I have never gotten the Natalie hysteria myself and was especially pleased she was left off the "100 Greatest Women in Rock" list. I liked the early Maniacs okay. But the people who thought/think she is an exceptional singer/songwriter floored me. How could they elevate this women so quickly and highly, while Joni went unnoticed by them. Then I realized she was the Yuppie Music Queen. The trend hoppers latched on to her and ... oh sorry I am going into one of my paranoid yuppie-hating tantrums! That kind of hysteria can turn me off to an artist. Now if I really think they are great, I can deal with it but marginal people like her well ... Finally, I did catch her at the last Lilith Fair and I enjoyed her energy and her performance okay, but I think any of the women of Jonifest 2001 can out sing her and out write her. And even I can spin around barefoot, arms extended, head swinging - hell what do you think my interpretive dance looks like!
Also, wanted to comment on "Company" - by Ricki Lee. It is one of the best songs and should be in the American songbook. During these troubled times, my ex Elaine asked me to remember if anything happened to her (she flies very frequently for business)that I remember to play "Company" at her service. I just smiled but of course agreed to it, well it wouldn't be the first time, I did it for Robin. It was also the song that Ricki Lee and I discussed over drinks back in 79, after her show at the Park West/Chicago, which I've mentioned here before. Can it be I was only half as old then as I am now?! DOH! Peace Susan NPIMH: What else - Company! Find the one for you at Yahoo! Personals http://personals.yahoo.com
