Bloodlines Mailing List archives June 14-16, 1997
from the John Stewart email list
_________________________________________________________________
bloodlines-digest Monday, June 16 1997 Volume 01 : Number 017
------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997
From: "L. Kent Martin" <martink@mindspring.com>
Subject: Re: Fathers and Neil
At 09:09 PM 6/14/97, you wrote:
>> << I hope you have the opportunity to tell your dad how important
>> he is to you. >> > David L. Taylor
>Anyone like Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band"??.... one of my
>favorite "father" songs. And don't forget to tell grandfathers and
>uncles and all the others who give you fatherly love and support how
>important they are to you.
>
>Neil's got my vote, Mott....thanks for speaking in his defense.
>
>Catherine
Good catch on Fogelberg's tribute to his dad, Catherine. Always had a
fondness for that one, too.
And let's not let the day pass without noting our own John's tribute to his
dad (though there may have been many more, this one comes to mind more
directly) on "Sunstorm." It was such a terrific touch to include his own
dad's retelling of the "Account of Haley's Comet" with John's own music
woven in.
Not unlike his son, John S. Stewart had a warm, sincere voice that talked to
you and through you.
(Now why didn't I think of doing something similar with my dad while he was
around ... ? Ah, if wishes were fishes ... Ah ... nuts ... )
Missouri Bird,
Kent
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997
From: "L. Kent Martin" <martink@mindspring.com>
Subject: Re: Music Exchange (was Father's Day)
>
>I've noticed talk of a lyrics/pictures insert in Willard. I didn't get one
>in my copy, but I guess I can go on living without it. But I was wondering
>if there might have been anything similar in the very first issues of
>Signals and Bloodlines. They seem singularly short on info.
>Martyn
>Manchester, UK
No, so far as I know, you didn't miss any inserts in those two LPs.
Missouri Bird,
Kent
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: Angelbravo@aol.com
Subject: Untitled
Dear bloodlines@world.std.com,
Sorry, sorry, but Sting is as bad as the Mamas and Papas used to be;
he gets in the way of his own music. Criminal offense. Bob Dylan? Fantastic
college sophmore who confused obscurity with insight. Early Neil Diamond
was a lot of fun, but "...no one heard at all, not even the CHAIR"?
Neil, partner, if you're expecting chairs to hear you, we've got to talk
about medication...
You sound lije those reviewers like Joel Selvin who have hated me for years.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: Angelbravo@aol.com
Subject: Re: worst songs
Dear bloodlines@world.std.com,
I get hives when someone says," sorry but..." Then sets the rest of us
straight. If your oppinion is the end of the rainbow, then you need a reality
adjustment. Sting only happens to be the guy who wrote, KING OF PAIN; WALKING
ON THE MOON; SPIRTS IN A MATERIAL WORLD; FRAGILE;RUSSIANS;SET THEM FREE and
FIELDS OF GOLD . Let's not forget a song I like to call EVERY BREATH YOU
TAKE.
I would give a lot to have written one of those. Plus he's one of the best
singers and muscians around. His ego can get a bit stnky but SO WHAT? He's
one of the best.
Some of my favorite writers
(If anyone tells me I shouldn't like them I'll have them pantsed.)
Leonard Cohen (the champ)
John Fogerty (also the champ)
Rosanne Cash
Randy Newman
Jesse Winchester
Peter Gabriel
Paul Simon
Pierce Pettis
Lightning Hopkins
Steve Earle
Merle Haggard
Sting
Pete Seeger
Bruce Coburn
Springsteen
Jaque Brell(please forgive spelling)
Otis Blackwell
Lead Belly
Lee Hayes
Nanci Griffith
John Ims
Mary Chapin Carpenter(older material)
Eric Anderson
Phil Ochs
Dylan
Bob Marlee
that's a start.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: "L.A.Hazard" <lhazard@nr.infi.net>
Subject: John Ims (was Re: worst songs)
Angelbravo sent along a great list of songwriters.
I recognized all of them except for...
>John Ims
Here's where I show my ignorance. Perhaps I am aware of his writing and
have simply been too lazy to know it.
Could anyone give me a little more info on who this person is and what he
has written?
Thanks,
L.A.
