'Sad and disheartened'

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June 28th, 2004, 12:33 PM
BarbT

That is how I feel at the moment. I am so bl**dy pi**ed off after reading a thread on the Sony BBS which is totally inept because it won't let you login in so I can't reply there!

So let me reassure all of you who have been privileged enough to already hear all of TTATS

1. I fully intend to give this album a fair go, I don't ususally judge an album on one song!

2. Forgive me for not being "captivated" after hearing less than 2 min of a song that was soooooo very different from anything I expected.

3. Die another Day by Madonna grew on me. I never bought the cd, I just heard it because it was on the Die Another Day dvd I own, my first impression was not positive.

4. I detest (yes I know that is harsh) the noise that Specificus and Goldfrapp make, it's not my taste. As there has been a lot of reference to them with regard to Darren's new music can you blame me for being cautious which doesn't mean I'm not curious.

I sincerely hope I get to try before I buy this time round. Unlike many others I love Spin, until recently I always found it light and uplifting, well except for a couple of the tracks.

I wish I could say otherwise, but I now detect an attitude from some of those that have already heard this album towards those who haven't that I find hurtful....I suppose it's all in my mind though.

[ June 28, 2004 09:42 AM: Message edited by: NoRegrets ]
June 28th, 2004, 02:29 PM
Laurina

I can understand what you must be feeling Barb. I know it is a difficult place to be in, when others have heard the album. I was thinking back to when Insatiable was first released (and when no one had heard Spin in its entirety) and of course we all had opinions and made pre-judgements as to what the rest of the album would be like [img]smile.gif[/img] That is just what we do as fans of music in general.

Stepping away from Darren for a moment... if I hear a first single from another artist, and I don't particularily like that single; I certainly think that I will probably not like the rest of the album. Sometimes I am proven wrong because I get some off-chance to hear the album, or they release a second single and I really like that song so I buy the album then; but none-the-less, I definitely do create some opinions on an entire album after hearing only one song. It is just the natural thing to do.

I think, what is frustrating to me, is that I have heard the album and I really really would love for others to hear what I heard - unbelieveably gut-wrenching lyrics set to music that is like no other and molds really well with Darren's voice. Maybe you will hear that, or maybe you won't; when you get to hear all of TTATS - either way, it is okay.

But it is not okay for you to feel as if others are getting down on you because you don't particularily like Popular. I speak for myself when I say this (but I think I can say with confidence that many fans who have heard the album feel the same way) as frustrating as it is for you to hear people say "you have to hear all the album before you judge", it is frustrating for me because I have heard the album and I know what I felt from it and I want so much for others (as I said earlier) to feel that too. lol

It is such an odd place to be in, and even odder sometimes because I can sense from some people who don't enjoy Popular (not from everyone -- just a couple, or so) this feeling that I must have only liked TTATS because it is Darren and not because it was actually a good album.

That is a load of bullshit. I have ears, I know what I like and what I don't like. If I thought this album were shite, I would say so (probably minus the shite word though [img]wink.gif[/img] ) My opinion that the album is good should be as valid as the opinion that says it is not - yet that is not what I feel is happening. [img]confused.gif[/img]

You see? This confusion and these mis-understandings, are felt on all sides. Believe me Barb, I don't believe anyone is trying to make anyone feel bad here. I really don't.

As for the "noise" in Darren's new album ... well... I would not have chosen that word to describe the music. It is not Specificus "noise", and comparing it to that because Robert has worked together with D on this album, is not really fair. Robert is capable of making a variety of music.. just as Darren is capable of making a variety of music (SG, Affa, Spin - none of these albums have the same types of sounds). Yes, the album is "techno", for lack of a better word. It's got a bit of a Depeche Mode feel in it, together with electric and acoustic guitar, bass, drums. Goldfrapp? Hmmm maybe a bit like that too, but less "noisy". The music is far more organized than what you hear in Goldfrapp.

I don't quite know how to describe it Barb. And in the end, my description may not fit what you feel when you hear TTATS because we each have our own tastes in music, and that is a lovely thing.

