one sentence movie review: harry potter and the half-blood prince (aka "harry 6")

love, love, love, death; i miss angry harry.

which is the more misunderstood musical instrument?

the banjo? or the accordion?

vs

both are grossly confined to small, musical pigeon holes in most common people's minds. ask anyone on the street what they think of when they hear "banjo music" and nine times out of ten the answer will be something along the lines of "hillbilly (beverly or otherwise)," "bluegrass" or some variation on the "backwoods/deliverance" theme.

likewise with the accordion. "polka bands" or "parisian street music" will be the response with very little room for other answers.

personally, i feel both are done a great disservice in the whole of the musical universe. both can be, and have been, utilized quite nicely in genres other than their predestined stigma. but which is the MORE misunderstood of the two?

for me, it is probably the banjo. the soaring, metallic staccato in the right setting could be a wonderful addition to many songs in many genres. not just bluegrass or country. and a true banjo-virtuoso is a gorgeous thing to observe. and while i like a well placed accordion, i believe the banjo just has more range when all is said and done.

that is not to say that the accordion can't be used to great success in non-traditional ways as well. i've heard it...but it's probably just a little more tricky to pull it off.

anyway, just something i was thinking about. thoughts and more expert opinions are welcome.