Finding it odd how music tastes can change so much over the years, along with the identity that was once an integral part.
My seminal moment in musical taste came standing in HMV, with a limited amount of cash in my sweaty teenage palms, and two albums in front of me. One was a generic and unremarkable rap album, the other a rock album by a politically active and soulful 5 piece.
I made my decision, and instantly not only decided upon musical taste, but clique, and which echelon of teenage society I would socialise with.
Looking back, it seems such an unimportant and childish decision, and it's hard to believe anything of consequence would come of it. But, in my formative years musical preference had more to do with identity that the sound itself. I had joined a youth subset, that banded together against others. a tribe of sorts. Everything was done together, associating with members of another sect was a matter of high treason.
How different things seem now, when I can flit from listening to metal, rock, rap, rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, nerdcore and many others without any sense of recrimination. I wouldn’t now automatically dismiss someone based on musical choice, nor pontificate.
I struggle now to understand my teenage mindset or embracing division so.
Nothing particularly poignant to add, just a realisation that fell into my brain between the first and second cups of coffee on a sleep Friday morning