I’ll Never Understand Musical Genres

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Cory Branan

I thought maybe it was time to put together a new play list, so I went off searching for tracks on Rhapsody.  The genres of the songs that came up amused me.  I was surprised by the variety and by the nature of many of them.  Some were simple and frequently used, like Vocal Jazz, Folk, Pop…  Then there were other genres that I knew, but that it was hard to tell the difference between.  Like what is the difference between Americana, Folk Pop, Alt Country and plain old Folk?  And there were the bizarre ones that I had never heard of. What about Pop Punk, Post-modern Pop, Adult Alternative and Alt/Punk?  What are they and what is the difference between them? Anyway, here is the play list.  Enjoy!

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Bettye LaVette

  • “Cold War,” Janelle Monae-She just released her second album, but I just discovered her and I love it.  Funky, cool!
  • “Whiskey Grove,” Cory Branan: Cory Branan is a singer/songwriter in the best of the tradition.  I saw him in the Bluebird Cafe tent of the Country Throwdown tour, and he can do country with the best of ’em.  But he also rocks!  In a big way!
  • “Sorry Man,” The Avett Brothers:  The genre under which you’ll find these guys is “Alt country.”  A lot of the artists I really like are in this category, but I have not clear idea what artists are Alt Country and which are in other genres.  I like ’em.
  • “You are the Best Thing,” Ray LaMontagne: He’s listed under “Adult Alternative,” another genre I don’t really understand.
  • “Brown eyed Girl,” Van Morrison: Listed under Classic Rock, as you might expect.
  • “Boozille,” Rim.K: Rap, Hip-Hop by this Maghrebi immigrant from France.
  • “C’est la Vie,” Chely Wright: Chely Wright just came out at a lesbian, but she’s always been a pretty good singer-songwriter.  She’s listed as “New Country.”  As for what separates “New Country” from “Country,”  well, I’d appreciate it if you could tell me.
  • “Running Out,” Scissor Sisters: Post modern Pop, according to Rhapsody.  Hmm?
  • “I Don’t wanna Be the One,” Lucero: They’re listed at Alt Coutry, but their description says they “make twangy punk that’s in the proud tradition of Uncle Tupelo.”
  • “You Give Me Something,” Jamiroquai: Their genre is listed as “Acid Jazz,” whatever the hell that is.  No matter what their genre, they are funky and original.  Get on your feet and dance.
  • “Datna,” Sawt el Atlas: This is a pair of young Moroccans, listed as Raï, but that’s not accurate.  Raï is a very specific genre that sprang up from a region of Algeria.  This is more of a North African Pop.
  • “You Don’t Dry Like I Do,”  Chris Isaak: San Francisco based Pop by the crooner with the golden voice.
  • “Heartbeat,” Enrique Iglesias: This song by the Latin pop star features Nicole Scherzinger
  • “Idaho,” Josh Ritter: He’s listed under “Americana” a genre that seems to encompass all artists who have an awareness of their roots in American musical history.  It is sometimes called “Roots Music.”
  • “See You at Seven,” Tom Harrell: He’s a jazz horn Player, listed as Hard Bop, whatever that means!
  • “Fiddlin’ Around,” Dierks Bentley: From his new album, a bluegrass record, recorded with the Traveling McCourys.
  • “Window Seat,” Erykah Badu: I didn’t look up her genre, but she’s amazing.  A soul singer of the first rank.
  • “Aynotchesh Yererfu,” The Budos Band: iTunes says this is “Retro Soul.”  I’ll take their word for it.  All I can say is that I like it.
  • “Genius,” Kings of Leon: Rock & Roll by this Atlanta based group. Rhapsody says you’ll find them under Garage Band Revival.
  • “Streets of Philadelphia,” Bettye LaVette: This truly great soul singer takes on Springsteen’s song, the title track for Jonathan Demme’s film Philadelphia.

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