Although music seems to be so simple, and we often take it for granted, it is one of the most complex and fascinating things in our universe. Based upon mathematical principles, just the fact that waves of certain frequencies can combine to create melodies that our ears interpret in a pleasurable way is quite incredible. At its core, music is something that is built into the physical structure of our world. It flows out of the same laws of physics and mathematics that organize our world into molecules and atoms. It also has to do with our brain, the most advanced computer in the known universe. So, to understand music you have to know both about the complexities of the physical world as well as about the minute details of the biological realm. Although in this list we are not going to dive into boring explanations of advanced topics, we are going to go over some fascinating things that music has caused or influenced in our world. It is probably safe to say that there is not a single person alive who hasn’t been touched by music in some way. These are 25 awesome things you didn’t know about music. And be sure to check out some of the most bizarre and unique musical instruments ever.
None of the Beatles could read music
Source: recmusicbeatles, Image: wikipediaYour heart beat adjusts according to the music you are listening to
Source: scientificamerican.com, Image: wikipediaLeo Fender, the man who invented the Telecaster and the Stratocaster, couldn't play guitar
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaStarted in 2001 in a church in Halberstadt, Germany and scheduled to conclude in 2640, the world's longest concert will last 639 years in total.
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaElvis Presley didn't write any of his songs
Source: wikipediaLoud music can cause someone to drink more alcohol in less time
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaA song that gets stuck in your head is called an "earworm". This is derived from the German word "Ohrwurm".
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaNoClue, a rapper from Seattle, was awarded the title of World's Fastest Rap MC by the Guinness Book of World Records (723 syllables in 51.27 seconds)
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaMusic triggers activity in the same part of the brain that releases the "pleasure chemical" dopamine
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaMetallica received the title of being the first and only band to play on all seven continents by the Guinness Book of World Records after it played a gig in Antarctica
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaThe British Navy uses Britney Spears songs to scare of Somali pirates
Source: theguardian.com, Image: wikipediaListening to music while working out has been show to significantly increase physical performance
Source: thesportsjournal.com, Image: wikipediaStudies have shown that you don't like the original version of a song because it is better, but only because you heard it first (researchers would have people rate the same song twice and they typically prefer the first even though it is the exact same track)
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaA person's favorite song is usually strongly associated with an emotional event in their life
Source: bakadesuyo.com, Image: wikipediaEvery year Warner Brothers collects nearly $2 million in royalties thanks to its copyright on the Happy Birthday Song. This is the reason you'll usually never hear the Happy Birthday Song in movies or TV. To perform it publicly you have to pay up.
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaEminem wrote and recorded "The Real Slim Shady" 3 hours before his album was due.
Source: wikipediaFlower grow faster when they are exposed to music
Source: medindia.net, Image: wikipediaThe song Jingle Bells was originally written for Thanksgiving
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaThe type of music you listen to affects how you perceive the world (happy, sad, etc)
Source: sciencedaily.com, Image: wikipediaAn Australian study found that rock stars really do die young. In fact, they usually die 25 years younger than the average person
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaThe original lyrics to the Happy Birthday Song weren't "happy birthday to you" but rather "good morning to you"
Source: about.com, Image: wikipediaIn 1989 the US military blasted AC/DC at General Noriega's compound in Panama for 2 days until he surrendered.
Source: telegraph.co.uk, Image: wikipediaFor every $1,000 of music that is sold, the musician makes $23.40 on average
Source: theroot.com, Image: wikipediaCows produce more milk when listening to relaxing music
Source: bbc.com, Image: wikipediaThe "mere exposure effect" says that we prefer songs that we have already heard before. In other words, you don't tend to like music just because it's good, but because you've been exposed to it. Too much exposure, however, and you're soon to hate it (think Christmas songs)
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipediaLists Going Viral Right Now
