Love this! I hang with a bunch of music people, and nicely, have not encountered an equipment snob. A few of us have the cheap audio-technica starter set the local record stores sell.
I definitely encounter the music snobs and collector snobs 😂 I used to be a music snob, but thankfully friends and my kids have taught me to be more accepting of others’ tastes, as well as admit my own when it strays from what I used to deem as “cool,” or “worthy.”
Thank you, Kristin! Glad to hear you haven’t encountered many snobs. I stopped paying attention to them, or leaving the places they claim as their own. Music-wise it happens a lot to me especially the more commercial stuff I listen to. I find it really sad, but for some people, belittling others seems to be their favourite pastime.
So well said! I've heard from music snobs for most of my life. Sometimes I do feel encouraged by them to check out other types of music but at other times I feel unheard. If a person wants to know why I like what I like, they should listen (or read) about why I like what I like. Ultimately though I make no apologies. What moves me, moves me. If someone won't drop the snobbery, I move on from them! There's no place for negative feedback from know-it-alls! I try to surround myself with people who are more down to earth.
That said, I love your one take videos! Some day I'd love to come there and help you shape what you want to say and show through editing. Every week I shoot about an hour's worth of footage for my Palangeau Park videos which I edit down to 11 to 15 minutes. I don't want to be a SNOB (there are FAR better editors than me) but I really enjoy it. If you ever want to shoot more and send me the footage I'd be happy to help you edit it down. BUT, keep doing what you're doing! People love these. You are fresh, very personable on camera and always have something interesting to say!
Thank you, Dan! I totally agree. I focus on what moves me, and I have very little time for negative or pejorative comments.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoy my one-take-videos! I know I’m probably breaking so many filmmaking rules 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the kind offer, and I’ll definitely take you up on it if and when I decide to do something a bit longer and/or involving moving around more etc.
I do enjoy these sit-down moments though—it’s a great way to share what’s been on my mind in a way that is less polished and more authentic than my “print self” 😊
Your product placement creativity knows no boundaries Andy 😂😂😂 I so love your video's. As for the subject, I am rarely bothered by any of the categories. As a disco kid I am/was usually already "beyond the pale" so they don't even bother (one of the many advantages of disco 😃😃)
Thank you so much, Pe! I’m really glad you enjoy. I have sooo much fun recording them because I can just be myself (for better or worse 😁) without having to worry about choosing the right words and the like.
I totally see what you mean, and in a way, it’s a good thing those pesky snobs didn’t bother you too much! They probably thought you were a lost case… even better this way!
Life is a Tune Tag (or, certainly can be)! Instantly, tunes come to mind, so I'm now singing to myself "Light My Fire" and "Candle in the Wind"! Thank you, Andy!🔥I 'spect a Mariah tune will creep in shortly! A Mariah Popko (is that what they're called?)! That's hilarious! Don't you dare think that SHE doesn't have one! If you still have the box, and see her again, oooh....get her to sign it! Then, with her in the box, you'll have a signed collector's item!
Another wonderful vid...you had me grinnin' and even laughing (I'm a tough laugh!)! It might be embarrassing if my Panera was any more crowded, which, on a late Sunday morning, 'tisn't, really!
You also got me thinking about the age gap/century gap/used vs. original release arenas. In the '70s, when I was in radio and, more to the point, late-'70s retail records, I really can't recall many, if any, snobs. If I encountered anything, it was the first-run genre snobs, who insisted hard rock, say, had it all over punk or new wave, but it was easy to accept and brush off all that noise.
So much time and music has "gone under the bridge" by now, camps and fully-entrenched "pop snobbery" forts (as I've been justly accused of from time to time...my general disdain for the thud rock of the Bon Journeys, por ejemplo, as I lean into, say, the melodicism of power pop) have been erected.
And, as used record stores, now, proliferate, that's the perfect battleground for the overbearing warriors to gather.....so many artists, so many songs, so many albums and singles in the 60+ years of popular rock'n'pop music! There are bound to be boorish oafs who lord their selected heroes over others' favorites! So, your cautions and advice are all perfectly timely in this, the first quarter of the new century!
