Music

Here is Snaaman's quick guide to music. 

Look no further because you will find all you need on these humble pages.

We start with Folk.

You can spot Folk musicians by their earnest and determined look. This genre deals with relationships, loss, separation (and the Navy if the lyrics mention ropes or heave away). The songs tend to be a tad depressing.

They sometimes sing with one finger in their ear and use strange language (if you hear Eng-er-land in association with Rolling Main, then you are probably listening to folk music). If you wish to make Folk louder then you ask the audience to join in because amplifiers are not encouraged by purists.

Folk music often brings with it  Morris Dancing. Be aware that this in turn involves Beer and Beards.

 

Blues

The first thing to realise is that Blues and Folk are not the same thing. Blues is nothing to do with Jazz because it uses a simple tune repeated all through the song whereas Jazz generally dispenses with both tune and lyrics. 

Blues songs are not inherently depressing but they concern themselves with relationships, loss, separation and anger. Blues can be made louder by shouting, but more often amplifiers are used.

Busking

This is a mysterious pursuit of musicians. They seem to be content to stand outside retail outlets playing and singing for free. Passers by do contribute coins, but this surely cannot be construed as a regular income. Even when no coins are offered, they still play on. A wide variety of music is used for busking, including Folk and Blues discussed above. Some occasionally even play violin music. There are no recorded cases of successful busking with Jazz.

Violins

The Violin features in Folk music, in which case it is called a Fiddle. You may spot a Violin associated with a Blues song, but this is actually called Country Music. Professional violinists may be seen on street corners busking.

You make violin music louder by adding more violins, but note: If you see more than three violins then this is probably an orchestra playing classical music. If you had come expecting Folk or Blues, then now is a good time to leave.


Next, the darker side of music.