Reply To: JoCo Songs with frequent use of dissonance
Sorry for taking so long to post again in this topic. The last three weeks have been pretty hectic. Maybe I should have waited before starting this discussion? 
Khavall:
The idea that certain chords count as "dissonant" while others don't may be a concept that modern music theorists may be cutting through, but that doesn't necessarily mean it "stopped existing." Music is a form of communication, after all, and communication is all about context. If you sing to an audience that grew up hearing the I – V – I chord progression that Colleenky mentioned, then you have to expect that breaking away from that is going to have an effect on them, whether good or bad.
As for what I meant by "dissonant," I certainly didn't mean "anything other than a 3rd or a 5th" (or even including 3rds as dissonant, for that matter). When I think about it, I'm pretty much referring to diminished 7ths and minor 2nds: chords that put two notes within a half-step of eachother, or exactly 11 half-steps (one half-step below an octave chord). Sure, it's pretty basic, but I like appreciating simple things now and then.
If any of my above terminology is wrong, please go easy on me. I haven't taken any music theory classes since community college 6 years ago, shortly before I decided I wasn't insane enough to minor in music, let alone major in it (music students don't have time for any other interests). The last thing I learned about was harmonics… so I at least have had a taste of the theory behind polytonality.
Colleenky:
Hmm, I've heard all the Coulton songs you've recommended. So Far So Good is nice, but between the repetitive chord progressions and the quiet lyrics, it had a hard time keeping my attention.
I quite enjoy Chiron Beta Prime, musically. 
Normally I don't listen to Christmas music out of season, possibly because the harmonies are all too alike, and they're almost invariably in a major key. A Christmas song with minor chords, "dissonance" (whatever you want to make of it), and synthesized instruments paired with acoustic guitar is…. well, it's pretty dang interesting compared to the usual fare.
Sure, I enjoy Beethoven, but that's kind of like asking a theater enthusiast whether they like Shakespeare. 
I don't listen to classical music on my own much, because the extreme variation in dynamics make it hard to listen to while I'm doing something else. Perhaps I'll listen more carefully the next time I sit down to something by Beethoven.
Shruti:
I have to second that notion. I listen to a wide variety of music, but I've never given much of my time to learning music theory (just enough for 6 years of piano as a kid, for the most part). Perhaps someday I should learn a little guitar, since they rely more on that knowledge than pianists (or at least amateur pianists like me).
jinx:
I've recently grown really fond of Womb with a View (despite — or because of — the bizarreness of the concept), and I've always loved That Spells DNA. Flickr is just undeniably beautiful, with JC's wonderful penchant for non sequiter (or inside joke) lyrics.
The Town Crotch is enjoyable and interesting as well, but it's another one of those songs I don't like to listen to unless I'm giving the lyrics 100% attention. Oh well.