Quote Originally Posted by overgrowthegovt
But doesn't mass appeal reflect the tastes of people whose tastes are not as cultivated, who are largely indifferent to music and just want something their friends think is cool?
Well... best selling bands of all time

There's a lot of bands there that gained mass appeal that I like: The Beatles, Michael Jackson('s music lol), ACDC, Bob Marley, Led Zep, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones etc. I'm sure you'll find music you like that gained mass appeal. Maybe you are just frustrated at the bands who gain mass appeal in the present, although a lot of old bands still tour and make albums, though infrequently.

The idea of 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' is important, it obviously plays a part in music choice because it is subjective opinion. However, if this was the only factor then would there be the same consensus for certain bands? I can't help but think that advertisement plays a large role. Obviously for some people it is more influential than others but exposure to the music causes familiarity and liking for many. Whilst others either dislike the music in the first place or get sick of it through over exposure. Also this is reinforced because friends and family influence you and they are exposed to the same advertisement. Is it still beauty if you are persuaded something is beautiful? I guess it is a question of how much each persons' own opinion guided their choice, but there is no doubt I have met people who like music just because their friends like it.
Born To Stone Reviewed by Born To Stone on . How subjective is music, really? People always say everything's a matter of taste, and that's true for what people should listen to/read, etc....as far as actual quality, though, you can't really say it doesn't matter if you prefer Shakespeare or Danielle Steele. Same as music, I think...can everyone's tastes really be respected if some prefer MTV trash to the works of, say, Hendrix or Bob Dylan? Just a thought. Rating: 5