The Earworm Thread

[gradus]

The final waltz from The Nutcracker keeps nagging away.

[JasonPalmer]

I thought this was interesting: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17105759

Very interesting, I had the lyric "watermelon sugar high" in my head for weeks after hearing the song on the radio.

[Tapiola]

For no apparent reason this morning, my brain has, unbidden, started turning over the cor anglais tune from the 2nd movement of Franck's Symphony, in a maddening loop. It is like slow torture - how I loathe that work!

Anyone else have any unwelcome earworms?

[Sir Velo]

Maybe the mods could link this with the pre-existing thread: https://www.for3.org/forums/forum/cl...earworm-thread

[oddoneout]

For no apparent reason this morning, my brain has, unbidden, started turning over the cor anglais tune from the 2nd movement of Franck's Symphony, in a maddening loop. It is like slow torture - how I loathe that work!

Anyone else have any unwelcome earworms?

Are there such things as welcome earworms? I find them all unwelcome. There was another thread concerning earworms a little while ago - I never have much luck with such searches, perhaps someone else can find it?

[Tapiola]

Maybe the mods could link this with the pre-existing thread: https://www.for3.org/forums/forum/cl...earworm-thread

Oops

[Tapiola]

Are there such things as welcome earworms? I find them all unwelcome. There was another thread concerning earworms a little while ago - I never have much luck with such searches, perhaps someone else can find it?

Interesting, oddoneout. I personally do find many earworms very welcome.

[Joseph K]

Are there such things as welcome earworms?

Yes, it can be most pleasant when I spontaneously recollect some part of something I love, e.g. the opening of 'Shh/Peaceful' by Miles Davis. But does that fulfil the criteria of 'earworm'?

I used to experience intrusive earworms more when I was younger, for example when trying to read. Fortunately not now.

[Petrushka]

I get earworms all the time which I don't usually mind, but it's maddening when I can't identify it! Then when I eventually do so - it's gone!

[Tapiola]

the opening of 'Shh/Peaceful'

Magnificent!

[oddoneout]

Interesting, oddoneout. I personally do find many earworms very welcome.

I suppose it depends on one's definition of an earworm? To me it is a piece of music, identified or otherwise, may be a snatch or complete phrase/section, which repeats on a loop. Sometimes it's short-lived, other times it intrudes on thought and listening. Just having a bit of music spontaneously appear but not take up residence doesn't count, although it can be frustrating if I can't identify it.

[smittims]

My usual one is the 'Serenade' from the first 'Wand of Youth' suite. I don't know why it keeps recurring. I do like it, but it's not a special favourite, nor do I listen to it very often.

I used to work with a man who frequently whistled the famous 'Third Man' theme' by Anton Karas. As you will know ,the effect of the piece depends entirely on the harmony . The melody line alone is ,er, rather monotonous.

[french frank]

Maybe the mods could link this with the pre-existing thread: https://www.for3.org/forums/forum/cl...earworm-thread

Nick probably can . He seems to be able to do things I can't (like merging threads).

Done.

[Sir Velo]

Feliz Navidad. A contender (in an admittedly strong field) for most annoying Christmas song ever. If you don't know it, I urge, no implore you, not to seek it out; for it is insidiously infectious and once heard will need a strong course of willpower to erase.

[kernelbogey]

I recently - serendipitously - listened to the recording by Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band of Lo He comes with clouds descending on YouTube.

I don't think I've ever heard it sung live, nor have I ever sung it in Church in days when I used to go.

So I'm puzzled to find it occupying by ear. Admittedly it is a rather beautiful tune.