Saturday, October 24, 2009

Deep or Shallow

I rather enjoyed this comment left by an anonymous reader yesterday.
I rarely disagree with you, but when I do I can't help linking your musical tastes to your assertions on, er, things I disagree with. That is, I then link your low-grade, as I perceive them, political views to your low-grade, as I perceive them, musical tastes. Does anyone else think an unwillingness to look beyond Cliff and Roxette must inevitably limit a societal outlook?

Deep, eh? Slightly undermined by the fact that I have 32,000 songs on my iPod and they can't all be by Cliff or Roxette...

I'm not quite sure what a 'low grade' political view is, but I am sure I have many of them. It's amusing that the author of this comment thinks I have 'high grade' views when he agrees with me and 'low grade' ones when he doesn't. I'm not sure the word 'tolerance' figures much in his vocabulary!

66 comments:

Plato said...

I like Ace of Base myself :)

Quietzapple said...

Of my more modest collection of 16,000 songs I note that Roxette & Sir Cliff have had one play each.

Enough is enough!

dearieme said...

"they can't all be by Cliff or Roxette...": I dare say, but are any by Schubert?

Ean Craigie said...

You need to listen to Chatham County Line. Try "Chip of a Star" and see if you are not smiling by the end.

Anonymous said...

Any one who listens to Mango Groove when feeling down can't be all that bad.

The King of Wrong said...

What's wrong with Roxette?

Sniper said...

"I have 32,000 songs on my iPod and they can't all be by Cliff or Roxette..."

You're not trying hard enough.

Bird said...

I'm constantly irritated when distinguished guests on Desert Island Discs choose ephemeral pop songs, even when they're linked to particular points in their lives.
But that's just age.
I'm sure the guests are very intelligent, but if they're not aware of jazz, classical music and the American song book, they're missing a great deal.

repossessed house investor said...

Is this iPod music collection thing some sort of new one-upmanship?

How can you possibly listen to 32K’s worth of songs, music etc?

The mind boggles

Steve Horgan said...

Perhaps someone should ask Gordon Brown what is favourite music is. Of course, they should be prepared to wait a while for the answer...

Andrew K said...

I am sure that in the deeper recesses of your iPod can be found SOME St**ly D*n.

Anonymous said...

You must be running some rubbish quality MP3 if you have as many as 32,000 songs on a single iPod.

Or you have a 400Gb iPod.

Or you're talking rubbish...

Jamie said...

Why on earth have you got 32,000 songs on your ipod?

Assuming they're all 3 mins long (some will be longer), it would take you almost 67 days of continuous listening to hear them all!

Demetrius said...

But have you any Guy Mitchell hits?

Unknown said...

'he'? or could that be 'she' too?

Anonymous said...

I love anything from Glen Miller to Sex Pistols.
If it is MEANINGFUL I appreciate ALL music.
Just as it should be.
Who can not get the collywobbles & reminisc about Cliff's Congratulations or Summer Holiday?
The Sex Pistols - Pretty Vacant?
Spice Girls FULL BLAST while soaking in the bath is my idea of relaxation.Mel C has the most gorgeous voice.
Bob Dylan's Desire CD is ALWAYS played when I decorate?
The top 40 on Sunday while ironing.
I adore music.However at nearly 50,I think I've fractured my ankle jumping around to BOOM BOOM BOOM! a few weeks ago,it keeps swelling up.Good fun though.

rented said...

How on earth do you fit 32,000 tracks onto your ipod? They must be at a very low quality bitrate. I have the largest size made (160Gb, no longer sold) and have less than 15,000 tracks at full capacity.

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure the word 'tolerance' figures much in his vocabulary!
...............................

Didn't you once say that you felt like taking a shower after having a meeting with some bloke in the BNP,not very tolerant that day were you ?

Anonymous said...

........ "32,000 songs on my iPod and they can't all be by Cliff or Roxette..."

Thank God for that.

Anonymous said...

I should have thought it abundantly clear that no-one can claim wisdom or intelligence in the least degree without owning the full discography of Billy Bragg (who isn't remotely a puerile, superficial, painfully ignorant bigot).

Ray said...

I have told you a million times not to exaggerate !

Lover of Minimalists (amongst others) said...

