World’s Most Unwanted Song
Hearing this story recently on This American Life reminded me about the terrifically ridiculous World’s Most Unwanted Song. It was carefully composed according to poll data on people’s least favorite musical elements, and is virtually guaranteed to offend your sensibilities. From the composers’ notes:
The most unwanted music is over 25 minutes long, veers wildly between loud and quiet sections, between fast and slow tempos, and features timbres of extremely high and low pitch, with each dichotomy presented in abrupt transition. The most unwanted orchestra was determined to be large, and features the accordion and bagpipe, […] banjo, flute, tuba, harp, organ, synthesizer […]. An operatic soprano raps and sings atonal music, advertising jingles, political slogans, and “elevator” music, and a children’s choir sings jingles and holiday songs. […]
Here’s some more background. Also, please, have a listen:
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