At 45, I blast the shit out of newer Prog Rock. I swear they’re actually mixing some of these albums at lower levels such that they need higher volume to experience the immersion.
If I had a good stereo in my car, I’d crank up the volume on Shine on You Crazy Diamond, due to the sound level experience others have mentioned with prog and classical. I’ve gone to laser light shows for Wish You Were Here not for the light show but to experience the album with a good set of loud speakers.
My workplace sometimes hosts Mexican dances, and let me tell you, they like that banda music loud as !@#$. Teenagers and 20-somethings, jammed up against the stage, and this brass band, with no extra amplification, will just be blowing as loud as they possibly can.
I once lived in a garden apartment, and my neighbors always played their music so loud I could actually feel it in my apartment. I complained several times, to no avail, so I put my speakers in the window, and played classical music. I thought at least the 1812 Overture or Ride of the Valkyries or some Bach organ music would do it, but it had no effect on them. I think they didn’t even hear it as music . . . or didn’t hear it at all, over what they were playing.
Saw this picture on Facebook a while back.
Living in the barrio, I can tell you it’s true.
On a recent, gorgeous Spring day, I blasted Anton Bruckner’s Eighth Symphony, last movement, in my car driving through downtown. Heads turned.
Here’s what it sounds like, to anyone interested: - YouTube
I remember one day back in the 90s hearing a DJ say:
“Next is Debbie Gibson! CRANK IT UP!”
“Is that FREEDOM ROCK?”