>From deepest darkest lurk mode, I thought I would weigh in on the Madonna string, which is a fat pitch if I ever saw one.
The difference between the influence of musical/poetic genius (JM) and commercial genius (Madonna) should not be hard to see. Very few can match JM's brilliance (in my mind) in crafting and executing a song, both melodically and lyrically. I favor the pre-Mingus period, particularly the Hejira/HOSL/DJRD trilogy where at least 75% of the songs are like a diamonds embedded in my psyche -- brilliant, multifaceted, begging to be explored in greater detail. Those that aspire to great lyrics and songs (as opposed to extraordinary sales) would have to be inspired by JM. I also think that for many men, the whole Joni package is a little fey and intimidating. They can' t get past the singing style and don't want to think about the deeper meaning of life. This ain't Black Sabbath. By contrast, I cannot think of a single work composed and performed by Madonna that would merit that kind of description. She is brilliant in adopting other's styles through more than 2 decades. She has consistently presenting a commercially palatable product. She has engaged/enraged/engorged us with her sexuality. Most guys can understand *that* Madonna. But you don't admire her for her writing or composing. She can't play a lick on any instrument as far as I know. You admire her because she has recreated herself over and over again. JM's critique of current artists referenced in other emails is right on point, Its like a lot of art: compare a Margaret Keane to a Van Gogh? Your buddy Josh likes those paintings of the big-eyed kids, but either hasn't seen a VG or has and doesn't understand why Vinnie cut his ear off and used so many swirls. Compare "Die Hard" to "A Clockwork Orange"? If he has seen both, Josh may think are great action flicks, but can't understand why the bad guy wasn't disposed of in Kubrick's flick. Die Hard was much more satisfying. Compare "Like a Virgin" with "Shades of Scarlett Conquering"? "Holiday" to "Edith and the King Pin"? Come-on! Don't even go there! Sure, most people will simply not have heard of "the good stuff." It isn't on MTV or on Hallmark cards or on TBS. But at least you know; concider yourself lucky. And maybe Josh, if he is lucky, will discover JM or some new artist out there who can affect him as JM has many of us. But I wouldn't bet on it. Elitist? Damn Right! Then again, just my opinion. Ron in rainy sunny El Lay. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Humble tiger" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, November 08, 2002 10:36 AM Subject: The Great Madonna Debate(njc) > What makes Madonna more or less influencial that Joni? > > I've been having this debate with my good friend Josh for weeks now, I keep > asking him to define "influence", sure if cone shaped bras and a gap between > your front teeth are what you mean (although Dave Letterman wins that > contest) maybe madonna wins, but I just can't get him to see that Ms. > Mitchell has had more influence in the music industry. I told him Madonna's > favorite album in high school was C&S, he didn't care, he keeps saying he'd > never even heard of Joni before he met me, I told him he has bad taste in > music (just kidding). Anyway, I was wondering is if everyone would add some > fuel to this fire, I would appreciate any and all ideas concerning this > debate. I guess I have a chip on my shoulder when it comes to Madonna, for > me shape shifting, sexual power and shock value don't cut it. > > Erica > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail
