Topic: Music For a Twelve Year Old Brother (Read 19014 times)

MusicScribbles · « **on:** 10 Oct 2006, 14:19 »

My wittle brother is having his thirteenth (oh boy!) birthday in a few days and has no idea what kind of music he likes. He isn't into the Beatles, doesn't care for mainstream music at all (Including rap.), and has listened to a bit of Modest Mouse and Broken Social Scene and liked the latter a bit better, but my problem is that I need to get him some music to introduce him to the pleasure of listening. I need to get him something he'll like, which presents a problem, because I can't think of anything. Help? (What do you get for a kid who is on a soccer premier team, is turning thirteen, and hates the music that such a minority is generalized as liking?)

Ally · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Oct 2006, 14:23 »

GET HIM ISLANDS

EVERYONE LIKES ISLANDS

(Or, y'know, burn him a mix of lots of things. That way he can say, "Oh! Wow! I like this song, even though the one before it was awful. I'm gonna ask my older brother/sister to burn me more of that.")

Gryff · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Oct 2006, 14:27 »

Plus, then you don't have to spend any money!

MusicScribbles · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Oct 2006, 14:32 »

Hah, that would be nice, but I don't have any cd's I can use to burn right now, and buying a pack is tedious, as I'm not sure I'll use the rest of the cd's. Hmm, would Guided By Voices make the cut?

BeoPuppy · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Oct 2006, 14:42 »

'Oh, just wait ... Khar will sort you out.'

'Anal cunt!'

There. Did the standards.

13. I loved Bon Jovi when I was 13. And Europe. What do they listen to these days ... rap, godawful dance shyte ...

I would get him something I am passionate about and see where that leads. It's hard to recommend music that you don't believe in. So, I'd say: get him what you are absolutely frantic about. At least then you can present it to him with genuine enthousiasm.

But: save the receipt.

minkles · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Oct 2006, 16:32 »

Franz Ferdinand.

NOT Lightning Bolt.

salada · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Oct 2006, 16:37 »

Quote from: minkles on 10 Oct 2006, 16:32

Lightning Bolt.

NOT Franz Ferdinand.

FIX'D

minkles · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Oct 2006, 16:47 »

Lightning Bolt are awesome. But one should wait until at least... 14 or 15.

Mikendher · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Oct 2006, 16:55 »

I have actually made such a mix for such a kid before, with some success (50% hit percentage):

1. The Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies) HIT
2. Broken Social Scene - Stars and Sons MISS
3. Blur - Song 2 HIT
4. Elliott Smith - Angeles MISS
5. Wolf Parade - I'll Believe in Anything MISS
6. Modest Mouse - Float On HIT
7. The Dandy Warhols - Bohemian Like You HIT
8. The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize MISS
9. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out HIT
10. Architecture in Helsinki - Fumble MISS

valley_parade · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Oct 2006, 14:52 »

Elliott Smith a miss? What's up with that kid?

Spinless · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Oct 2006, 15:12 »

Whenever Tommy says 'worst cover art ever', he totally means 'best cover art FUCKING ever'.

Make a mix. CDRs are CHEAP.

Don't try to cram too many 'great songs' into it. Just pick the most accessible songs by good bands.

ImRonBurgundy? · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Oct 2006, 16:14 »

The Aquabats! My sister is twelve, and she loves them. She also likes surf music.

Scandanavian War Machine · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Oct 2006, 16:25 »

Hollywood Rose

you cant go wrong. and dont say you can either.

soft_repose · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Oct 2006, 18:34 »

Quote from: tommydski on 10 Oct 2006, 16:23

i think you can't go wrong with the new pornographers' first album 'mass romantic'.
it's just inspired pop music which is very difficult not to like. worst cover art ever though.

I agree! I was listening to this album today and I felt the need to share it with my boyfriend, who has, shokingly enough as he is dating me, never heard them before. He unsurprisingly liked it. They really are hard not to like.

