Visited a nice room this past weekend which was hosting a Shannon Daulton tournament. I knew that being affiliated with Shannon there would be talented players there and I wasn't disappointed even though, I think, this was a first time hosting by the room. Layout out the room was very pool friendly for both serious players and those just seeking recreation. However, I doubt I will go there again. The house music was a continuous stream of profanity filled lyrics describing various forms of sex oriented lyrics whose overall intent seemed to purposefully demean women. You know the kind I mean. The kind preteens use before they ever had sex as a way of impressing their peers of their approaching sexual prowness; they hope. Also lyrics, pedophiles, rapists, and other sexual perverts prefer amongst themselves and while inside their closets. I'm not a prude by any means and having spent several years in the Navy I have most likely used every bad word known but I always picked my spot and group to be sure it wasnt disrespectful to anyone outside my immediate group. Looking around the room I saw boys and girls and men and women on one side who could care less that someone just ran six racks. They were there to have fun and hang out. Probably didn't need instruction on what to do when the time was right but, more importantly, may have enough respect for their female companion and considered the lyrics offensive. One of the best players in he tournament was there with his wife and what looked to be a 3-4 year old. They may/should have found such "music?" demeaning. A well known pro player who wasn't allowed in the tournament was among the spectators and he mentioned he was planning to open a room and also how disappointed he was there wasn't more money in pool. Part of the answer was being played for him. If this is the environment pool players, enthusiasts, and room owners feel attracts sponsors for their livelyhood then porno shops and drug dealers may be their prime benefactors. I think this is not their desire.
Pool room observation
- Thread starter Doug
- Start date
Doug...You and I are totally on the same page about this, my friend. It's just one of the things that makes Fargo Billiards stand out from the crowd. Mike has NO jukebox, but a seriously excellent quality sound system. The music selection is all at his discretion (and runs off an IPOD, btw), and has an amazing and eclectic compilation of fantastic tunes, from almost every variety of music available, including contemparary to older big bands, jazz, classic rock, and many other styles. What you will NOT find or hear, is the crap you're describing. He controls the music selection, the volume, and can segment the music to various areas of his huge poolroom, when necessary. You need to go the northern route the next time you go to MT, and make a stop at Fargo Billiards...class at it's best (AND he's making $$$ too!).
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Doug, I don't wish to start an argument with you, but I do feel the need to present another viewpoint for you to consider.
Do I feel that some of todays music is inappropriate for young listeners, yes. But much of that responsibility lies with the parent, so far as what they will allow their young ones to be exposed to. Does the music need to be so graphic and so loud, probably not. But that is what most younger adults like. If you remember when you were in your twenties, the music that you listened to (and the volume that you listened to it at) was no doubt very aggravating to your parents. This occurs with EVERY generation, and has been that way since Elvis, and probably earlier. A very natural order of things...
I can tell you the places I play at would have far fewer casual players filling the rooms and tables if they didn't have music, and preferably loud, current music. Are there older players that don't like it, sure. But will those players fill up a room on a regular basis, compared to the younger generation? Those looking for a good time out in the evening? Probably not.
Do I understand where you are coming from, sure. Do I expect that you will see any significant change to that sort of environment.... nope.
P.S. What some folks see as "pornographic" lyrics is not necessarily the same way others see it. This, too, dates back to Elvis, and probably earlier. Rock/popular music is often designed to shock, or at least shake up folks and their attitudes.
This is the way it should be, opinions to the contrary.
justadub...While I agree with you, in principle, that lots of young people like the Rap "music" that pervades radio and pop music today, personally I think that lyrics that promote murder of police officers and raping women should be offensive to anyone with a sense of reason. The rock n roll we listened to in our youth did not promote this kind of violence...drug use and 'anti-establishment' yes...but not the kind of violent actions that you hear today. There is some good rap out there, but you have to look to find it. The volume, on the other hand, is at the discretion of the room owner/manager, and few poolplayers really want anything blaring at 100+ decibles. JMO
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
It is unfortunate that everything evolves around money. The billiard room itself would have a very hard time making a profit if there weren't casual customers. If people aren't sharing the love for the game that we do and had no other entertainment offered by the house, they are not likely to frequent the establishment. It's sad but true.
If I had my way there would not only be a void of music, but alcohol as well. I do love good music, but not when I'm trying to concentrate on my game. It's usually so loud and earth shaking that I worry about my mis hit cue ball hanger falling in unprovoked before my opponent gets to the table.
