Whether a substance acts as a poison or a remedy, Paracelsus observed, is merely a question of the dose. Certain bands and types of music I find invigorating in moderation, but subject me to a queasiness or head pain if listened to for too long.
I suppose noise merchants such as The Prodigy, The Go! Team and (strictly homeopathic quantities of) NWOBHM would be obvious candidates for this, but I also feel this way about Philly Soul (I have the box set, but to my ears, it’s like receiving a crate of Creme Eggs – I will enjoy them individually but the thought of consuming them all together holds no appeal).
To be clear: I have all the Go! Team albums, LOVE Jilted Generation and dig out 747 by Saxon for a screamalong every now and then, it’s just that about 15 minutes into the experience I need to get some air.
Do you have music that affects you this way?
Poison: It’s a question of dosage.
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Northern Soul – much the same as your Philly Soul description, strictly in moderation, otherwise I lose interest.
And (dare I say it?) Bruce Springsteen – too much just begins to grate
Proof if needed that one man’s poison is another man’s meat
Reggae does this for me. As does Blues music (trad blues I guess). I love to dip into both from time to time but strictly in moderation.
Kate Bush. I can take her in homeopathic doses only.