IronOxide · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 Oct 2006, 19:18 »

Accuse me of working to hard on the "crafting" of a music nerd, but I think at 12 you should be stressing the classics. Get some Floyd, Zappa, XTC, the stuff that's important and formative.

If you want to just give him some hipster stuff, New Pornographers = Very Yes. Aquabats are also a good reccomentdation. Probably should steer away from anything too emmasculating like Iron & Wine and Sufjan Stevens. The Pillows could also possibly go over well and are fun to listen to.

ImRonBurgundy? · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 Oct 2006, 21:48 »

I made my sister a mix CD a while back that contained Starlight Mints, Man or Astro-Man?, Streetlight Manifesto, Jets to Brazil, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Laika & the Cosmonauts, The Soviettes, The Phenomenauts, Scared of Chaka, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, The Weakerthans, Bikeride, The Promise Ring, Pixies, Majestic, Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, Face to Face, and The Ventures, among others. It went over pretty well, from what I remember.

Johnny C · « **Reply #16 on:** 13 Oct 2006, 22:30 »

Quote from: tommydski on 10 Oct 2006, 16:23

worst cover art ever though.

Okay. So. I have a far worse album cover. It is for Raffi's 1977 record, Adult Entertainment. Sadly, the entire internet appears to be involved in a conspiracy to pretend that the record just doesn't exist. Eventually, I'll take a photo of it, so the fog can be lifted.

Also, the cover art for Mass Romantic is ace. That it's found art makes it that much better.

KharBevNor · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 Oct 2006, 23:20 »

I've got my little sister hooked on Nightwish, Cruachan, Lacuna Coil, Tristania, Blackmore's Night, Theatre of Tragedy, Type O Negative, Moonspell, Jack Off Jill and Skyclad, amongst others.

Saving her from emo, yo.

Trollstormur · « **Reply #18 on:** 14 Oct 2006, 00:24 »

That's a good idea. now if I only cared enough about my siblings to save them this way.

oh well.

TrueNeutral · « **Reply #19 on:** 14 Oct 2006, 02:44 »

Get some Eels.

Specifically Daisies To The Galaxy.

Everyone who doesn't like Daisies To The Galaxy is just an utterly cranky bastard.

Valrus · « **Reply #20 on:** 14 Oct 2006, 05:59 »

Only problem with Mass Romantic is that "Letter from an Occupant" is so God damn good that it took me a while to realize the rest of the album is pretty awesome as well. Also, I second Islands. He says "fuck" in one song and that's totally awesome when you're twelve.

BeoPuppy · « **Reply #21 on:** 14 Oct 2006, 06:08 »

It's totally awesome regardless what age.

Let's face it. A good 'fuck' never goes amiss.

Or something.

kablaaamo · « **Reply #22 on:** 14 Oct 2006, 11:32 »

I have a brother almost exactly like that, except he's fifteen.

I had kind of despaired for his music taste for a while (he just listened to rap and the 'pump up' kind of music that athletes all seem to like, it's strange) but then, about a year and a half ago, my Arcade Fire disappeared. Which made me pissed off at myself, because I'm disorganized like that and I thought I had lost it. Oh no. He had stolen it. I wasn't TOO angry about the disappearance afterwards. Since then, my Broken Social Scene and Modest Mouse have similarly disappeared, which is why I feel qualified to give you advice.

I think your brother will like Spoon. My brother absolutely loves Spoon. The two newest albums are his favourites so perhaps you could try either of those.

Spinless · « **Reply #23 on:** 14 Oct 2006, 12:08 »

When people take music recommendations from me, they couldn't give a shit about the actual music. They take them because they wanna be cool.

Now, guys, new topic.

Mass Romantic's cover art: Hit or Miss?

BrittanyMarie · « **Reply #24 on:** 14 Oct 2006, 14:41 »

HIT

I am all for the makeouts.