"I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it." - Bumpersticker
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: "L.A.Hazard" <lhazard@nr.infi.net>
Subject: Cinematic Angels
I must say that I am a wee bit disappointed that so many of us like so many
of the same artists! I was hoping to get introduced to some folks I had
never heard of. There were a few and I look forward to scanning the racks
at the local used record stores for some wonderful new experiences.
I was wondering how folks around here would match up in the area of
favorite movies?
One of my ALL TIME FAVORITES is WINGS OF DESIRE by Wim Wenders. I also
enjoyed the sequel - FAR AWAY SO CLOSE. (I love his soundtracks!)
WINGS is about an angel who chooses to take the plunge and become human. It
is a wonderful film. From 1988 - 130 minutes - with Bruno Ganz, Solveig
Dommartin, Otto Sander, and Peter Falk (I always knew there was more to
Columbo than a brilliant mind and trenchcoat.) Part of the movie is in
German with subtitles - and part of it is in English.
I have also enjoyed Wenders other films - Paris, Texas and Until The End Of
The World.
How about you all? Any favorite films you would be willing to recommend?
I hope I am not committing a faux pax by asking folks about their favorite
movies. It's just that with John's angelic thread through the years in his
songwriting, WINGS OF DESIRE seemed a natural to mention here.
Thanks,
L.A.
"Ever stop to think, and then forget to start again?" - bumpersticker
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: "L.A.Hazard" <lhazard@nr.infi.net>
Subject: Info Requested - KT 3CD set
Found a used copy of The Kingston Trio - 3CD - All-Time Greatest Hits
collection from CEMA Special Markets (Division of Capitol Records) Released
1993.
Does anyone have any listing of credits for these recordings? There is
absolutely NOTHING (may of been when the set was new - but nothings here
now) inside as to credits, liner notes, etc. I would appreciate any help in
learning when the particular versions included were recorded.
Thanks in advance for any help you can send.
L.A.
"Give me ambiguity or give me something else." - bumpersticker
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: alleycat@cruzio.com
Subject: Re: worst songs/Cinematic Angels
Angelbravo@aol.com wrote:
> Sting only happens to be the guy who wrote, KING OF PAIN; WALKING
> ON THE MOON; SPIRTS IN A MATERIAL WORLD; FRAGILE;RUSSIANS;SET THEM FREE and
> FIELDS OF GOLD . Let's not forget a song I like to call EVERY BREATH YOU
> TAKE.
> I would give a lot to have written one of those.
And how much do you think most folks would give to have written some of
YOUR songs??? Quite a lot I'd bet.
> One of my ALL TIME FAVORITES is WINGS OF DESIRE by Wim Wenders. I also
> enjoyed the sequel - FAR AWAY SO CLOSE. (I love his soundtracks!)
> I hope I am not committing a faux pax by asking folks about their favorite
> movies. It's just that with John's angelic thread through the years in his
> songwriting, WINGS OF DESIRE seemed a natural to mention here.
> L.A.
If so, I am also committing one by responding: "Wings of Desire" is a
great movie, one of my favorites also.
Catherine
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: KShep87309@aol.com
Subject: Re: Favorite lyrics
Hello -= did I see right? Did John Stewart write "I Know You Rider"?????
He's tops, but that even tops himself! KShep87309 confirm please?
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: "Nick D'Amato" <damato.4@osu.edu>
Subject: Re: Untitled
>
>... Early Neil Diamond
>was a lot of fun, but "...no one heard at all, not even the CHAIR"?
>Neil, partner, if you're expecting chairs to hear you, we've got to talk
>about medication...
>
---------------------
I think you missed the point. The reason he is talking about the chair is
that the chair is empty, probably staring at him out of the dim interior
light, thus emphasizing how alone he is.
The chair is a metaphor for an empty house and a lonely life. Should someone
be in the chair? where are they? is his only company furniture? Ever hear
that old Willie Nelson song "Hello Walls.."?
NED
----------------------------------------------------------
When your wings no longer catch the wind,
your wheels are throwin' sparks from concrete on the rim,
and you've run so long and you've run so hard,
you're feelin' every stone beneath your feet,
as they repeat...