Thank you so much, Brad! You’ve made me laugh too, as always, with your witty remarks! If I can place products smoothly, you can place tunes even more so! “Can’t Take That Away”, so opportune, not just for the light/shine references but also the inspirational message when dealing with people like snobs who want to bring you down!
Very interesting to hear your perpsective, especially what the scene was like back then. I’m not surprised by the fact that vinyl snobs seem to be a relatively “new” phenomenon, or newly intensified at least, especially post vinyl revival.
Thanks again for your always very valuable contributions to my humble abode! ♥️
That video of hers for that song is incredible! I had no idea she was so fan-attendant and fan-friendly....to that extent, anyway! The collection of videos and notes of hurtin' kids, and her tearful performance....the kids know she hears them! You'd better not make me a fan, young buck!!🤣 JK.....
The more and more I see of her, the more impressed I am of just how genuine and important an artist she is for her fans and for the biz (and, what a role model for those coming up behind her in that lane...this is how you care about your fans, newly-signed young'uns!)....so much more than a large-dollar, glitzy star elevating above her audience....but, you wouldn't dig her so much if she WAS that! You have good taste, my good man!
You’re so right, and I’m really glad you can see that, because it’s something not many will know. Then again, you have a keen eye, plus your industry knowledge, not to mention your sensitivity and artistic perception. She really is a huge role model to many for many reasons. Lots of multiracial kids saw in her the embodiment that it was okay to be different and that it was possible to achieve your goals and be succesful even if you didn’t fit into the mold. Many other fans were able to relate to that from their own POV: sexual orientation, for example, or just generally when you feel you’re the odd one out and there’s supposedly no room for you. Mariah in many ways was there when we didn’t have anyone else to turn to. It sounds so cheesy and corny but many fans really feel she saved their lives. We’re emotional, after all, and well… she’s got us feeling emotions!! 🤣
Snobs are, unfortunately, in all walks and facets of life. Fashion, art, education, culture, food, and even the cities we live in, there are people who look down on places they view as inferior. Record collecting and music are not immune to snobbery. Of course, I think I have great musical tastes and decent knowledge of music, but I recognize that it is all subjective.
Food, I guess, is the one that isn't subjective. There is healthy and unhealthy food. Nobody will have a heart attack listening to what I consider to be shite music. But what somebody decides to put into their body isn't my concern.
Thank you, Michael! Yes, unfortunately snobs tend to appear pretty much everywhere. IMHO it’s less about the quality of what we choose —which can be viewed more or less objectively but, as you rightly point out, is predominantly subjective— but rather about our attitude to what others choose when those choices aren’t aligned with ours. In other words, if we happen to choose fine art, elaborate food, music as an art statement, highly intellectual literature— we’re not being snobs for choosing “refined” things per se. The snobbery would begin if we behaved with an air of superiority because of the choices we make.
I have to come clean and admit that "I was a teenage music snob" - dogmatic about what I thought was good and dismissive of so much else - I once launched a diatribe in the presence of my sister-in-law that caused her to ask my wife later, "What's so bad about Cat Stevens??"
But I changed my ways! As my music tastes broadened and my manners improved with age I learned to appreciate music and art through another person's perspective, and while I didn't always end up liking what they liked, plenty of times I learned to appreciate it and occasionally discover something great. Or at least keep my mouth shut. I do always try to keep my mind open (except about auto-tune)!
Thank you, Hugh! I think it’s brave to admit there were times we were snobbish because I think none of us music fans is without sin.
Interestingly, my biggest idols belong in the mainstream, uber-famous, multi-million record-selling camp. So I’m usually on the receiving end of snobbish comments from “intellectual” “artsy” “indie” music fans. My artists have another thing in common though: exceptional voices and singing talent. So I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t snobbish when critiquing some indie singers, for example. I think with age, maturity and as our tastes evolve (or at least, expand), we can begin to understand that ultimately what matters the most is what moves us —not really a lot we can do to change that— but crucially, that it may not be the same as what moves the next listener. And that’s okay. THAT’s something we can control: our attitude towards other music fans’ tastes and passions. None of us is perfect or has it all figured out, but the most important is to remind ourselves that we thrive in diversity, and music needs us all.
