Music for a bad economy, part two

I was recently asked at the end of an interview what music I listened to (this was in regards to the very-strange-in-an-IT-worker music degree I have). I was asked this after I was dismissed for not being a jazz fan (in retrospect I wish I’d asked the guy which sub-genre he was referring to and try to outdo him on jazz knowledge). Anyways, I responded to the question with “indie rock”. The guy then said something along the lines of, “I know you were in college for quite a while, but it’s time to move on.”

Ouch.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, and I said this to him too: having a music degree means nobody can insult your musical tastes. I truly believe this: you don’t have to like what I listen to, but most likely if you’re questioning my taste you have less music education than I do. In essence, I’m more qualified to bug you for what’s on your iPod; but I think the only bad taste is that which isn’t open to new types of music. Or if your favourite band is Nickelback.

(Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)

I’ve been relaying the interview story to friends, particularly those who take a similar liking to up-and-coming, independent music artists. It’s a bit silly to dismiss indie music outright as being a “phase” one goes through in early adulthood, since by definition it really just means any band or artist who isn’t signed to a major record label, regardless of what genre they play. But, of course, if you’re not on a major label then it’s because you suck, right?

Sheesh.

Back in January I wrote about the correlation between recessions and fixed-meter hits on the radio, the example for nowadays being Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”. I said then that I found myself listening to a lot more pop music, perhaps to compensate for feeling crappy about being unemployed. That trend has continued, along with my lack of a regular paycheck, and I’ve recently realized that I seem to be listening almost exclusively to indie pop. Man, has my life sucked.

I haven’t recommended any music in a long time, so let me point out a few of the songs and artists on my current happy-making playlist:

1. Tiga: Shoes

   I saw this video a few weeks ago on The Wedge, the only show left on Muchmusic that doesn’t make me feel old. I really hated it at first, but the song’s an earworm and I have to admit the retro design and video effects are a big win.

2. fun.: At Least I’m Not as Sad (as I Used to Be)

   This is a new band formed by Nate Ruess of the on-haitus The Format along with dudes from Anathallo and Steel Train. The band’s name itself is ironically unironic, in that they’re an indie band that plays fun music. I saw them opening for another band (Manchester Orchestra, who have a name consistent with indie naming rules since they’re neither an orchestra nor from Manchester) at The Biltmore a few weeks ago and enjoyed every second of their performance. Sadly they have only released one song, and their full-length doesn’t come out until August. This was my personal anthem last month.

3. Passion Pit: Moth’s Wings

I heard these guys were the new It-band at this year’s SXSW. The new album is upbeat, multi-layered electro-pop, but this song stuck out for me because of its lyrics (which are often an afterthought in such genres).

4. Phoenix: Lisztomania

   I have to admit I like this song just for its title, and for the title of its album (Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix), which I highly recommend if you’re wanting to get in a pick-me-up sort of mood. I can’t understand what the hell they’re singing (they’re French), but who cares?

Is it just me, or can you too no longer differentiate between music videos nowadays and those from the 80s? I mean, hair, clothes, design, effects… I feel like I’m supposed to be starting elementary school on Monday.