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: "Nick D'Amato" <damato.4@osu.edu>
Subject: Folkapalooza
Hey,
I think I may have uncovered a use for this persistent (and sometimes annoying,
I aplogize) "music exchange" thread that I created. There are a lot of
artists on their with small dedicated followings that got many, many votes.
If there was someway we could poll the fans of some of those artists, we might
be able to put together a mini loolapalooza type thing for folk singers. If
nothing else, it could be fun to think about it.
What would be your favorite billing (try to keep it SMALL, 3-5 =) don't wan't
to overload the mail server agin 8^) and try to pick artists with small fan
bases (i.e. not Springsteen or Dylan)if possible. How about:
John Stewart, Tom Rush, and John Gorka ?
Or
John Stewart, Pete Seeger, and Ritchie Havens? (<---cool!)
What do you think?
(Next project: Folk Woodstock, a three day folk extravaganza!! (in the rain))
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: "Nick D'Amato" <damato.4@osu.edu>
Subject: Re: worst songs
I don't know who started this 'worst songs' thread, but I am a little concerned
by it. each of our brains hears music differently, what sounds good to one
person, might not sound so great to another. Just because someone else
likes a song you hate or vice verse is no reason to take these things personally
(-: in my "self-righteous" opinion ;-)
NED
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: KShep87309@aol.com
Subject: Re: What's in a name?
In a message dated 97-06-04, you write:
<< Lou is A. Hazard
(I still think she should have paid for some of the therapy!) ;-) >>
Got a great kick out of your e-mail. Guess you graduated with a 4.0 in
humor anyway. Thanks for the chuckles. KShep87309
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: KShep87309@aol.com
Subject: quick recollection from Stewart concert
The big guy said, when performing in Northampton, MA recently, that he
sometimes things songwriters are like receivers - the songs just kind of
come through them.
Thought someone on the Bloodlines would appreciate that concept,
I know I did.
KShep87309
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: "Mike Armstrong" <MikeArm@netcom.ca>
Subject: Re: worst songs
By far and without a doubt, the worst song ever of the 'Rock Era", as Casey
would say, is:
PAUL ANKA's "YOU'RE HAVING MY BABY"
What a wonderful way to say how much you love me....Really!
Mike
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: ddunet@concentric.net (Michelle Stevens)
Subject: The Empty Chair
>The chair is a metaphor for an empty house and a lonely life. Should someone
>be in the chair? where are they? is his only company furniture? Ever hear
>that old Willie Nelson song "Hello Walls.."?
Or...
In Judaism (Neil Diamond IS Jewish, his Christmas album nothwithstanding)
the empty chair is a metaphor for death.... but...this still cannot
overcome the stupidity of that line...
Michelle Stevens,
Your friendly webmistess and Bloodlines mailing list manager
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
http://www.concentric.net/~ddunet/ (John Stewart Web Site)
bloodlines@world.std.com (John Stewart Internet Mailing List)
mstevens@world.std.com or ddunet@concentric.net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"An angel on the road shoulder knows the way home"
- --JS
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: Christopher Newton <cnewton@fyi.net>
Subject: Re: Favorite lyrics
>Hello -= did I see right? Did John Stewart write "I Know You Rider"?????
>He's tops, but that even tops himself! KShep87309 confirm please?
>
I believe Judy Henske adapted it from a song in the public domain.
Kit Newton
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: Christopher Newton <cnewton@fyi.net>
Subject: Re: worst songs
>By far and without a doubt, the worst song ever of the 'Rock Era", as Casey
>would say, is:
> PAUL ANKA's "YOU'RE HAVING MY BABY"
>
>What a wonderful way to say how much you love me....Really!
>
>Mike
I would think a simple love letter would do...
Kit Newton
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: "Nick D'Amato" <damato.4@osu.edu>
Subject: Re: worst songs
Touche, you guys (& gals) are making mince meat of my pious
sermons! ;-)
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: "Nick D'Amato" <damato.4@osu.edu>
Subject: Re: The Empty Chair
>>The chair is a metaphor for an empty house and a lonely life. Should someone
>>be in the chair? where are they? is his only company furniture? Ever hear
>>that old Willie Nelson song "Hello Walls.."?
>
>Or...
>In Judaism (Neil Diamond IS Jewish, his Christmas album nothwithstanding)
>the empty chair is a metaphor for death.... but...this still cannot
>overcome the stupidity of that line...
