[Dewie3]

My point wasn't that "weird" are synonyms for "excellent". They are the other side of the coin of things that are not average -- the less desirable things.

Something being average denotes that it is commonplace. Not everything that is commonplace is subpar to something that is not average. Sometimes those things are just weird, odd, subpar or undesirable. And sometimes, they are indeed exceptional. And no, something being "odd" or "weird" isn't always or solely average people just "not getting it". Sometimes it's just subpar, weird and odd. I know, I know, it's a profound-sounding quote by Einstein so that means it must be relevant in every situation..

In the case of music, people with peculiar tastes will sometimes think of the mainstream music as being lame and uncultured. In reality, those mainstream listeners might get the exact same enjoyment out of listening to their mainstream music, as those with more peculiar tastes get out of listening to their music. But at least those with special taste get some kicks out of feeling superior, so they've got that going for them. You can call that the smug-hipster-bonus.

Tip: if you wait a minute or so you can reply to the actual comment. There is a short delay between a comment being posted and being able to reply to it, for some reason.

[Practicality]

Thanks for the tip. It seems we agree that there is a subpar under average as well as an above-average.

Whether or not this applies to mainstream music seems to be where we differ.

I believe the Einstein quote is still relevant to this discussion, even if it is possible to misuse the quote. Similar to wine, art and other things of quality, when you first start to learn something the basic, simpler things seem better. Most people start by drinking fruity wines, enjoy simplistic art and like pop music. Also, while you are still enjoying simple things it's hard to understand why someone would want something more refined.

However, once you have experienced the basic level you will eventually want to move beyond it and enjoy things of higher quality. Higher quality wine, music or art requires that you move beyond average.

I believe a more refined musical palette will always move you beyond pop music. Again, similar to fruity, sweet simplistic wine, that doesn't mean you didn't enjoy the basic experience, it's just that you now want something better.

Whether or not the things one would eventually move onto are truly better seems subjective to me, hence why I think "better music" is a qualitative thing.