I frequently get requests by people that go something like “Don’t you think that (fill in the blank band) is great?!”  Bands like Steely Dan…  Rolling Stones…  The Beatles…  And my answer always is the same, “Sure they are a perfectly serviceable band to provide sound in the background of some activity in which I may be endeavoring, but I just would never seek them out as primary music.”

My definition of “primary music” would be anything that I turn on intentionally with the express purpose of listening to that music due to the enjoyment it brings me.  Music that I seek out with the intent purpose of listening to the music as if I were watching a good movie or a TV show.  Yes, I will listen to music with that much focus and attention.  Not to take me away while I sleep, meditate, or day dream…  But to actually listen to the music and how it’s played.  The instrumentation.  It’s flow.  And secondarily, the thoughts it makes me have.

I don’t really enjoy Steely Dan.  Are they skilled musicians?  Yes.  Did they have a unique sound that was worthy of other people enjoying them?  Yes.  Are there aspects of their music that I could actually find a way to reluctantly admit were creative and deserved accolades?  Yes.  Do I give a shit if I ever hear another of their songs ever again?  No.

The same can be said of The Beatles and the Stones.  Lots of good ones in those musical catalogs.  Do I like the song “Let it Be?”  Why yes I do.  Do I laugh whenever I hear “Mother’s Little Helper?”  Yes, I do as well.  But, I don’t think I own a Beatles or a Stones CD nor would I ever put one in my player if I did.  I would not intentionally download one of their songs.  Listen to the radio and you can hear all the Beatles and Stones music your palate can endure.  Would I see the Stones if someone gave me a free ticket?  Maybe.  It depends on what else I had going that weekend.  If my sock drawer was in perfect order, then I would probably go.  However, I would feel no sense of loss if I never heard from them again.

So, Steely Dan…   You can have ‘em.  I have a buddy who think’s they are great.  He can have ’em.