>
>Michelle Stevens,
>Your friendly webmistess and Bloodlines mailing list manager
>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
^^^^ Should be webmistress?
I did know he was Jewish. I wonder what his real name is? I didn't
know that about the chair, however, lonliness is sort of a form of death
when you think about it. I say the line isn't stupid, it's just a little
hokey. right idea, wrong delivery.
NED.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: delausa@mailbox.syr.edu (Del Lausa)
Subject: Re: worst songs
Angelbravo, I can't believe your list includes Jacques Brel! I have such a
passion for Brel. One of my 3 or 4 favorite song writers, along with Peter
Gabriel and Paul Simon (you still top my list).
del
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: delausa@mailbox.syr.edu (Del Lausa)
Subject: Re: worst songs
Thanks, Mike. I was afraid I'd have to say this.
del
>By far and without a doubt, the worst song ever of the 'Rock Era", as Casey
>would say, is:
> PAUL ANKA's "YOU'RE HAVING MY BABY"
>
>What a wonderful way to say how much you love me....Really!
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: "Nick D'Amato" <damato.4@osu.edu>
Subject: Re: worst songs
It's allright, its only music,
it is singing in the stars
keep your dreams as clean as silver
this may be the last hurrah...
:*)
NED.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: wingless-angel@juno.com (Robert J McConnell)
Subject: Re: Music Exchange
Hey B.L. (Especially AngelBravo),
I think one of the most spiritual and passionate female singers
is Lorinna McKinnett. She has covered the spiritual range from Christian
to Pagan. Her CD "Mask and Mirror" is a tale worth listening to!
Wingless Angel Still Surviving(Robert)
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: wingless-angel@juno.com (Robert J McConnell)
Subject: John's Popularity
Dear Bloodliners,
I was thinking about something that annoys me a bit. For the past
20 or 30 years John Stewart has been a "Huh, whose he?" on the lips of
almost every record store owner I've encounter. Likewise the music scene.
I was amazed(joyfully I should say)to find a large collection of his CD's
at a store called Dor-Ri-Me in Santa Cruz, CAlif. But this was a very
rare esxperience. I asked the guy why he had so many of John's stuff and
he said "Cause Stewart deserves to be heard!" I told him I definatly
agreed!
Now I do understand the idea of not going "camercial". The
selling of ones talents, and yes soul; for the almighty buck is cheep. I
think everything that John has written and recorded has been done so out
of his love of music. His love of real life and the fans who love him(ME
ENCLUDED!) but I think it's sad that almost noone knows John Stewart.
I've told many friends about my experiences with John's music.
I've shared what John wrote about my past post "My Personal Journey."
and they say "Whose he?" When I say "He used to play for the K.T." they
say "Oh one of those guys!" and I have to hold my temper a bit when I
say "Well he has made over 20 albums and has a very wide if not, unusual
following." Kinda makes me feel like I'm talking about someone who
hasen't exisited.
My point is(yes please! get to the point already! :)) I feel John
deserves a lot more recognition then the "industry" is giving him. I was
wondering how he feels about it? Is "fame" beyond that of those that
really love you for you important? I am sure the answer is no and I would
understand.But do you feel frustrated at not being as popular as a top 20
rock star? Having your music in my life sometimes feels like finding a
beautiful poem and wishing to share it with the world yet the world is
more into trashy novels and escapism.
Wingless Angel Still Surviving(Robert)
Lets hope we all find our travels upon Route 66 memorable
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: Eddie Armstrong <Eddie@eddiea.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Untitled
In article <199706151650.MAA10291@mail3.uts.ohio-state.edu>, Nick
D'Amato <damato.4@osu.edu> writes
>The chair is a metaphor for an empty house and a lonely life. Should someone
>be in the chair? where are they? is his only company furniture? Ever hear
>that old Willie Nelson song "Hello Walls.."?
or see pictures of those saddest chairs of all- Van Gogh's empty chairs?
- --
Eddie
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997
From: Susan1136@aol.com
Subject: IMHO
Ned
You are absolutely correct in that one man's poison is another man's
cake...or something like that. I notice that no one else had posted Garland
Jeffries on their lists...but that's okay.
