There have been a few bands that I hated so adamantly, that it took me years to wake up and appreciate them. Each of these bands was a pretty big plate of crow, but here’s why I hated them and why I changed my mind.
- Grateful Dead – Linda used to threaten me with having to listen to the Dead (I countered by threatening to play Napalm Death). I hated the whole neo-hippie thing that exploded after the success of “Touch of Gray” and I hated the drug culture thing. Then I started to realize that there’s a lot more to deadhead culture than just drugs. For instance, the Dead are one of the few big bands who allow taping of shows. Once I got over the culture thing, I realized that the Dead might be the best example of American music out there. A deep knowledge of music, particularly traditional music, that elludes most bands permeates their music. I’m still not a huge fan, but I do listen occasionally and Linda can no longer use it as a threat.
- The Cure – Robert Smith is whiney and over-dramatic. A lot of the Cure’s fans seem emulate that. They get under my skin. Eventually, I gave in a little and admitted that the Cure were “important,” but I still couldn’t stomach them. Then I finally broke down and listened to Disintegration. Who was I to argue? If over-dramatic whining produces that, I can live with it.
- Fleetwood Mac – I never minded the old blues rock Fleetwood Mac that was dominated by Peter Green, Danny Kirwan and Jeremy Spencer , but I hated the later Buckingham/Nicks dominated stuff. Maybe I’d heard the hits too many times, I dunno. Anyway, Chuck finally convinced me to give Fleetwood Mac and Rumours another chance. Once again, I was just plain wrong. Those albums are full of good songs, so much so that Stevie Nicks terrible voice doesn’t even bother me.
- Limp Bizkit – I’m only kidding! They suck.
So, the lesson here is to avoid painting yourself into a corner, especially if your objection is based on something silly (like my issues with the Dead or the Cure).