ComfortEagle · « **Reply #25 on:** 14 Oct 2006, 14:49 »

Quote from: TrueNeutral on 14 Oct 2006, 02:44

Get some Eels.

Specifically Daisies To The Galaxy.

Everyone who doesn't like Daisies To The Galaxy is just an utterly cranky bastard.

That's your answer to everything.
Oh you got cancer? Listen to some Eels.
(Not that the Eels don't cure cancer.)

Night Rocker · « **Reply #26 on:** 14 Oct 2006, 22:53 »

WHAT THE FUCKING FUCK GUYS? ONLY ONE PERSON HAS MENTIONED JETS TO BRAZIL? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU GUYS?

sorry, but come on!

Jeridus · « **Reply #27 on:** 14 Oct 2006, 23:06 »

I agree with Jets To Brazil... maybe. Cause it's for what, a thirteen year old?

Jawbreaker. And maybe some new-ish minus the bear (Menos El Oso has Pachuca Sunrise, which is awesome and catchy as sin, and segues well enough into the rest)

*Sights* · « **Reply #28 on:** 15 Oct 2006, 00:51 »

I've never known if it's cool or not to like Minus the Bear. I don't wanna be left alone with the uncool crowd in these forums...

Why don't you give him money as his present with the condition that he must buy something with music in it. And, when he has done so you could be more apt to recommend him some good music according to his tastes.

He could also dissapoint you completely, but hey...

If not, try getting him anything by The Weakerthans. *Blushes at the suggestion because he has been listening to "Plea from a cat named Vrtue"for over an hour now*

Johnny C · « **Reply #29 on:** 15 Oct 2006, 02:55 »

How is it that in a thread about music thirteen-year-olds will like we have somehow not mentioned Architecture In Helsinki yet?

And MR's cover art is total hit.

Luke C · « **Reply #30 on:** 15 Oct 2006, 04:09 »

The Wallflowers - Rebel, Sweethart. Excellent album, Jakob Dylan on vocals doing a brilliant job.

Its really mellow and good to listen to.

theherocomplex · « **Reply #31 on:** 19 Oct 2006, 11:40 »

I heartily agree with "Mass Romantic". Oooh, and Islands!

I would recommend Headlights, too.

Oli · « **Reply #32 on:** 19 Oct 2006, 12:15 »

Quote from: Johnny C on 15 Oct 2006, 02:55

How is it that in a thread about music thirteen-year-olds will like we have somehow not mentioned Architecture In Helsinki yet?

When I was 13 I'm pretty sure I would have thought AiH were totally gae. Although I would have probably secretly liked them.

QuarterFire · « **Reply #33 on:** 19 Oct 2006, 12:35 »

Sprinkle Black Sabbath in.

Black Sabbath is good.

loyalpeon · « **Reply #34 on:** 19 Oct 2006, 13:10 »

No 12 year old child should be without Roxette!

Having said that, I also agree with all the New Pornographers love.

Felix_ · « **Reply #35 on:** 19 Oct 2006, 13:18 »

Devourment - "Butcher The Weak"

He'll love it.

Will · « **Reply #36 on:** 19 Oct 2006, 18:48 »

Is it weird that I was into Zao when I was 13?

jcknbl · « **Reply #37 on:** 20 Oct 2006, 00:53 »

Someone mentioned XTC before and this might be the right answer. That singles collection is just perfect.

Is it possible he just doesn't like music? Has anyone here ever met anyone who didn't like music?

I think the Mass Romantic cover-art is a miss. Making out is a plus but the creepy art technique is a huge minus.

Inlander · « **Reply #38 on:** 20 Oct 2006, 01:15 »

Tommy, worst cover art ever? Somebody needs to go back and look at his copy of Remain in Light again!