Hey, I still listen to the Bonzo Dog Doodah Band. So sue me!
Susan
<G>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: Pjhayesofc@aol.com
Subject: Re: Joel Selvin and Trashing Legends
John Wrote:
<< You sound like those reviewers like Joel Selvin who have hated me for
years.>>
John I can think of no stronger endorsement than to be hated by Joel Selvin,
who has done his best to retard the Bay Area music scene for how many decades
now?
The good news is that he's on sabbatical now writing a book, and a very well
respected critic is taking his place. Let's hope it's permanent.
A few days ago, it was Authoritatively Diatribed:
[Neil Young is . . . .] << Whining, sophmoric (sic), inconsequential
[??!!!], *pseudointellectual* >>
Are you *trying* to be ironic?
I'm sorry, just what exactly is Neil "whining" about? You checked out much
of his work in the past, oh, 25 years? Neil is justifiably revered as a
generous man and singularly influential songwriter, performer, and innovator
for two generations. If John can't be famous, at least we've got Neil.
But thanks for setting us all straight.
Thirty Neil Young CDs for sale. Cheap.
Merle wrote:
<< The [Dave Mason] album "Alone Together" is one of the best albums
ever!!!!>>
I agree, Merle, but we'll have to see what The Music Authority thinks.
"IMHO" is always a nice qualifier.
PJH
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: WardHorde@aol.com
Subject: Re: Music Exchange
Loved this thread even though I've been out of the loop for awhile. I'm glad
Angelbravo mentioned Paul Simon and Jacques Brel - I was surprised no one
else had earlier. I just want to know how all you people got into my house
and listened to my record collection...did you drink my beer, too?
For others not mentioned, and for those of you who are looking for fresh
tunes, let me do you all a favor (listen to me now and thank me later), and
let me give you four other artists to ponder and discover.
1. Mark Heard. An absolutely terrific writer, producer and singer that I
discovered last year. Mark died in 1993 or so after having a heart attack on
stage, finishing the concert, and collapsing in his dressing room. Pierce
Pettis was mentioned by a couple people. Mark produced Pierces first couple
albums. Strong spiritual content in his outlook, wonderfully poetic lyrics,
very similar to Bruce Cockburn in style and content. For a compilation album
try "High Noon", available from Myrhh Records, or a tribute CD called "Strong
Hand of Love" which is covers of his songs by his friends such as Cockburn,
Pettis, and others. A fabulous artist, worth every second it takes to find
him.
2. Chuck Pyle. A local (for me) folk artist that tours the country. Great
sense of humor, really connects with his audience. Very similar to
AngelBravo in that regard. Releases albums on his own label. If he is ever
in your area, go see him, you will not be disappointed. Has the Zen Cowboy
market sewed up.
3. Leftover Salmon. Another local (Boulder, CO) band that has been touring
nationally and just got a deal with the Mountain Division of Hollywood
Records. Their new album is "Euphoria". Play a style they call Polyethnic
Cajun Slamgrass. Great players, fun band, good songs.
4. Phil Keaggy. A Christian artist and quite simply one of the best
guitarists in the world. Don't believe me? Jimi Hendrix thought so. Used
to play in a rock band in the 60's called Glass Harp when Hendrix made the
comment. Has a new instrumental album out called "220" that is great. Also
check out "Crimson and Blue," which is song-oriented and terrific. Like
many, best in concert when he is improvising on guitar. Will just blow you
away, he is so good. If you are a guitar lover, find this guy.
All for now on this subject.
Marty
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: WardHorde@aol.com
Subject: Re: worst songs
Having my baby is a classically terrible song all right. But how about
"Sugar Sugar" by the Archies? Makes my ears bleed. I hope there is a day in
Purgatory for whoever was responsible for this.
Marty
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: Steve <Loboaw@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Worst Ever
Nick D'Amato wrote:
>
> I like Jimmy Webb, he could barely sing, but he sure could write!. I read a
> list somewhere of different songs that Jimmy Webb had writtern that had become
> popular and I simply couldn't believe how many songs I recognized.
