Principia Discordia

Principia Discordia => Apple Talk => Topic started by: Dalek on August 21, 2010, 07:16:24 PM

Title: Why do we like music?
Post by: Dalek on August 21, 2010, 07:16:24 PM
I'm wondering what makes music appear in every culture and can have such an impact on people(including me). My dad's theory is that it's because eversince being in the uterus we're used to hearing the beat of the heart, so music makes us feel protected and safe in some way, and I kind of aggree with this. Why do you think we appreciate patterned noise so much?
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Iron Sulfide on August 21, 2010, 09:04:08 PM
those are some interesting thoughts. I know a lot of pregnant moms force music on their children in utero.

personally, I think there's a whole slew of reasons people appreciate music. What you mentioned is probably
the foundational element. I think that as a person, communication and intelligence offer something to like about
either making or enjoying music. There's something significant about the fact that it's not just a random thing.
Like Moonlight Sonata, part I - that musical piece *could* have occurred at random, produced by a non-conscious
aspect of nature enacting it's laws against itself...But the fact that that noise was intentional makes it much different.

There is a lot to be said about specific types of tonal structure, key, voicing, etc etc from music theory-
from Pythagoras to College Classes. There's also the notion (I wouldn't call it "Science") that everything is essentially
a vibrational pattern (whether you go the David Icke route or the String Theory route). Both of these could easily
account (assuming their truth values are correct) for the- would you say?- primal quality to music.

Of course, Music theory just deals, mainly, with aesthetics- and I have found that I have, or can, or do enjoy sounds
that I'm not supposed to. I also believe that String Theory and David Icke are both Law of 5's bullshit. That said,
it's probably mostly early exposure to patterned noise, and the muted sounds you hear in utero.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Thurnez Isa on August 21, 2010, 09:11:44 PM
moi opinion
brains are hotwired to pick up vibrations - ie. language. Music breaks through the language barrier so one tribe could communicate it's experience with another. Cultural evolution does the rest.
Also don't underestimate a lot of our music started as a mechanism for dance, and dance fulfills this need to break communication as body language is the most effect way for humans to interact.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on August 21, 2010, 10:05:48 PM
I think that it's just the way we're wired. It's much easier to learn something if it is sung. That's why there's the alphabet song, and you can't go through the alphabet without breaking out into that particular song. Plus it's fun to make noise. That's why some asshole always gives your kid an obnoxious tin whistle which will invariably drive you nuts.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on August 21, 2010, 10:43:46 PM
There are a lot of reasons why I like music...

A good rhythm can instantaneously improve my mood by making me feel driven somehow, if that makes any sense... it's like a beat can pick up the slack for a faltering mental/emotional state.

Melody can immediately sync up to my emotional state, validating the way I feel, giving me a sense of recognition even though it's entirely in my head.

Harmony and weird progressions in a song can create a headspace that drowns out the dull background noise of natural environment, giving my brain a channel to run through where it's easier to complete a thought without being interrupted.

A good piece of music can relate an entire universe of emotion, tell a story without a single word, and gives you a place to escape to.

It's also mathematical -- the relationships between notes are defined in mathematical terms, frequency, harmonics, etc. Beats can generally be measured mathematically, like anything in the universe. So music is a simplified piece of a chaotic (not random, but sometimes overwhelming) reality. If a string of notes and beats comes together just right it's like it sums up the entirety of an overcomplicated situation in much the same way that an effective piece of prose can do.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: East Coast Hustle on August 22, 2010, 12:52:14 AM
I like music because it rocks.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: maphdet on August 22, 2010, 06:22:55 AM
Patterned noise makes humans' bodies move.

That is all.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Adios on August 22, 2010, 05:51:26 PM
Find a quiet place away from the sounds of human ants.

Can you hear the leaves whisper in their wandering harmonies as the wind brushes them? Did you hear the mingling of the vocals from the birds and squirrels?  Be sure to not miss the musical stream adding depth to the symphony, with it's tinkling and splashing.

Listen to the wind as it plays around trees and rocks speaking in a universally unknown language. Hear the quiet scuffing of small animals working through their day.

Find the rythm, the heartbeat, listen to the crescendo as the sun sets and finally the quietness of night.

Now go back to town and listen to the music the place makes.

Then you will understand why we like music.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: LMNO on August 23, 2010, 01:22:57 PM
Pattern recognition.  Our brains are wired for it.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Rumckle on August 23, 2010, 02:02:25 PM
I think LMNO has it.

