Sounds from beyond the Shed 211 “Lists”

As we near the end of November and the Christmas hysteria reaches the Tap limit of 11, I find myself reflecting on the human obsession with lists. At this time of year (but not exclusively), all forms of media are riddled with the ubiquitous best-of, worst-of, top-ten thrillers, top-ten TV shows, top-ten enema ingredients, etc., etc. What is it that drives this? Why are we as a race seemingly unable to entertain an idea or piece of art without having to consign it to some spurious, utterly subjective countdown? Does there have to be a number one? Are we still clinging to a radio on a Sunday night at 6.55 pm to discover the new number one? Maybe that’s it.

I feel sure that the Daily Mail’s top ten books of the year will be completely different from The Guardian’s, so these lists cannot be anything other than a way of compiling a cultural mirror to an audience that has already made those choices. Therefore, the lists provide a safe way for the already engaged audience to expand their tastes within already established conscious or unconscious biases, is that right? And why the countdown? How can one piece of art be better, worse, or on a par with another beyond the simple building blocks of correct spelling and grammar, etc? Is it because we look at every list hoping that our choices or preferences come out on top, thereby validating our choices and loves. Probably, but in reality, we don’t need any of it. Love what you love, hate what you hate, and always leave a little room for something new or challenging is what I say.

So, where do the several list articles that appear on this site sit in the scheme of things? They certainly play to the seemingly irrepressible need to consume lists. I would suggest that every person who alights on the articles knows that they are written by writers who care deeply about their subject matter, and almost without exception, every article contains a qualification that lists are inherently spurious. They are indeed a cultural mirror, and each writer hopes more than anything that their choices send readers down musical rabbit holes they may not have yet explored. Here’s to many happy hours exploring, folks!

On that note, this week’s music has been the new Jesse Sykes and The Autumn Defense, following a lovely interview that will be available on the podcast in a couple of weeks. One listener to the radio show described this week’s offering as “One of the best yet.” Thank you, Ian, from Wellingborough, and it’s a cracker though I say so myself, featuring Jeffrey Lewis, First Aid Kit, Sky Chiefs, Sharon Van Etten, John Jenkins, Dumptruck, and many more. As ever…