dinner: Volume One
- SOIL&“PIMP”SESSIONS - Pimp Master
- Fire! Orchestra - Enter
Punk / Post-Hardcore / MetalcoreAnother way of putting all of these together because why not
What I likeDefinitely some sort of emotional impact, I like angry music. Stuff that just feels heavy for heaviness' sake tends to bore me unless there's some great songwriting behind it. I love stuff that mixes genres and styles, or just pushes a lot the limits of what can be done within its genre.
What I don't likeChaotic music with no emotional impact. A lot of Mathcore could be put here. Albums that feel like the same song over and over again. For some reason some typical 2000s melodies like those used on At the Drive-In's RoC don't really appeal me.
Fav albums- Between the Buried and Me - Colors
- Brand New - The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me
- Converge - Jane Doe
- Refused - The Shape of Punk to Come
- The Stooges - Fun House
World Music / Traditional FolkI've always had a knack for this kind of stuff, so don't know why I haven't explored it more.
What I likeI love some traditional japanese music, as well as some middle East sounds, and definitely have a sweet spot for Celtic folk. Although I haven't listened to any "pure" album in this sense, I've always enjoyed it in my music, mostly contemporary stuff like Dead Can Dance and Mike Oldfield. Gazpacho usually put lots of these sounds in their music.
What I don't likeI don't really know, I guess I'd be bored with a purely traditional record/song? I definitely prefer a modern twist on the stuff I know.
Fav albums- Various Artists - Okami OST
- Mike Oldfield - Return to Ommadawn
- Gazpacho - March of Ghosts
- Dead Can Dance - Anastasis
- Theodor Bastard - Vetvi
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