ESL Podcast 751 - Describing One's Taste in Music
mellow - calm; tranquil; quiet; not very exciting or enthusiastic
After spending the last three nights at parties, Becca was looking forward to a mellow night at home.
bluesy - related to a style of music known as "the blues," which is a little bit sad and was created by African Americans in the early 1900s.
Of course you're going to feel sad if you always listen to bluesy music. Why don't you listen to something happier?
indie - independent; a small company that produces music and takes a lot of risks on unusual music and unknown performers; not one of the large music companies
Many young musicians find it easier to get contracts with indie music producers rather than the big companies.
funky - hip; cool; modern; interesting; unusual
Shelby was wearing a really funky orange and purple skirt with silver stars.
dance music - music that people like to dance to; music created to help people dance, usually with a clear rhythm or beat
This party would be a lot more fun with some good dance music.
depressing - sad; making one feel sad for no particular reason
It's so depressing when a pet dies.
faint praise - very weak support or admiration for something, possibly even criticizing something
The other employees had faint praise for Marcos' proposal.
in the mood for - wanting to have or do something at the moment
Are you in the mood for pizza or sushi?
up-tempo - with a fast speed, rhythm, or beat; happening quickly
Choi played an up-tempo version of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," but it would have sounded better if he had played it more slowly.
driving beat - with a rhythm that has a strong repeating beat that seems to push the song forward, not letting it slow down
The bass player and the drummer work together to produce a strong, driving beat.
hard-core - extreme; very much; fully dedicated or committed to something
Marissa is a hard-core vegan who won't eat meat or eggs, drink milk, or wear leather or silk.
if that's any indication - a phrase used when one wants to indicate that whatever was just explained is an example of what one is talking about
Is Samantha generous? Well, she just gave $40,000 to the local food bank, if that's any indication.
acoustic - related to string instruments (guitars, violins) that do not use electronics or technology to change the sound or make it louder
Do you play acoustic guitar or electric guitar?
not (one's) thing - not something that one likes or enjoys; not one of one's interests; not something that one is interested in
There's nothing wrong with skiing, but it's just not my thing.
track - one song on an album or CD
This CD has a lot of great songs, but the third track is my favorite.
to just say (something) - to say something that one does not fully believe or agree with, usually because one knows that it is what the other person wants to hear
You are really strong!
You're just saying that. I know I need to work out more.
to grow on (someone) - to become more appealing or attractive to someone over time; for a person to begin to like something
Quentin didn't like that paint color at first, but it's growing on him.
all ears - very eager to hear something or listen to someone; willing to listen
As the presenter prepared to announce the awards, the audience members were all ears.