The Power of Expectation

[A Lark Ascending]

Fascinating 40 min programme from the BBC World Service about the way our brains process music and other things:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01sqlyw

Especially interesting on the way our brains respond to an expectation of something being pleasurable (higher price, a well regarded performer etc) and consequently work harder to make it so.

Nice bits about improvisation, trying to keep expectation in check and the dangers of commerce manipulating these expectations.

Resounds with all sorts of things discussed here - expensive hi-fi, 'higher quality' formats, renowned musicians, 'really listening' etc.

Worth a listen (even at 3.00 a.m.!!!! The only expectation I had at that time was sleep and my brain did nothing to realise it).

Edited March 3, 2014 by A Lark Ascending

[Scott Dolan]

Don't have time to check it out right this minute, but as I've stated before, we have an innate ability to bullshit ourselves.

That's why I was really glad when Allen Lowe picked up my challenge to tell the difference between a tune on CD and a 256kbps VBR AAC. He admitted that he really couldn't call one over another. Which of course is a signal to the snotterati that he was someone with tin ears and a shitty sound system. Which is bullshit, but some folks just don't have the capacity to shake off the trance. It's one of the reason's why ABX tests are verboten in much of the audiophile world.

When it comes to audio and music I have developed an exceptional bullshit-o-meter. Unfortunately, it was developed the hard way, but at least I can now benefit from too many prior mistakes.

Now, if I could just stretch that 6th sense out into other things in life...

Edited March 3, 2014 by Scott Dolan