Call me a farmgirl, but something that still doesn’t make sense to me after five and a half years in New York City is people rapping along to their iPods. It seems like once you know the words, rapping takes basically no talent. Rhythm is important, sure, but anybody with functioning vocal cords can talk along to the beat.
I don’t exactly “get” anyone who makes audible noises on the train or the sidewalk, but I can at least appreciate someone singing along to quote-unquote real music, like the guy covering a Marvin Gaye song on the 7 the other night so low and sweet I’m not sure anyone else heard him. But I always wonder if maybe there’s an alternate universe where men all over the city are scoring girls based on their talking skills.
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I hate subway musicians, I really do. Did I tell you about the time that I was in NYC to basically pick up my brother before we went to Florida together? We had to run downtown to drop something off with his girlfriend (now wife), and when we started walking towards the 1&9 platform at 24th street station, I started hearing music and got really annoyed. It kept getting louder, which made me more annoyed because it meant it was on our platform. We went downstairs and passed the musician and I was ready to give them the evil eye. It was Matt Bivins.
Haha, 1/9. You’re so oldschool.
I think I actually like all subway musicians except the bucket-beating ones. And even those I don’t mind if they’re far away from me. Kamran and I actually bought a CD from Chancius after seeing him in the 6th Ave. 7 station a few times. He kind of reminds me of the Michigan band The Waxwings, who I can see you liking.
But Matt Bivins! That’s hilarious. I hope you didn’t give him a dollar, though.
And by 24th street station I meant 34th. Dang. Anyway. Waxwings, huh? I’m always up for new music. And no, no dollar for Matt. But he gave me a hug and played me happy birthday because, funny enough, it was in fact my birthday. Also, my brother looked back to see me hugging a subway musician and was pretty confused. To this day my brother calls him “tin whistle Matt.”
Because I can’t remember lyrics to save my life, I’m slightly more impressed, but I know what you mean. If you have no musical talent, you should let the iPod do its thing – that’s why you have it, right? Anyway, I have to admit that I’m the kind of person that loves to *dance* to music only I can hear (I’m talking headphones here, people, don’t get cute!), so if those folks bother you, too, sorry to say I’m part of that crowd. :)
“like the guy covering a Marvin Gaye song on the 7 the other night so low and sweet I’m not sure anyone else heard him.”
Your wording here gave me chills. This is exactly the sort of thing I love.
There are a couple students at the high school where I teach that sit around and just play their guitars, and it sounds so pretty and peaceful. I love music in public places when it’s good.
I don’t like it when people sing and talk to themselves in public, which is one of the reasons I really hate those bluetooth ear pieces. Rapping or otherwise, I’d still give them my “you’re crazy” look and get as far away as possible.
You know what’s worse than singers AND rappers?
WHISTLERS.
Whistlers – HAHAHHAHAHH