The Art(s) of Recommendation

I consume music constantly – while I’m sitting on a subway, falling asleep in my bed, writing a late-night paper because I’m a procrastinAsian, etc. But sometimes I go through phases of disliking all of my music and I crave something new.

I find the social processes behind music recommendation and discovery so interesting. As writer Rob Sheffield says, “It’s a fundamental human need to pass music around, and however the technology evolves, the music keeps moving.” Some people are always open to experimentation and open discovery. Others are less adventurous and need to be coaxed out of their safety zones. I think the best music discoveries are found in serendipitous encounters, but it sometimes helps to check out what people recommend. Considering the amount of music available on the LES, sometimes it helps to have a little guidance.

Ken Beasley compiled a list of upcoming concerts to check out on the Lower East Side this weekend. Beasley of bands Ken Beasley & Co. and Missy Sport, is also a curator of the music series Underground at the Abrons. The Abrons Art Center is a venue devoted to bringing the arts to the Lower East Side through “diverse, cutting-edge performances; exhibitions/artist residencies; classes and workshops for all ages, including pre-professional training for youth; and arts-in-education programming at public schools.”

Anyway, he recommends Bowery Ballroom, Pianos and the Living Room this weekend to check out his picks via the Lo Down: http://www.thelodownny.com/leslog/2010/10/weekend-music-picks-10.html#more-19043.

And all of these music venues are frequently reviewed in Yelp’s LES section.

On the other end of the spectrum, there is music you don’t recommend. The kind you want to ban entirely. Surprisingly, Parkside Lounge is a bar that has zero tolerance for Lady Gaga. The LES used to be her home, but apparently not everyone is a fan.

The divey Parkside Lounge at 317 East Houston, situated just a few blocks near her old stomping grounds, issued a stern looseleaf-paper warning to all jukebox-playing patrons. No Gaga tracks, or else you will be shamed! It reads:

via Bowery Boogie

Huh, looks like no one will be discovering Gaga music at this bar. Unless they want to be a dollar or so poorer.