But I do believe there is a mental disorder where people cannot hear music properly, so it just sounds like a whole bunch of noise.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: LMNO on August 23, 2010, 02:06:08 PM
I've heard of that... I think the medical term is "Justin Bieber."
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 01:24:02 PM
We are musical creatures ourselves.  If you stop and listen to your body, there's music going on everywhere.  Centered by that constant thump-thump-thump of the heart. 

But I think there are different levels of music appreciation for different people.  I've known people who will be tangentially interested in a few pop music artists, but could really care less about music. 

For me, music is the closest thing I have to any kind of spirituality.  Both in playing and listening.  And not to be too cliche, I would also consider music to be my recreational drug, and a big reason why I never bothered with actual drugs.  When I'm playing with a bunch of other people, and you get into that pocket, that groove, it becomes a very expansive and transcending experience.  You're inside the music.  You're creating it, but at the same time, it's kind of creating you.  It can harness and liberate massive amounts of emotional energy, something I think written language sometimes struggles to accomplish. 
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on August 25, 2010, 01:57:24 PM
People who don't appreciate music have no souls.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Elder Iptuous on August 25, 2010, 02:03:43 PM
So with all this about the heartbeat at the center of our appreciation, i'm thinking that my appreciation for syncopation may indicate that i should have a cardio stress test...


actually i'm with LMNO.  the same holds true for our other aesthetics, no?....

Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on August 25, 2010, 02:18:10 PM
To be honest, I think we like music for the same reason we like genocide: because we are machines from Hell designed to make Metal and kill.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on August 25, 2010, 05:18:20 PM
Quote from: vexati0n on August 25, 2010, 02:18:10 PM
To be honest, I think we like music for the same reason we like genocide: because we are machines from Hell designed to make Metal and kill.

This.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 07:47:47 PM
I just like music.  I have no insight as to why.  It...pleases me?  I have no concrete analysis of pleasure though, so that doesn't really mean anything.

It alters my cognitions somehow.  Taps into something inside me, like sex or neurochemicals.  It feeds some kind of mechanism that screams approval into my cortex and tells me I'm living well. 

I could have just quoted ECH and said "this", in retrospect.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 08:01:03 PM
I like music.  I see no reason to dissect the reasons why.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 08:05:24 PM
Well, there's cognitive neuroscience, which is sort of my bag.  Because understanding thoughts improves them.

I would bet a couple dollars that studying the way we appreciate music would increase music appreciation, but probably not for the exact reasons we'd expect.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 08:14:17 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:05:24 PM
Because understanding thoughts improves them.

I can prove that wrong.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 08:16:06 PM
You have my interest.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 08:17:33 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:16:06 PM
You have my interest.

Right now I am thinking of minature versions of Lady Gaga, Nina Simone, and P!nk all doing illegal things in my pance.

This cannot be improved upon. 

That is all.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 08:22:37 PM
Aw, checkmate.  :(
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 08:23:28 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 08:01:03 PM
I like music.  I see no reason to dissect the reasons why.

Yeah, why go through all the treble? 
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 08:26:53 PM
Can we keep this thread harmonious?
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 08:29:22 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on August 25, 2010, 08:23:28 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 08:01:03 PM
I like music.  I see no reason to dissect the reasons why.

Yeah, why go through all the treble? 

:walken:
:walken:
:walken:

I will roll a drunk in your honor, this evening.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 08:29:47 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:26:53 PM
Can we keep this thread harmonious?

No!  Seriously, someone should banjo ass! 
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 08:31:05 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 08:29:22 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on August 25, 2010, 08:23:28 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 08:01:03 PM
I like music.  I see no reason to dissect the reasons why.

Yeah, why go through all the treble? 

:walken:
:walken:
:walken:

I will roll a drunk in your honor, this evening.

Woot!  Fire up the tankards!
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 08:31:13 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on August 25, 2010, 08:29:47 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:26:53 PM
Can we keep this thread harmonious?

No!  Seriously, someone should banjo ass!  

Aria really stepping to this?  
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on August 25, 2010, 08:46:06 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:31:13 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on August 25, 2010, 08:29:47 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:26:53 PM
Can we keep this thread harmonious?

No!  Seriously, someone should banjo ass!  

Aria really stepping to this?  

That one fell kinda flat.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 08:48:42 PM
Fiddle faster!  I hear oboes!
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on August 25, 2010, 08:51:51 PM
I'm tremoloing too much to follow the chorus!
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 08:52:18 PM
Another thread murdered.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: LMNO on August 25, 2010, 08:53:04 PM
Such bass accusations!
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 08:54:18 PM
"Thread, died in your arms tonite.  It must've been something I posted.  Thread, died in your arms tonite!"  
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 08:55:30 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on August 25, 2010, 08:46:06 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:31:13 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on August 25, 2010, 08:29:47 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:26:53 PM
Can we keep this thread harmonious?