As for the alcohol, I live by the rule of firearm safety. NO shooting during or after drinking. It applies to my weapons as well as my cue. :wink:
If I had my way there would not only be a void of music, but alcohol as well. I do love good music, but not when I'm trying to concentrate on my game. It's usually so loud and earth shaking that I worry about my mis hit cue ball hanger falling in unprovoked before my opponent gets to the table.
As for the alcohol, I live by the rule of firearm safety. NO shooting during or after drinking. It applies to my weapons as well as my cue. :wink:
Elvis was controversial in his time too. Maybe your just getting old. And raping women isnt a common theme in rap music. I dont know what you were listenting too. And like it or not, its about money. Pool players are there to make money not spend it. The "kids" that like that music are there to spend it. Poolhalls should just have a jukebox, and let the customers decide what they want. No one wants to pay for pool or drinks and be forced to listen to the stuff the owner likes.
and Jayz has more number one albums than anyone except the beatles. that includes Elvis. So people must like his music, it cant be all preteens buying it, and those people also shoot pool. So theyre gonna go to poolhalls that play his music and music like it.
and Jayz has more number one albums than anyone except the beatles. that includes Elvis. So people must like his music, it cant be all preteens buying it, and those people also shoot pool. So theyre gonna go to poolhalls that play his music and music like it.
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There is only on place to play that crap...in banks. This will get those slow buttheads out of there in a timely fashion.
You can also play it on MTV at night between 3:00 am and 3:03 am.
I play pool to enjoy the game, not to watch all the idiots act like they are from 'da hood'
You can also play it on MTV at night between 3:00 am and 3:03 am.
I play pool to enjoy the game, not to watch all the idiots act like they are from 'da hood'
This was not just a normal weekend at that pool room. A fairly significant pool tournament was being played.
Shouldn't the type and volume of any music to be played during a tournament be a point of discussion/negotiation between the tournament director and the proprietor before any site is chosen for an event?
Shouldn't the type and volume of any music to be played during a tournament be a point of discussion/negotiation between the tournament director and the proprietor before any site is chosen for an event?
TXsouthpaw...I may be quite a bit older than you, I don't know (I'm 57), but I was raised to enjoy ALL music, from Frank to Elvis, to the Beatles/Beach Boys, to AC/DC (not real strong on headbanger stuff), to more contemporary stuff (Dave Matthews, Alice in Chains, Stained, etc)...and I mentioned that there is SOME pretty good rap out there. That said, a lot of rap is just suggestions of violent behavior and degradation of women (interspersed with the F-word)...as Doug noticed. I'm no prude either, and CAN swear with the best sailors and bikers! LOL I just choose my time and place.
One of the statements I've made in the past, about poolplayers doing exhibitions (read: MAKING $$$) is that the skill is the smallest variable. The other necessary ingredients are a sense of humor, some humility, and a modicum of intelligence (being ABLE to say three words, without one of them being F*CK). From my experience, there are far too many that simply cannot fill the bill, and consequently stuggle to pay the rent, or put groceries on the table, waiting for the "next big game" to come walking through the door.
As far as the jukebox issue goes, I've witnessed customers coming up to Mike, or his employees, asking "Where's the jukebox?"; being told "There ISN'T one." Nobody gets up and leaves, because everything else is 'top shelf'! My own kid (now 28) was brought up to love everything musical too, and as an accomplished composer/musician, he has written some rap as well (which is very good). It doesn't have to be the kind of stuff Doug was forced to listen to...and it doesn't have to be at "jet engine" decibel volume. JMO
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
One of the statements I've made in the past, about poolplayers doing exhibitions (read: MAKING $$$) is that the skill is the smallest variable. The other necessary ingredients are a sense of humor, some humility, and a modicum of intelligence (being ABLE to say three words, without one of them being F*CK). From my experience, there are far too many that simply cannot fill the bill, and consequently stuggle to pay the rent, or put groceries on the table, waiting for the "next big game" to come walking through the door.
As far as the jukebox issue goes, I've witnessed customers coming up to Mike, or his employees, asking "Where's the jukebox?"; being told "There ISN'T one." Nobody gets up and leaves, because everything else is 'top shelf'! My own kid (now 28) was brought up to love everything musical too, and as an accomplished composer/musician, he has written some rap as well (which is very good). It doesn't have to be the kind of stuff Doug was forced to listen to...and it doesn't have to be at "jet engine" decibel volume. JMO
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
As for the 3-4 year old....damn that is a bummer that his/her parents would subject them to that. I just wanna smack folks upside the head when I see an adult smoking in a vehicle with two kids in back (in child seats)!! Can't believe I'm gonna do this, but I quote the snooty/snotty host from the fancy restaurant in Ferris Bueller, "I weep for the future". :sorry:
edit: BTW, I have a 3 year old boy myself, and he usually can sing along with the chorus by the time the song is almost over (for those who don't know why I feel for the poor kid). SICKENING that ANY parent would let such a young mind absorb that kind of stuff....REALLY!!!
edit: BTW, I have a 3 year old boy myself, and he usually can sing along with the chorus by the time the song is almost over (for those who don't know why I feel for the poor kid). SICKENING that ANY parent would let such a young mind absorb that kind of stuff....REALLY!!!
