Wannabe's

A guy I've been chatting with for a while online said something today. I was surprised at how much it got my back up.

I don't claim to be a musician. I am a pretty big audiofile, though. The conversation went something like this:

Him: What are you up to?

Me: I'm ripping a few CD's to my computer library.

Him: What kind?

Me: I'm in a bluesy place right now...so it's BB King, Boz Skaggs, and a few others. Do you like the blues?

Him: Not really, the music just didn't touch me. The only thing about the blues I like is the guitar.

Me: That's right, you play, right?

Him: Yes. Right now I'm really moved by U2.

Me: Ah, so do you like Clapton?

Him: No, I think Clapton's overrated and a bit inflated, not to mention overplayed. Especially after Tears In Heaven.

Me: ::thud::

Him: And don't get me started on Layla...both versions...they make me want to slit someone's throats. He's REALLY not THAT good.

Me: What about his work with Cream?

Him: I've heard of them, but I don't really know much about them...just that they weren't all that and he's a hack.

And did I mention this guy considers himself an amateur musician...specializing in guitar? I was floored. He told me that Cream wasn't even classic rock...because he listens to A station...that's right...ONE station...and he doesn't know if he's ever heard their music, so it must not be THAT good. I mean, classic rock is "Stairway To Heaven" by Zeppelin or "Sweet Home Alabama" by Skynyrd.

And so I did what any self respecting fan of classic rock would do. I banged my head into a wall. He "appreciates" Hendrix...He gives the nod to BB King. He HATES Stevie Ray Vaughn because he thinks he's got a terrible voice. And he thinks Clapton is a Hack. I didn't even bother to ask him if he'd heard of Rush for fear of his answer. Apparently his current hero is Bono and U2. When he asked if he'd lost brownie points, I just stated I thought we were even because I've always felt Bono was a bit over inflated on the ego and that U2's music was a bit plain and redundant. Which is my honest opinion. This guy is sorely undereducated in a field he claims interest in breaking into. Not to mention awfully narrow in his vision. All I could say was....WOW!

He then said that if we were to walk out and ask 20 random people he doubted any of them could mention 1 Cream song, much less 3. I didn't have the heart to tell him what a good friend pointed out...it's highly unlikely 20 random people could even tell you who the Vice-President is, so it's not much of a gauge.

Oh, and did I mention this guy has been looking for a way to meet me? Should I have mentioned how "Wonderful, Tonight" is a HUGE soft spot of mine, and guaranteed to make me melt just a bit? Too bad he's not a fan. ;-)