We all have that one band or artist that we are devoted to no matter what other people say. The one that got us through that break-up or the awkward years of middle school. We still claim they are the greatest band ever and know every word to every song.
I fell in love with Mumford & Sons in early high school. "Sigh No More" seemed the perfect soundtrack for my teen angst, but still mellow enough to not worry the parental units. Well, I never grew out of my Mumford phase like so many of my peers apparently did. You know the ones, maybe you are one, who sh*t talk their "whining" and complain about how every song sounds the same. To the Mumford haters: here is why Mumford & Sons still has, and always will have, a special place in my heart.
First of all: Marcus Mumford. Enough said. The gruffness and roughness of every single one of them, actually, is just so wonderful. *swoon* And let’s not forget Winston Marshall’s banjo skills (okay, so maybe he gave up the folk instrument on recent songs, but that is beside the point). *double swoon*
And then there is the matter of their ridiculously emotional songs that are relatable if you’re emotional like me. For example, if the song "After The Storm" doesn’t make you feel something, I assume you are a heartless animal. I have no shame in admitting that I used to cry every single time I listened to it. The chorus especially:
“But there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears. // And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. // Get over your hill and see what you find there, //
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.” *one single tear rolls down my cheek* I’m fine.
The next reason why I have mad respect for Mumford is "Johannesburg." It’s their newest album. A five-song EP that definitely got some heat, but an album which I, on the other hand, find endearing. They collaborated with Baaba Maal, the Very Best, and Beatenberg. It’s a solid attempt at cross-cultural music and it’s different, which seems to be a complaint I’ve heard time and again from haters. (P.S. Maal invited them to collaborate. How about THAT.) And look how cute they are on the cover:
And while we’re talking about straying from their original sound: "Wilder Mind." I almost fainted when they finally released the whole album in May of last year. To be completely honest, I was kind of disappointed by the lack of Winston’s beautiful banjo, but it still rocks.
The point is, I will love Mumford & Sons until the day I die and nothing can change that. But more importantly, love whatever music you want to love. Don’t let anyone make you feel inferior because you don’t like a certain kind of music or you like a kind of music that they dislike. Everyone is different. Rap isn’t my cup of tea, but I have learned that some people like that sort of thing.
This really goes for everything. You can tease someone for having different interests, but don’t look down on them for it. Who knows, if you open your mind to new things, you might even find something you enjoy that you never knew about.