As to the original point of the thread: you want something that's going to introduce him to the joy of listening to music, huh? Have you considered classical music? Get a nice recording of Beethoven's 6th symphony (the "Pastoral" symphony - the Deutsche Grammophon recording by the Berling Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Herbert von Karajan, is sublime), sit him down, pop it in the C.D. player, and crank it up to 11. If everyone within earshot isn't a dribbling puddle of happiness by the end of it then I'm sorry, but you're living in a closed community of philistines and there is no hope for any of you.

I guess my point is: don't feel like you have to introduce him to rock or pop. He's starting on the bumpy road to adulthood: you have to get in there early with the understanding that a person should listen to as wide a variety of good music as is possible, regardless of whether it's "cool" or not.

TrueNeutral · « **Reply #39 on:** 21 Oct 2006, 07:12 »

Quote from: ComfortEagle on 14 Oct 2006, 14:49

Quote from: TrueNeutral on 14 Oct 2006, 02:44
Get some Eels.

Specifically Daisies To The Galaxy.

Everyone who doesn't like Daisies To The Galaxy is just an utterly cranky bastard.

That's your answer to everything.
Oh you got cancer? Listen to some Eels.
(Not that the Eels don't cure cancer.)

Quite the opposite.

"Cancer for the cure"

Foot Foot · « **Reply #40 on:** 21 Oct 2006, 11:51 »

Hmm. The mixed CD has always been my approach in situations like this.
And him not liking BSS is definitely a setback... Perhaps a different song?
Then again, the best way to go about it is with a good balance of different sounds, since he doesn't have a personal taste yet.

Tapes 'n Tapes - Jakov's Suite, Cowbell, or Insistor would all be interesting choices.
Broken Social Scene - 7/4 Shoreline
The Pixies - Where Is My Mind?
Clor - Love + Pain
Sigur Ros - Meo Bloonasir
Minus the Bear - Women We Haven't Met Yet
Pedro the Lion - Rapture
Unwed Sailor - Firecracker
Mogwai - I Can't Remember
The Format - The First Single

But that's just me. Hope it works out!

jolijn · « **Reply #41 on:** 21 Oct 2006, 13:03 »

The Terrible Twos

:0

Skibas_clavicle · « **Reply #42 on:** 21 Oct 2006, 18:25 »

When I you're thirteen, your music needs to be melodic, fun and not too quirky or violently fast. Quirk scares the youngins'. Or so I recall from being thirteen. Slow, sappy songs are also pointless because most 13 year olds wouldn't find any of the lyrical content relevant if they bothered listening. Or so I recall from being thirteen. My suggestions:

Metric
Weezer
Rilo Kiley
Beulah
Most Serene Republic
Motion City Soundtrack
Anything associated with Mike Park (<3)
Pavement (MEBBE)
Pixies
Spoon
Of Montreal (Might be a little too gay for a 13 year old but hey, worth a shot!)
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Alkaline Trio

KharBevNor · « **Reply #43 on:** 21 Oct 2006, 20:48 »

Why does everyone want to turn this poor child into a huge faggot? Maybe he does not want to go that road! When I was 12 I listened to music of varying quality that RAWKED, such as Deep Purple, Meatloaf, The Sex Pistols, Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin, Stiff Little Fingers, Pink Floyd etc. as well as Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. Then I moved on to Rammstein and Metallica and the course was set from there.

All I'm saying is, if the kid is latently straight, you're gonna make the kid gay, and if he's latently gay, you are going to make him into liberace. Then again, I like teh cock, so all that rockin' music maybe isn't the way forward on that one.

All silliness aside, if the kids hormones are not now pumping, they soon will be. Give him something with some teeth! Not many teeth, and quite small ones, but some all the same. Remember that to a 12 year old all rock bands sound 10 times heavier and 20 times more awesome than they actually are. You also need something with simple rebellious themes and another with an easy logo so he can doodle something in his exercise books, and at least one song that is actually a really simple innuendo that he won't realise till he's 13 and then get incredibly embarrased.

