Home Brew

Have you ever ventured into a small pub, one tucked away on the corner of a sleepy street with the idea that you’re in for a nice relaxing time with a book and a pint, only to be scared off by the excessive noise coming from the numerous gigantic speakers?

Music in pubs is something that I always pay attention too when I head out for a review. I like the pubs that keep the volume low enough that conversations can be shared without straining your vocal cords just to be heard by the person sitting across from you. These places put an emphasis on conversation, which leads to more drinking and helps promote social contact with your fellow humans. Pubs are a great venue to meet new people and I’m a big fan of that. Loud overbearing music can put a damper on this.

Now, my taste in music may differ from others, but I think many of us pub lovers can agree that some sort of music does serve some purpose in pubs. I was in a small pub north of the city one time that played the oldies station just loud enough to make out the words(1950’s and such), and it was a perfect match for the overall atmosphere of the place. In fact, by walking in the doors and hearing the soft flow of Sinatra, as opposed to Avril Lavigne, it helped set a tone right off the bat. It reminded me of Sunday afternoon’s spent at my grandparent’s home as a small child. It was gentle, soothing and relaxing. Volo plays some weird funky music at a decent volume (at least when I’ve been there) and it seems to suit the overall atmosphere of the place. It works well.

Live performers on weekends is something I can also appreciate. After a long work week, it can be nice to visit a pub to be entertained by a talented (hopefully) local band. Many east coast pubs bring in live performers on weekends to entertain the after dinner crowd and while the music may be loud and distracting, it follows a tradition that has been taking place for generations. The Lower Deck pub has live music every night of the week, but your expected to find it there. If I’m out for the night, I don’t mind checking out a new band or catching up with some old favourites.

One thing I’m not a fan of is the pubs that play the new age pop music inside places that don’t resemble a bar or nightclub. There was a place in Toronto that I visited recently and walking through the door I could swear Justin Timberlake was performing live with amps blaring in every corner. The beat bounced off all the walls and scared me back my local. This is yet another reason I don’t usually step foot into large chain-owned establishments that promote themselves as a traditional Irish pub. I mean, I don’t think a real traditional country Irish pub would have Rihanna singing about Umbrella’s coming from their sound system.

However, all that being said, when I go to a pub I’m usually going there to kill some time, read a bit, talk to friends, so I feel I can justify my stance of enjoying little to no music at all. If I head out to a pub after dinner for a night out, I expect to find the music a bit louder than the afternoon hours.

So what do you like to hear in pubs? Are you like me and prefer the sound of customers chatting over the gentle sound of quiet respectable music? Or do you like the live performances of local bands? Or lastly, would you rather hear the radio blasting today’s new age pop/rock?