No!  Seriously, someone should banjo ass!  

Aria really stepping to this?  

That one fell kinda flat.

So string me up.  Fact is, I think you're a minor player.



Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on August 25, 2010, 08:55:56 PM
Quote from: Doktor Alphapance on August 25, 2010, 08:53:04 PM
Such bass accusations!

Drummed up accusations even!
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 08:56:53 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 08:52:18 PM
Another thread murdered.   :lulz:

And on that note, I'm bowing out.  

*flees*
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 08:57:52 PM
Let's just draft up the peace chord and call it a night. 
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on August 25, 2010, 08:58:13 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:55:30 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on August 25, 2010, 08:46:06 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:31:13 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on August 25, 2010, 08:29:47 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 08:26:53 PM
Can we keep this thread harmonious?

No!  Seriously, someone should banjo ass!  

Aria really stepping to this?  

That one fell kinda flat.

So string me up.  Fact is, I think you're a minor player.





That doesn't diminish my note.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jenne on August 25, 2010, 08:58:44 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on August 25, 2010, 08:54:18 PM
"Thread, died in your arms tonite.  It must've been something I posted.  Thread, died in your arms tonite!" 

:mittens:
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on August 25, 2010, 08:59:30 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on August 25, 2010, 08:57:52 PM
Let's just draft up the peace chord and call it a night. 

Don't scale down now!
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 09:02:06 PM
 :lulz:

Poor Dalekk.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 09:02:26 PM
I hate Dischordians.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 09:02:43 PM
Okay, seriously, the funny is dead and unrecognizable now.      
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 09:04:46 PM
Am I the only one who notices how the funny dies when someone announces it?

No?

Okay.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 09:06:18 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 09:04:46 PM
Am I the only one who notices how the funny dies when someone announces it?

No?

Okay.

It had already died.  You guys were just buggering the corpse.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on August 25, 2010, 09:06:42 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2010, 09:06:18 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 09:04:46 PM
Am I the only one who notices how the funny dies when someone announces it?

No?

Okay.

It had already died.  You guys were just buggering the corpse.

Eh, probably true.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 09:09:36 PM
Myself included.  sometimes I don't know when to stop. 
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 09:12:07 PM
I probably shouldn't have started, but I didn't see many people clamoring to discuss the topic seriously.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on August 25, 2010, 09:13:21 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on August 25, 2010, 09:12:07 PM
I probably shouldn't have started, but I didn't see many people clamoring to discuss the topic seriously.

I threw in my two cents and was just reading the other responses, without anything further to add.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 09:14:01 PM
So why do we like talking about why we like music? 

Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jenne on August 25, 2010, 09:16:35 PM
meta meta meta meta
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on August 25, 2010, 09:17:21 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on August 25, 2010, 09:14:01 PM
So why do we like talking about why we like music? 



Probably because we note the effect it has on us, and the fact that we make it for no particular reason other than the satisfaction of a) creating something b) enjoy listening to that creation.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 09:18:26 PM
Quote from: Jenne on August 25, 2010, 09:16:35 PM
meta meta meta meta

Yeah, sadly.  :lol:
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 09:18:52 PM
Quote from: Jenne on August 25, 2010, 09:16:35 PM
meta meta meta meta

meta meta

meta-meta boom boom!

:wink:
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jasper on August 25, 2010, 09:21:45 PM
:x x 1000
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jenne on August 25, 2010, 09:22:11 PM
:crankey:

:lulz:
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 25, 2010, 09:23:01 PM
Seven minutes and I'll be out of everyone's hair.  

This wouldn't happen if the people I needed information from would actually call me back.  

Meanwhile, Imma going to go enjoy some musics.

Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jenne on August 25, 2010, 09:26:25 PM
It's ok, I thought it was funny.

Though, giving a SERIOUSLY SRS answer to the question (which was already done), I have to say music is an expression that's felt, and you don't have think about it when it comes to how it affects you.  It's like food.  It nourishes you and stimulates you when it's great and you love it and respond positively to it.  When you react negatively, it ruins your mood and makes you naseous.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: Jenne on August 25, 2010, 09:27:28 PM
Music = Visceral
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: LMNO on August 26, 2010, 12:41:34 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on August 25, 2010, 09:14:01 PM
So why do we like talking about why we like music? 


Quote from: LMNO
Pattern Recognition.
Title: Re: Why do we like music?
Post by: AFK on August 26, 2010, 01:15:33 PM
I think that's pretty much it.