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Tiger Woods wife
I was at a tourney this weekend in Louisiana and the juke box kept playing a song about Tiger Woods' wife and what they would like to do to her. I wish Tiger would find out who's responsible for that song and send someone to pay them a visit. Rap music is what destroyed a whole race of people in this country and is now working on the other major race. Shame on pool room owners who play that crap just to please a few while disregarding all others. I owned the biggest pool room in Louisiana for many years and it did not have a single rap song on the juke box and I still had a packed house every nite for six years before I lost the lease on my building, so please don't try to convince me playing that garbage is "good business".
I was at a tourney this weekend in Louisiana and the juke box kept playing a song about Tiger Woods' wife and what they would like to do to her. I wish Tiger would find out who's responsible for that song and send someone to pay them a visit. Rap music is what destroyed a whole race of people in this country and is now working on the other major race. Shame on pool room owners who play that crap just to please a few while disregarding all others. I owned the biggest pool room in Louisiana for many years and it did not have a single rap song on the juke box and I still had a packed house every nite for six years before I lost the lease on my building, so please don't try to convince me playing that garbage is "good business".
trustyrusty...I'm with ya there. How about the parents who bring their young kids (or babies) with them to the bar, where not just they are smoking, but so is most everybody else! Not trying to be "high and mighty", and I know there are many posters who 'grew up' this way, and turned out okay (at least for now, healthwise)...but the truth is we know a lot more about the potential consequences of exposing young children to this atmosphere, than we did even 20 yrs. ago.
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Good for you Gerald! It just goes to show, that while you may not be able to control the destiny of your lease (unless you own the building), you CAN control what goes on in your poolroom...and still appeal to the masses!
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott, do not misunderstand me. I don't condone any sort of music that out and out promotes rape or cop-killer messages. And I think you'll find that most people feel the same way, even those who listen to that style of music. As someone else pointed out, those aren't regular themes in todays music, though you can no doubt find someone singing/rapping about it somewhere. Still, extreme minority. Makes the headlines, and everyone above a certain age collectively gasps "oh no, the horror!" Just like your mom and dad did, and mine, and everyone elses. When in fact it is far from the norm.
Let's not forget how brutal some stuff has been in the past. Anyone remember The MC5? "Up Against The Wall, M-F." 1960's, folks. Not Jay-Z last week. Nasty stuff has come from all forms of pop culture as long has it has existed, but remember it isn't the norm, but what captures your attention.
As for the volume, well yeah, it's too loud very often. The older you are, the more sensitive you are to that, and once again, this is a natural order of things. We weren't meant to like what our kids like, or how they like it. Growing up involves rebellion, and always has.
As for Fargo Billiards, that has got to be the exception, not the rule. When you are considered the top billiards room in the country, and have the clientelle to back that up, you can play whatever you like on your iPod. Very few rooms will be able to command that sort of customer traffic. Good for them, I think that is wonderful. I also don't think that any struggling pool room can afford to skip the revenue generated by a jukebox, or to limit what is in said jukebox, if that room wishes to survive, much less thrive.
Relax folks. Remember what it was like when you were younger. If you stop fussing about it, you'll find the kids appreciate you even more.
if there is a problem Shannon will fix it, he is a no BS guy, its his "show" so to speak and he runs quality events, look how far he has came in such a short period of time. After him and Marge read this I promis you the problem will be fixed. He would never in a million years run a bad show to make $1000-$2000 period-you can bet your life on that,.
When I open my pool room the first rule will be the waist band of the pants will reside on the hips. If not, my very large friend Guido will provide that individual with a super atomic wedgie. To make up for it, I'll give the kid a glass of milk and tube of antiburn cream. 
i just sent Shannon a txt about this thread, he will be responding soon is my guess. he runs class events and they are more work than you could ever imagine-ask Jay Helfert, until I saw the backend of running a event I had no idea just how many moving parts there are, hell he might not have heard the music he so was so busy