It's All About The Science

Rock and science generally don't mix, but I read two articles recently that blended the two.  They both came from the U.K. paper The Guardian.  The first  claims that a study has shown that listening to "extreme" music, like heavy metal, makes you calmer and less angry.  According to the article:

"A study by the University of Queensland, the Australian public research institution in Brisbane, revealed that rather than proving the hypothesis that “extreme music causes anger”, the theory that “extreme music matches and helps to process anger” was supported instead."

Should you believe this study?  Well, it did involve all of 39 people who listened to music in a laboratory.  So, yes, it's right up there with a lot of other social science studies cited by the media as proof of something or other.  In my own personal experience, which involves interaction with more than 39 people, I find that heavy metal listeners are friendly to pets and children, pay their taxes, work hard, and have 79% more tattoos than the average American.  There it is.

Here's a link to the article:

www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/22/listening-heavy-metal-punk-extreme-music-makes-you-calmer-not-angrier-study?CMP=share_btn

In another article from the Guardian, another scientific study proved that metal heads were happier.  "A new study has found 80s metalheads “were significantly happier in their youth, and better adjusted currently” than their peers, and current college students."

Duh, right?  Of course metal fans are happier - they are stoned and drunk most of the time, which explains why they buy black t-shirts with tons of writing on them and live in trailers and cars.  This study was also statistically significant because it involved 377 adults. 

Californians, you should know that most of the study's authors (yes, there was more than one, hahaha) hailed from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California.  You must be proud knowing that this is how your tax dollars are spent.  For those inquiring minds who want to know more on the science, here's a link to the tabloid that wrote about the study:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jul/08/metal-fans-turn-out-to-be-happier-than-everyone-else?CMP=share_btn_link

I like heavy metal, punk, emo, and speed metal, but have never heard Viking metal.  I also like country, western swing, rockabilly, arena rock, and jig-and-reels, among other things.  I find the variety makes me the happiest.  What about you?

In the scientific spirit of this article, here's a youtube link that I think you'll enjoy:

I hope you had fun with this.  Be happy, don't be angry, and you, too, can become the subject of a scientific study.  Until next time, keep the volume turned up and annoy the neighbors.