In a message dated Thu, 13 Feb 2003 12:09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, Bobsart48 writes:
> I think it was an ambitious attempt at artistic (rather than commercial) work, and I >respect that, even in those cases where I think it failed. I see a lot more commercial compromise on CMIARS than I do ambition. Let's look at the "stars" that were recruited to "play parts" in her songs, and how obviously contrived and manipulative it was: Secret Place - Peter Gabriel (adult contemporary) Dancin' Clown - Billy Idol/Steve Stevens/Tom Petty (the MTV crowd) Cool Water - Willie Nelson (country pop) Snakes & Ladders - Don Henley (adult contemporary) If you've forgotten, go look at where these artists were on the charts in 1988, and you can see that there was the hope of drawing from their audiences and assimilating them with Joni. Then add to it the fact that most of the record has that dated 80's synth-wash all over it, and I see it as Joni (with a big push from Klein) trying to camouflage in with the zeitgeist instead of following the beat of her own drummer (or the beat of black wings as the case may be). Anyway, there are some highlights to be sure - and some outstanding songs and moments, and hey, even some of the commercial duets work. > I think you owed > it an asterisk when you wrote as much. As in "abysmal *" OK, I'll accept that - this is an abysmal record by Joni's standards (which would be how I would judge Joni's work), and an exceptional masterpiece by The Bay City Rollers' standards. Regardless of any of that, I enjoy listening to it from time to time and I'm glad that you treasure it as do many of our JMDL pals here. Bob NP: Joe Jackson, "A Slow Song"