>
> Bad news though, I was listening to Garrison Keeler tonight, and he had a
> guest who as a nespaper comunist or something, and this guy had asked his
> readers to ring in with their 'worst songs', not unlike what was going on
> here over the last few days, and his 'winner' was MacArthur Park. Perhaps
> the excessive airplay was one reason that people tired of this song.
>
> NED.
>
Well, look, if the fans of Garrison Keeler are in agreement with me,
then I'd like to rethink my position...<g>
- -Lobo (AW)
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: Steve <Loboaw@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Untitled
Angelbravo@aol.com wrote:
>
> Dear bloodlines@world.std.com,
> (originally from Lobo (AW): Sorry, sorry, but Sting is as bad as the Mamas and Papas used to be; he
> gets in the way of his own music. Criminal offense. Bob Dylan? Fantastic
> college sophmore who confused obscurity with insight. Early Neil Diamond
> was a lot of fun, but "...no one heard at all, not even the CHAIR"?
> Neil, partner, if you're expecting chairs to hear you, we've got to talk
> about medication...
> (from Angelbravo):
> You sound lije those reviewers like Joel Selvin who have hated me for years.
Lobo (AW) responds:
Never heard of the guy. I hope my remarks are being taken in the
context that they are intended; that is, with tongue firmly in cheek.
Truth be known, I have albums by everyone I've nominated for the "worst"
list (except Sting). OTOH, tastes develop, grow, change, and I find a
number of the artists I used to like now sound very dated.
Also, I don't hate any of these folks. I'm talking about their music,
their art, not them. Hate, for me, is too precious a commodity to
release easily.
And I'm always willing to listen to another point of view-why I
subscribed here, in part, in the first place. I've taken some of the
"favorites" I'd never heard of (or realized I'd heard) and am now
looking for their work.
I ain't Joel Selvin, I'm just me. And maybe the difference is we can
talk about this stuff and I'll listen.
Take care,
Lobo (AW)
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: Steve <Loboaw@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: worst songs
Angelbravo@aol.com wrote:
>
> [This message may have contained graphics created by a Magic Cap device on
> America Online.]
>
> Dear bloodlines@world.std.com,
> I get hives when someone says," sorry but..." Then sets the rest of us
> straight. If your oppinion is the end of the rainbow, then you need a reality
> adjustment.
If my opinion were the end of the rainbow, then the whole world would
be in greater trouble than it is. When I say "sorry but..." I mean I'm
sorry to disagree because I don't like disagreeing with people but I
have a different point of view, a different opinion. Hey, it may not be
worth anything-what do I know about music? (Other than the fact that I
like 90% of the music made by the names on your list, which is a purely
subjective appreciation.)
My opinions are always open for reconsideration-talk to me and I will
listen.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: Steve <Loboaw@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Untitled
Nick D'Amato wrote:
>
> >Dear bloodlines@world.std.com,
> >
> >... Early Neil Diamond
> >was a lot of fun, but "...no one heard at all, not even the CHAIR"?
> >Neil, partner, if you're expecting chairs to hear you, we've got to talk
> >about medication...
> >
> -------------------------------
>
> I think you missed the point. The reason he is talking about the chair is
> that the chair is empty, probably staring at him out of the dim interior
> light, thus emphasizing how alone he is.
>
> The chair is a metaphor for an empty house and a lonely life. Should someone
> be in the chair? where are they? is his only company furniture? Ever hear
> that old Willie Nelson song "Hello Walls.."?
>
> NED
>
I got it, Ned. I understand the use of metaphor. Just think it's a bad
use, one where the words get in the way of what he wants to say.
Nelson's use is much more successful.
Take care,
Lobo (AW)
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: Merle Stringfield <t_mstrin@qualcomm.com>
Subject: Re: Fathers and Neil
Hi Cathrine,
Yes, "Leader of the Band" is an excellent tune...if you like Dan Fogelberg,
try his masterpiece "Captured Angel".....what a terrific album....and yes,
Neil Young is a tremendous singer/songwriter....""Fron Hank to Hendrix"
Merle
>> << I hope you have the opportunity to tell your dad how important
>> he is to you. >> > David L. Taylor
>
>> Steve Goodman did a song about this........very good stuff.........still
>> standin' in the shadow......of my Old Man...........Blue
>
>Anyone like Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band"??.... one of my
>favorite "father" songs. And don't forget to tell grandfathers and
>uncles and all the others who give you fatherly love and support how
>important they are to you.
