This new series, “Meeting in the Middle, is designed to help you and your new love find common ground in the little areas of life.
One of the best tests of a new relationship is THE ROAD TRIP. Nothing gets you past the typical niceness of an early relationship and into reality quicker than seven hours of highway drive time with just the two of you.
One of the first issues that you’ll have to consider during your road trip is music. Many a couple has had a rude awakening during that first glance through their respective CD collections or iPod playlists. “He seems so nice, but all he listens to is HEAVY METAL,” wrote a recent eHarmony user who was coming to terms with exactly how much her love of Chopin mattered to her love life.
So exactly how DO you handle a music mismatch? What happens when you discover that you love James Hetfield and he/she loves James Blunt?
We’ve discovered some hybrid musical genres that combine styles that might seem completely incompatible. It’s an eHarmony music matching moment.
Country vs. Punk
If your record collection is stocked with Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, George Strait and George Jones, the thought of riding for hours with someone who loves The Ramones, Generation X and Black Flag may have you rethinking the relationship. But have no fear! CowPunk is here!
CowPunk is exactly what you might think – a hybrid genre that got its start in Southern California in the 1980s and spread to more traditional country music regions. It has the look and feel of country music with the attitude (and tempo) of punk.
Check out:
Jason and the Scorchers – Clear Impetuous Morning
Drive By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera
Hank Williams III (that’s right, Hank Williams’ grandson) – Lovesick, Broke and Driftin’
Electronica vs. Easy Listening
Some of the most well- known and important vocalists of all time fall into the Easy Listening category: Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Anne Murray, Johnny Mathis and, of course, Frank Sinatra. While the term “electronica” has a bit of a negative connation to those within the community, we’re talking about electronic dance music – made famous by artists like Daft Punk, Orbital, Underworld and Paul Oakenfold.
For our money the best middle ground is to be found in the Lounge genre. It takes the rhythm and mood of electronic music and uses classic, melodic vocals to give the songs structure and that certain, “hum-ability.”
Check out:
Portishead – Portishead
Air – Moon Safari
Massive Attack – Protection (While not strictly Lounge, this classic album was instrumental in mixing pristine female vocals and soothing rhythm.)
Classical vs. Classic Rock
If there were ever two musical camps that seem divided by 12 notes, it’s classical and classic rock. And if your classic rock taste slides to the heavy end of the scale, there’s a chance that seven hours in the car together might drive your new romantic interest right out the door and onto the shoulder.
We’ve discovered a collection of CDs that does an excellent job of bringing both sides together. They are string quartet arrangements of some of classic rock’s biggest artists. The collection is by The Vitamin String Quartet and all the big boys are here: AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Nirvana and even Metallica.
With these inventive classical arrangements, you’ll be ready to show your Bach-loving significant other why nobody writes a riff like Jimmy Page. In addition to those mentioned, check out:
The String Quartet Tribute to Dark Side of the Moon
The String Quartet Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
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