My musical tastes cover Mediaeval Music through to 2009 - both Classical and Popular. So I don't have hang-up associating one musical style with any particular politics.

However, for credibility, don't have an 'Arctic Monkeys' moment - and then fail to deliver...

Scott1946 said...

My Conservatism is home to Bruckner. I wouldn't call your taste "low grade" - just maybe a bit lightweight. But I forgive you. (lol)

Quietzapple said...

A friend with a degree in music who plays various instruments told me that the highest bit rate (192 somethings per whatever) is higher than any but a musical genius with a perfect ear would tell from the next rate down.

Apple has always gone in for overkill in such matters, rather as the Uk used to over engineer all sorts.

Null said...

And there was me thinking that Cliff had had 32,000 number 1's. At least thats how it feels whenever I see him on TV...

roger dodger said...

Iain, its easy to settle. In the tradition of full disclosure.

Bring up your itunes. On the cover flow screen, press: Play Count.

Which are the first 5/10 artists that you have played most.

The digital age is proving hard to hide in.

If they all were tracks available on NOW! albums then the gentleman's concerns are fully realised!

Music is the food of love said...

The fact that you have *any* Cliff or Roxette diminishes my respect for your tastes

Roger Dodger said...

On the number of songs issue:

That's a lot of money on CDs BTW. I would know I have 27,000 on the itunes, not quite at your level but you are older. Shut them up by showing a screen shot of your itunes, it says on the bottom.
That would fit well with your honesty pledge.

But please tell me your not an illegal downloader Iain?!!

I would like Ken Clark's record collection. BTW. Schubert? Miles, Trane...
Now that man has some deep thoughts, tastes and knowledge about music.

Spartan said...

@ rented ... 160GB is new model out that replaces last years 120GB Classic but l do wonder at 32,000 even if Iain has the 160GB ... old or new model. l know l can't achieve that. ;-)

seebag said...

For a busy man - keen blogger, aspiring politician, speaker etc etc, I'm astonished that you could find the time to seriously select 32000 tracks to go on your IPod - or was the selction process not that critical?

Anonymous said...

What's an iPod?

Tapestry said...

The Bee Gees have a comment on this -

How deep is your love?

I really need to learn,

cause were living in a world of fools,
Breaking us down,
When they all should let us be.

We belong to you and me.


That would do for a theme backing localism.

That's deep.

Maybe it's one of the 32,000.

Curbishly said...

Going back to Bracknell tonight! Am writing a speech for the YBF Margaret Thatcher Banquet at Wellington College.

Would Maggie have been in favour of All women shortlists?

Plenty said...

Miles Davis for me anytime of the week....

Unknown said...

To be fair though Iain whenever you have posted music it's been, without exception, absolutely woeful. You know it's true.

Anonymous said...

>And there was me thinking that Cliff had had 32,000 number 1's.

But surely all his records are a load of number two?

Anonymous said...

Low-grade beliefs are often the finest! Excepting the BNP of course...

Lord Blagger said...

32,000 songs. That's about 3,000 CDs.

Hmmmm whose been downloading illegally?

Or do you really have 30,000 pounds to spend on your IPOD?

Iain Dale said...

I have never downloaded anything illegally in my life! I have a very extensive CD collection.

Houdini said...

Are you saying that BNP members are less British than people who are not British nationals but serve in the British army? Not a supporter, just trying to clarify your position and knowledge on those in the picture, who I respect and like, and have served with.

Unknown said...

32,000?

Can we have a recount?

Ron Todd said...

I suspect that by low grade he is refering to views that might be held by the common mass. Rather than those held by a more discerning elete

This would suggest a left wing outlook where the elite can decide who lacks sufficient doctrinal purity and has to be purged from the party.

Dr Van Helsing said...

Naughty, naughty Iain.

' "You can't copy any form of music or film without the copyright owner's consent," explained copyright lawyer Hamish Porter.

"So if you buy a CD from a record shop, even copying that CD onto your iPod is unlawful unless you have the copyright owner's consent." '

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/6457369.stm

Though copyright on recordings only extends 50 years from release, so it's legal for you to copy pre-1959 Cliff recordings.

JuliaM said...

"I have never downloaded anything illegally in my life! "

Try it! You never know, you might just start to like it...

