Yeah, I read the whole article.

Maybe you should write the authour and ask him what his point was?


On another note; I'd think a guy like you think would think that I am entitled to my own opinion without taking the liberty of describing my opinion as an axe to grind.




I just wonder what motivates individuals to claim that people that assemble or enjoy things as large groups aren't able to decide what they enjoy for themselves, and I'm not shy about pointing out the basic premise that substantiates such statements.

I happen to agree with Mr Black's notion that exciting music speaks for itself. (refer to the article in it's entirety for his explanation) and I think that this is demonstrated every day in the many music venues people attend.

That's why the blues still thrives in clubs and festivals, and hip hop thrives, and latin jazz thrives... there's more than I can name... and it's all alive and well.

best,
mike

Still one of my favorite things to listen too:

http://youtu.be/AeD-nVEjzsQ?hd=1

On another note; I'd think a guy like you think would think that I am entitled to my own opinion without taking the liberty of describing my opinion as an axe to grind.

I see. You'd like your opinion put forward unchallenged, but would happily discount someone else's on the basis that they only sold 1.5 million albums outside the US, or that they are too old to dance around a stage singing karaoke.

..and what, pray tell, is a 'guy like me'? :-)

mike_mccue


Still one of my favorite things to listen too:

http://youtu.be/AeD-nVEjzsQ?hd=1

Precisely, and when you take away the TV energised hype about how refreshing it was to see someone that didn't look like a Barbie doll to posess a modicum of talent in this day and age that has promoted the idea that you DO have to look like a Barbie doll to qualify as talent, you'll realise how incredibly ordinary that lady is as a vocal performer.
 
I'm not deriding her here she can carry a song reasonably well but basically she was pitched as a novelty act by TV basically because she looked like an ordinary person on a medium that defines small parameters as to what a look should be.
 
Listened to outside of that premise her recorded interpretations of songs is far less than outstandingly spectacular than it first seemed.

" He was talking about the endless succession of shows like 'The Apprentice' (where various wannabee businessmen and women vie for a chance to be Alan Sugar's new little darling) where we get to watch people who are not very good at cooking, dancing, skating or singing, becoming slightly better at it over 13 weeks in the run up to Christmas."


Here's some info on Taylor Hicks, I've seen him in the flesh and the guy has the goods.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Hicks

"Taylor Reuben Hicks (born October 6, 1976)[2] is an American singer who won the fifth season of American Idol. Hicks got his start as a professional musician in his late teens and performed around the Southeastern United States for well over the span of a decade, during which he also released two independent albums.



Here's some info on Melinda Doolittle, who placed third on the show but is still a "winner" in my book. Honestly, I just think she is a fantastic singer:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melinda_Doolittle


"Melinda Marie Doolittle (born October 6, 1977) is an American singer who finished as the third place finalist on the sixth season of American Idol. [1] Prior to her appearance on American Idol, Doolittle worked as a professional back-up singer for, among others, Michael McDonald, Kirk Franklin, Aaron Neville, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Alabama, Jonny Lang, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Carman, and Anointed."



It's not like the "battered and brainwashed" audience is ignorantly watching a caterpillar turn in to a butterfly... they are actually recognizing accomplished talent and enjoying watching said talent have a moment in the spotlight.


best regards,
mike

That's why the blues still thrives in clubs and festivals, and hip hop thrives, and latin jazz thrives... there's more than I can name... and it's all alive and well.

 
And, that exactly was the point I was making in my first post on this thread.  If you can stand up and survive in a club or festival then you'll not have anything to worry about as far as the record industry goes.

jamesg1213

On another note; I'd think a guy like you think would think that I am entitled to my own opinion without taking the liberty of describing my opinion as an axe to grind.

I see. You'd like your opinion put forward unchallenged, but would happily discount someone else's on the basis that they only sold 1.5 million albums outside the US, or that they are too old to dance around a stage singing karaoke.

..and what, pray tell, is a 'guy like me'? :-)

I don't know, maybe like a guy that likes to insults singers by referring to their craft as karaoke?


In actuality I was referring to your statement "anyone's right to an opinion" ... which seemed quite reasonable at the time... when I stated "a guy who thinks like you think."

I do not think you ask these questions to foster greater understanding but rather to find a fresh place to wedge your next argument.





I hope you enjoy the pint. Tell him I say "Hi"... and to stop in to Tally town on his next world tour.


best,
mike

I do not think you ask these questions to foster greater understanding but rather to find a fresh place to wedge your next argument.

For anyone that still doesn't get irony, McQ making the above statement is the best definition evah!
 
<Facepalm>