I tend not to let It bother me. I have encountered some through record fairs. I nod and smile at them. It says more about them as a person. But in saying that most people who collect records are sound.
Loved it. Sometimes I find it amusing, like the a post where the author has 3 turntables and 4 custom made briefcases with about 250 cartridges. Probably no different than collecting hockey cards I guess.
What exactly did I, in your view, get “wrong”? Not sure I agree that the music industry is the “enemy” because, to start with, I don’t like to think in absolute terms of friend/foe, enemy/ally etc. Reality tends to be more complex than that. I don’t think there is an enemy per se. But vinyl (and music) snobs exist, and it’s not about what they listen to, or what they say, but more often than not, how they interact with others.
of course they're the enemy. they're set on destroying the grassroots and flooding vinyl factories with even more Sheeran and Coldsore. You're on my side or you're on their side.
Vinyl snobs or vinyl’s knobs? One and the same I think! 😆 Thankfully I haven’t come across many music’s knobs IRL as I’m not crate digging or out buying audio equipment. I do occasionally encounter them online and I’ve had some comments on my Substack from time to time. Depending on the trolliness of the comment I decide whether or not it’s even worth engaging. The reality is that my time and my serenity really aren’t worth getting into it with someone online. Sometimes ignorance (of others) truly is bliss!
Love this! I hang with a bunch of music people, and nicely, have not encountered an equipment snob. A few of us have the cheap audio-technica starter set the local record stores sell.
I definitely encounter the music snobs and collector snobs 😂 I used to be a music snob, but thankfully friends and my kids have taught me to be more accepting of others’ tastes, as well as admit my own when it strays from what I used to deem as “cool,” or “worthy.”
Thank you, Kristin! Glad to hear you haven’t encountered many snobs. I stopped paying attention to them, or leaving the places they claim as their own. Music-wise it happens a lot to me especially the more commercial stuff I listen to. I find it really sad, but for some people, belittling others seems to be their favourite pastime.
So well said! I've heard from music snobs for most of my life. Sometimes I do feel encouraged by them to check out other types of music but at other times I feel unheard. If a person wants to know why I like what I like, they should listen (or read) about why I like what I like. Ultimately though I make no apologies. What moves me, moves me. If someone won't drop the snobbery, I move on from them! There's no place for negative feedback from know-it-alls! I try to surround myself with people who are more down to earth.
That said, I love your one take videos! Some day I'd love to come there and help you shape what you want to say and show through editing. Every week I shoot about an hour's worth of footage for my Palangeau Park videos which I edit down to 11 to 15 minutes. I don't want to be a SNOB (there are FAR better editors than me) but I really enjoy it. If you ever want to shoot more and send me the footage I'd be happy to help you edit it down. BUT, keep doing what you're doing! People love these. You are fresh, very personable on camera and always have something interesting to say!
Thank you, Dan! I totally agree. I focus on what moves me, and I have very little time for negative or pejorative comments.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoy my one-take-videos! I know I’m probably breaking so many filmmaking rules 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the kind offer, and I’ll definitely take you up on it if and when I decide to do something a bit longer and/or involving moving around more etc.
I do enjoy these sit-down moments though—it’s a great way to share what’s been on my mind in a way that is less polished and more authentic than my “print self” 😊
Thanks again!
Your product placement creativity knows no boundaries Andy 😂😂😂 I so love your video's. As for the subject, I am rarely bothered by any of the categories. As a disco kid I am/was usually already "beyond the pale" so they don't even bother (one of the many advantages of disco 😃😃)
Thank you so much, Pe! I’m really glad you enjoy. I have sooo much fun recording them because I can just be myself (for better or worse 😁) without having to worry about choosing the right words and the like.