Roger Dodger said...

Me too Iain. That's what student loans were meant to be for!

OBC News said...

Be fair Iain, your Top 100 was bloomin' awful!

Paddy Briggs said...

Iain

A "low grade political view", in my view, is one not based on conviction and belief but one based on prejudice, expediency and/or misplaced loyalty. If I see you criticise the blessed Margaret for something she did (or didn't do) I would be the first to suggest that this would be a “high grade political view”. Not because I would agree with you (I might not actually!) but because you would be breaking away from blind devotion and, presumably, be speaking from the left-hand side of your brain not your emotional right!

Conservative Vision said...

Some people...

Anonymous said...

My Ipod is bigger than your Ipod

Snotrocket said...

32k songs!? Must be a hell of an iPod. Or maybe, my 40G MP3 player is not using space well enough. Then again, can I recommend some Walter Trout or Buddy Guy? Kinda balances out the Cliff Richard... :)

Andy JS said...

I would recommend Talk Talk, Japan, Level 42.

Anonymous said...

I accept it was a facile comment. I was rather tired and emotional when it was written (just wine, no mistletoe). I've no idea what low/high-grade political views are either and I feel most shame-faced impugning a band that wrote Dressed for Success. As penance I have just watched Miss You Nights on youtube. Best regards and apologies from the anonymous shallows....;)

Brian E. said...

Decisions, decisions, decisions!
I have enough trouble deciding which of about 50 CDs to put on the player whilst relaxing with my nightcap in a comfortable chair for half an hour before bed.
With 32,000, I'd spend the half hour trying to decide which to play, which is hardly the objective!

Andy JS said...

It is being reported that the UK economy has been overtaken by Italy. So much for Brown's "prudent stewardship" of the nation's finances.

Anonymous said...

Iain, I've been following your blog for the past year or so and generally thought I've shared a lot of common ground with you, but the "Cliff and Roxette" statement smacked me fromleft-field. I didn't expect that at all.

I know we can't all think the 2nd track off the 1st MC5 album is the world's greatest song or that any album produced out of Hansa, Berlin circa 1976/7 can't be all that bad, but seriously, your choice of two artists to represent your musical taste worries me and makes me question other opinions further.

Regards
Boatdrinks

The Grim Reaper said...

Awful lot of people admitting to owning Cliff Richard records here...

steveal said...

The fact that you have an Ipod pretty much says it all...

Anonymous said...

"I've never downloaded anthing ilegally..." But maybe your friends have, and given it to you?

Either way, it's amusing how much of this has become a musical one-upmanship. I'd just like to say that I have the best taste in music, because it's mine. And The Beatles are the best. Obviously.

Anonymous said...

I am mostly listening to Green Day meself...

anonymous becaue i am nuts said...

this is what blogging is all about,
bampots like him off loading steam,when they have lost.

brilliant.

tory boys never grow up said...

32,000 songs and you choose Cliff, Abba and Roxette as your favourites - this speaks volumes about your ability to sort the good from the bad ;)

Victor, NW Kent said...

32000 songs! Played for 8 hours a day that should last you 200 days without repeats.

Do they go as far back as Vesta Tilley?

Damon From Birmingham said...

I would just point out that all the people calculating the amount of memory / time to play those 32,000 songs must be assuming that none of them are prog rock. On my Ipod you would find Jethro Tull's "Thick As A Brick" (1 song 43 minutes long), Porcupine Tree's "The Incident" (55 minutes for 1 song), Rush's "2112" (21 minutes) and Genesis's "Supper's Ready" (23 minutes).

If Iain has any of these some of the above assumptions would go right out of the window!

Quietzapple said...

@ Victor

You may be the Victor who doesn't do sums on Tom Harris' blog.

My 16,000 songs (which include some radio progs, symphonies etc) would take 44 days to play.

Iain Dale's 32,000 less than 100 days my guesstimate.

Do you advise Geo "Mr Potato Head" Osborne often ?

True Belle said...

Funny, but I assumed you would enjoy the Travelling Wilburys as an antidote to Lucky lips Cliff.

Failing that , perhaps the BEE GEES with 'Between the lines'?

Anonymous said...

32,000 are all the tracks legaly obtained?