Felix_ · « **Reply #44 on:** 21 Oct 2006, 20:52 »

I think you people should give him a Motorhead album, a Pink Floyd album, a Pavement album, a Velvet Underground album, Megadeth's "Rust In Peace", R.E.M.'s "Document", some Miles Davis, "Badmotorfinger" from Soundgarden, something from the Replacements and probably the Pixes, and then see what happens.

Scytale · « **Reply #45 on:** 22 Oct 2006, 02:02 »

When I was 13 I thought The Offsprings "Smash" was the shit...

A while after that a friend lent me "Throwing Copper" by Live and a cassete of various Smashing Pumpkins songs. Thats when I really started paying attention to what I was listening too.

I didn't get into metal till I was 15 and I was lent an Iron Maiden Cd (Powerslave).

I don't know if you'll have much luck with you're brother. My sister who is two years younger then me never liked any of the stuff I was in to, with the exception of The Smashing Pumpkins, nowadays she's basically listens to Silverchair exclusively

...

Johnny C · « **Reply #46 on:** 22 Oct 2006, 13:57 »

Quote from: KharBevNor on 21 Oct 2006, 20:48

Remember that to a 12 year old all rock bands sound 10 times heavier and 20 times more awesome than they actually are.

Meaning The New Pornographers, then, is a good call.

strawberry_gashes · « **Reply #47 on:** 22 Oct 2006, 14:25 »

Johnny C, you know Mclusky? They are awesome!

P.S. I am not really recommending then for your sib, though... although I did love them in 7th grade!

Johnny C · « **Reply #48 on:** 23 Oct 2006, 10:38 »

Quote from: strawberry_gashes on 22 Oct 2006, 14:25

Johnny C, you know Mclusky?? They are awesome!

You knowing them in Grade 7 is awesomer. A lot of folk on this forum are Mclusky fans. Sadly I think there are maybe nine or ten Mclusky fans where I live and I am not making that statistic up.

Getting the kid into dissonant music is good, but frankly I wouldn't foist a lot of over-canonized, radio-friendly classic rock like Floyd, Zeppelin or the like on the kid unless you want him to turn into One Of Those Teenagers who wears ugly-ass classic rock hoodies and plays Paul Reed Smith guitars exclusively unless he can find a really nice Fender and grows long hair that he doesn't bother washing or combing and is always really awkward in a lot of social situations and graduates high school having developed a penchant for only two things, i.e. nodding one's head to groovy music while stoned and getting stoned. The other reason is that those bands are all really well known. I mean, yes they are good gateway bands because they're on the radio and all, but there are a lot better and equally accessible bands that he isn't going to run into on a near-daily basis for the rest of his life.

Here:

Quote from: Felix_

I think you people should give him a Motorhead album, a Pink Floyd album, a Pavement album, a Velvet Underground album, Megadeth's "Rust In Peace", R.E.M.'s "Document", some Miles Davis, "Badmotorfinger" from Soundgarden, something from the Replacements and probably the Pixes, and then see what happens.

First one no, second one no, third one yes, fourth one yes, fifth one no, six one yes, seventh one yes, eighth one no, last two yes. I said no to those because he is bound to run into those bands anyways and I mean he is bound to investigate them. I went through a Floyd phase, a Megadeth phase, and a Classic Metal phase. I said no to Soundgarden because I hate Soundgarden and wouldn't wish anything Chris Cornell's ever done on my worst enemy.

See how this should work? Stuff that's really good but he isn't familiar with. Diverse stuff. This is how you do it, folks.

KharBevNor · « **Reply #49 on:** 23 Oct 2006, 12:10 »

Sir.

Did you just seriously suggest NOT going out your way to get a kid into Motorhead?

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Author Topic: Music For a Twelve Year Old Brother (Read 19014 times)

Ally

Mikendher

Spinless

soft_repose

TrueNeutral

kablaaamo

Spinless

Night Rocker

Jeridus

theherocomplex

Felix_

jcknbl

TrueNeutral

Foot Foot

jolijn

Felix_

Scytale

strawberry_gashes