>
>
>Catherine
>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: Steve <Loboaw@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Comunication on this list
Dear bloodliners:
I've taken a little bit of flak about some of the names and comments I
put on the "worst" list and am beginning to regret it. The following is
a comment I made in response to a posted message about my dislike of the
work of one performer:
>Quote starts
>> I'm not a music reviewer, I am not in a position of influence in the media,
I don't select the CDs that a music store will carry, I'm just one person with an
opinion about the work of some artists. That's all. Oh, yes, it is true that that
opinion is different from yours and AngelBravo's and others on the work of at least
some artists. Is that OK with you all?
If anyone found it offensive, I apologize. I appreciate that most foks
on this list probably like the work of the artists I nominated for the
"worst" list. Different strokes for different folks. I am more than
willing to listen to different opinions, especially the reasons for
those opinions. Doesn't mean I'll change my mind necessarily, but I
think it likely that I'll hear something that may enable me to
appreciate something I didn't before (as in the recent discussion of N.
Diamond's use of the chair metaphor-some interesting interpretations of
that metaphor were offered that, frankly, I had never thought of [I
found the reference to Diamond's Jewish background particularly
interesting] and, while I still think it is a poor use of metaphor I do
appreciate the possible "layers" of meaning he intended.)
So I'm not trying to get anyone to sell off their collection of any
artist's CDs (or vinyl), not passing judgment on anyone whose likes in
music are different than my own, just participating in what was clearly
(at least, clearly to me) intended as a tongue in cheek discussion
started by someone.<<
>Quote ends<
Here's my concern: I think the internet is the single most effective
block to human communication we have ever invented. It's great for
gathering data, but when we try to communicate over it much that makes
for human communication is lost and anything posted is liable to be
interpreted or taken in a way not intended. If we are face to face, we
pick up on the social and nonverbal cues that allow us to more
accurately judge and evaluate what is being said; we are also aware of
it's context. We take these things into account almost automatically
when we respond.
On a discussion list a posted message loses its context (example:
the initiation of the "worst list" I took to be a humorous endeavor and
responded accordingly, with what I regarded as a tongue in cheek
attitude) and the personal contact with the originator is lost. The
person who wrote the message is not there, just the words hanging in
space. In a face to face conversation there would be a give and take, we
could see the self deprecating smile, the nonverbal cues, which would
ordinarily alert us to: "This guy is trying to be funny". And we could
take the message at an appropriate level. All that is lacking in a
discussion list.
Instead, a posted message, which might be dashed off, can be studied
with a lawyer's laser vision (no offense to lawyers here; consider it a
metaphor); meaning and intent can be found where none was intended. The
door of misunderstanding can be kicked wide open, personal affront and
insult can be taken, and the whole process sucks.
Hell, we can't tell how it's being received. If I say something to a
person in front of me I can tell when they are offended and, if that is
not my intent, I can do something about it. by the time we get an email
message back, the pain (or other results of misunderstanding) has been
inflicted and in place for awhile.
We lose track of the dimensionality of the person we are communicating
with-we only have the message, not the person. So if someone posts a
message saying they don't like the "Phoenix Concerts" CD, how do we
react? See what I'm saying? My reaction when I get a message over the
internet like that is a one word response: "Idiot." I have to pull
myself back and realize that there is more to this person than that one
liner. What's the person? What's the context?
I have a friend who doesn't care much for AB's singing-likes some of
his lyrics, doesn't care much for his voice. If she were to post a
message to that effect, what might be the responses? Is there any
possibility that anyone might take it personally, kind of a "Who do you
think you are? I've loved this guy for years!" kind of response? And is
that how we'd respond if we were face to face? (Not saying anyone would,
just talking about possibilities here, and trying to make a point about
communication.)
And does all this suggest anything about how we might carry one
discussions on this list?
Well, anyway, this message has gotten entirely too long for such
an obvious point.
I repeat my apology-I was just expressing some half-assed
opinions and trying to be funny. Still just expressing opinions. Sorry if
I offended anyone; wasn't my intent. More than willing to listen to opinions
different than my own.
Take care,
Steve
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End of bloodlines-digest V1 #17
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