Dances to the Beat of a Different Drum

A new study from Scotland has proved what I am sure most people felt they already knew - that musical tastes are in tune with who you are. According to the CBC, the study's most surprising finding was that heavy metal fans have more in common with classical music fans than anyone else.

Well, that's not all that surprising. Most metal heads have been saying for years that their music is as intricately complex as history's most revered concertos. Anyone who can make that kind of argument successfully has got to have something in common with classical music snobs.

The study's analysis of other types of music fans is more amusing though. And I quote:

"Jazz fans tend to be creative and outgoing, with high self-esteem, in keeping with the innovative and sociable nature of the music.

Country western fans were found to be hard-working, but introverted, fitting with the blue-collar image of country music.

The research concluded soul music lovers are a well-rounded bunch — creative, outgoing, gentle, at ease with themselves and with high self-esteem.

Rap fans are outgoing and far from gentle, while indie music lovers lack both self-esteem and the work ethic."

The problem that I see with all this is that not everyone likes just one type of music best. As Gordon Gano will tell you, some people like American music best. When people ask me what kind of music I like, I always say I like good music and not all the music of one particular genre is good.

But, as Gordon Gano says, "I like American music because it reminds me of me," and I don't always feel like listening to Indie or Rap. The music I put on reflects the mood I'm in and, right now, I feel like listening to the Violent Femmes.