I know what you mean about the anger some critics seem to level at Joni, and I know
from interviews that Joni has noticed it too.
These angry critics seem to have an air of expectation or entitlement: "Joni should
release the album that I want Joni to release!" The reason I think Joni gets that so
much is because her work is so diverse and covers such an expanse of themes and
sounds. That really frustrates people who don't like roller-coaster rides or musicians
they can't categorize and label easily. These people generally like safe music and
enjoy knowing that the next album will sound similar to the last one. So, they get
angry at her when she doesn't comply and say she shouldn't have done this or that,
eventually sinking to the depths of mockery.
I came across one site that had reviews for each of her records, some were favourable
and others were downright mean. Their review of BSN was painfully cruel, saying it
sounded as if Joni had swallowed a few bottles of Drain-o before going into the studio
and that her assertion that she sounded like Billie Holiday was the most arrogant
claim any artist had ever made. Ouch! It's just an album, guys...
I think the fact that Joni inspires controversy over her art is a sign of its immense
power and longevity. If someone cares enough to go out of their way to praise it or
lambaste it, it says a lot about its influence.
-Andrew
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Earlier, I was browsing a Joni site I'd never been to,
which included a lot of album reviews. And it struck me,
as it has in the past, that it isn't the fact that music
critics (mostly male) don't like some stuff (they're
entitled; and I dont like DED or CMIARS much, myself)
that upsets me -- its the VITRIOL with which they
attack Joni. What is it about her that brings this out
in reviewers? I'm still thinking this through. I have my
theories, but I'd like to know yours.
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