I totally see what you mean, and in a way, it’s a good thing those pesky snobs didn’t bother you too much! They probably thought you were a lost case… even better this way!
Thanks a lot for watching and commenting 😊
Life is a Tune Tag (or, certainly can be)! Instantly, tunes come to mind, so I'm now singing to myself "Light My Fire" and "Candle in the Wind"! Thank you, Andy!🔥I 'spect a Mariah tune will creep in shortly! A Mariah Popko (is that what they're called?)! That's hilarious! Don't you dare think that SHE doesn't have one! If you still have the box, and see her again, oooh....get her to sign it! Then, with her in the box, you'll have a signed collector's item!
Another wonderful vid...you had me grinnin' and even laughing (I'm a tough laugh!)! It might be embarrassing if my Panera was any more crowded, which, on a late Sunday morning, 'tisn't, really!
You also got me thinking about the age gap/century gap/used vs. original release arenas. In the '70s, when I was in radio and, more to the point, late-'70s retail records, I really can't recall many, if any, snobs. If I encountered anything, it was the first-run genre snobs, who insisted hard rock, say, had it all over punk or new wave, but it was easy to accept and brush off all that noise.
So much time and music has "gone under the bridge" by now, camps and fully-entrenched "pop snobbery" forts (as I've been justly accused of from time to time...my general disdain for the thud rock of the Bon Journeys, por ejemplo, as I lean into, say, the melodicism of power pop) have been erected.
And, as used record stores, now, proliferate, that's the perfect battleground for the overbearing warriors to gather.....so many artists, so many songs, so many albums and singles in the 60+ years of popular rock'n'pop music! There are bound to be boorish oafs who lord their selected heroes over others' favorites! So, your cautions and advice are all perfectly timely in this, the first quarter of the new century!
🔥'Cause there's--
There's a light in me
That shines brightly;
They can try,
But they can't take that away from me!
Thank you so much, Brad! You’ve made me laugh too, as always, with your witty remarks! If I can place products smoothly, you can place tunes even more so! “Can’t Take That Away”, so opportune, not just for the light/shine references but also the inspirational message when dealing with people like snobs who want to bring you down!
Very interesting to hear your perpsective, especially what the scene was like back then. I’m not surprised by the fact that vinyl snobs seem to be a relatively “new” phenomenon, or newly intensified at least, especially post vinyl revival.
Thanks again for your always very valuable contributions to my humble abode! ♥️
That video of hers for that song is incredible! I had no idea she was so fan-attendant and fan-friendly....to that extent, anyway! The collection of videos and notes of hurtin' kids, and her tearful performance....the kids know she hears them! You'd better not make me a fan, young buck!!🤣 JK.....
The more and more I see of her, the more impressed I am of just how genuine and important an artist she is for her fans and for the biz (and, what a role model for those coming up behind her in that lane...this is how you care about your fans, newly-signed young'uns!)....so much more than a large-dollar, glitzy star elevating above her audience....but, you wouldn't dig her so much if she WAS that! You have good taste, my good man!
You’re so right, and I’m really glad you can see that, because it’s something not many will know. Then again, you have a keen eye, plus your industry knowledge, not to mention your sensitivity and artistic perception. She really is a huge role model to many for many reasons. Lots of multiracial kids saw in her the embodiment that it was okay to be different and that it was possible to achieve your goals and be succesful even if you didn’t fit into the mold. Many other fans were able to relate to that from their own POV: sexual orientation, for example, or just generally when you feel you’re the odd one out and there’s supposedly no room for you. Mariah in many ways was there when we didn’t have anyone else to turn to. It sounds so cheesy and corny but many fans really feel she saved their lives. We’re emotional, after all, and well… she’s got us feeling emotions!! 🤣
Thanks again! You’re da bomb!
Snobs are, unfortunately, in all walks and facets of life. Fashion, art, education, culture, food, and even the cities we live in, there are people who look down on places they view as inferior. Record collecting and music are not immune to snobbery. Of course, I think I have great musical tastes and decent knowledge of music, but I recognize that it is all subjective.
Food, I guess, is the one that isn't subjective. There is healthy and unhealthy food. Nobody will have a heart attack listening to what I consider to be shite music. But what somebody decides to put into their body isn't my concern.
Thank you, Michael! Yes, unfortunately snobs tend to appear pretty much everywhere. IMHO it’s less about the quality of what we choose —which can be viewed more or less objectively but, as you rightly point out, is predominantly subjective— but rather about our attitude to what others choose when those choices aren’t aligned with ours. In other words, if we happen to choose fine art, elaborate food, music as an art statement, highly intellectual literature— we’re not being snobs for choosing “refined” things per se. The snobbery would begin if we behaved with an air of superiority because of the choices we make.
I have to come clean and admit that "I was a teenage music snob" - dogmatic about what I thought was good and dismissive of so much else - I once launched a diatribe in the presence of my sister-in-law that caused her to ask my wife later, "What's so bad about Cat Stevens??"
But I changed my ways! As my music tastes broadened and my manners improved with age I learned to appreciate music and art through another person's perspective, and while I didn't always end up liking what they liked, plenty of times I learned to appreciate it and occasionally discover something great. Or at least keep my mouth shut. I do always try to keep my mind open (except about auto-tune)!
And yeah, what's so bad about Cat Stevens?
Thank you, Hugh! I think it’s brave to admit there were times we were snobbish because I think none of us music fans is without sin.
Interestingly, my biggest idols belong in the mainstream, uber-famous, multi-million record-selling camp. So I’m usually on the receiving end of snobbish comments from “intellectual” “artsy” “indie” music fans. My artists have another thing in common though: exceptional voices and singing talent. So I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t snobbish when critiquing some indie singers, for example. I think with age, maturity and as our tastes evolve (or at least, expand), we can begin to understand that ultimately what matters the most is what moves us —not really a lot we can do to change that— but crucially, that it may not be the same as what moves the next listener. And that’s okay. THAT’s something we can control: our attitude towards other music fans’ tastes and passions. None of us is perfect or has it all figured out, but the most important is to remind ourselves that we thrive in diversity, and music needs us all.
Thanks for being here.
I tend not to let It bother me. I have encountered some through record fairs. I nod and smile at them. It says more about them as a person. But in saying that most people who collect records are sound.
Thank you, Anne! That’s a very wise move. I totally agree their snobbery says more about themselves than anything else.
Loved it. Sometimes I find it amusing, like the a post where the author has 3 turntables and 4 custom made briefcases with about 250 cartridges. Probably no different than collecting hockey cards I guess.
Thank you, Clark! Yes, that’s true. They probably feel the need to overcompensate for something else, one can only assume 😅
The little radio/record player/ Bluetooth thing I have in my living room is almost exactly like the one in your picture lol
Stylish!
You got it wrong. The music industry are the enemy not discerning music fans.
What exactly did I, in your view, get “wrong”? Not sure I agree that the music industry is the “enemy” because, to start with, I don’t like to think in absolute terms of friend/foe, enemy/ally etc. Reality tends to be more complex than that. I don’t think there is an enemy per se. But vinyl (and music) snobs exist, and it’s not about what they listen to, or what they say, but more often than not, how they interact with others.
of course they're the enemy. they're set on destroying the grassroots and flooding vinyl factories with even more Sheeran and Coldsore. You're on my side or you're on their side.
Vinyl snobs or vinyl’s knobs? One and the same I think! 😆 Thankfully I haven’t come across many music’s knobs IRL as I’m not crate digging or out buying audio equipment. I do occasionally encounter them online and I’ve had some comments on my Substack from time to time. Depending on the trolliness of the comment I decide whether or not it’s even worth engaging. The reality is that my time and my serenity really aren’t worth getting into it with someone online. Sometimes ignorance (of others) truly is bliss!
Thank you, Mark! I love the word play there! Yes, online knobs can be insufferable. Fortunately there aren’t (that) many around here!
Perhaps playing fewer video games a day could help with that goodies and baddies mentality. I wish you well.