I hope this helps in some way or another. ((((HUGS))))
June 28th, 2004, 02:39 PM
DarrensPassion

Barb you are fully entitled to your opinions and please don't feel that you have to justify them. Nobody is forcing anybody to like something that they don't like. All I would say about the album is to try and keep an open mind until you have heard all of it. It maybe that it won't be to your taste. I hope you get the opportunity to hear it if or before you consider buying it.

Popular isn't my favourite track either by a long way. I know it is very difficult to form any sort of opinion about something you haven't heard yet and to base those feelings on one short clip of one track.

Whether you come to like TTATS or not, everyone's opinion is valid.

[img]graemlins/girl_hug.gif[/img]

Janie xx

[ June 28, 2004 12:39 PM: Message edited by: DarrensPassion ]
June 28th, 2004, 05:19 PM
BBD

I also can't understand what all the secrecy is about regarding TTATS.I didn't go to a LP,so I haven't heard it yet, all I've heard is the 2 min clip of Popular.

Barb, I say each to their own, wether you like it or not has no influence on you as a person, it's a matter of personal choice and the world would be a very boring place if we all liked the same thing( although we are lepers at a certain other place if we don't go with the flow!!).

Going back to Popular, I have to confess I like the song.I think it's catchy and gets my feet tapping and I hear it going round in my head for hours afterwards. Personally I don't want to do as others have done and analyse it too much, I just want to enjoy it. Although after saying that, I hear it and it's just NOT Darren,it sounds too much like a commercial pop song to me, but that's not to say I don't like it, but it could be anyone singing that song and part of the magic used to be that Darren made each song his own, it seemed to have his personal stamp on it.IMO, Popular doesn't have that.

I hope that I enjoy the rest of TTATS, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it if I don't. Long gone are the days where I adored EVERYTHING Darren did and hung off his every word and movement, that was just damaging to me and people around me.

So yes, I'm looking foward to the album but if it's a bummer I know I have more important things in my life to focus on..... but it would be good to get a small part of the magic back.

I hope that makes sense, I know what I was trying to say and seem to have gone off on a bit of a tangent [img]eek.gif[/img]

[ June 28, 2004 02:21 PM: Message edited by: Donna32 ]
June 28th, 2004, 05:51 PM
Laurina

*edited* I don't want to take away from Barb's original post so I am editing this.

[ June 28, 2004 04:26 PM: Message edited by: Laurina ]
June 28th, 2004, 06:55 PM
Juliet10

I think you know very well what secrecy I'm talking about Laurie, but I'll explain it to you if you want.

I'm talking about the fans who were able to attend an LP being asked to sign waivers saying they wouldn't discuss song titles or lyrics and that's only one example.

I would say more, but then I'd really start to rant.

Michelle

xx
June 28th, 2004, 07:09 PM
Laurina

Again... my apologies Barb

[ June 28, 2004 04:27 PM: Message edited by: Laurina ]
June 28th, 2004, 07:57 PM
Lainbrain

I agree with the others Barb, we all have our opinion and all are valid. I'm expecting a lot from this album, from all the hype from the listening parties, but frankly Popular didn't cut it at all with me. I really was expecting something more meaningful, but this might be the best choice to grab people.

I want Darren to do well, I hope they know what there doing.
June 28th, 2004, 08:14 PM
Laurina

Quote:

Originally posted by Lainbrain:
I agree with the others Barb, we all have our opinion and all are valid. I'm expecting a lot from this album, from all the hype from the listening parties, but frankly Popular didn't cut it at all with me. I really was expecting something more meaningful, but this might be the best choice to grab people.

I want Darren to do well, I hope they know what there doing.

I think you love the lyrics Lain [img]smile.gif[/img] They are gut-wrenchingly honest and some were very hard to hear and made me cry with sadness [img]frown.gif[/img] But as far as the music they are set to? That will be a decision you will have to make when you hear the album [img]smile.gif[/img]
June 29th, 2004, 01:54 AM
BarbT

Thanks everyone for the replies.

"Stepping away from Darren for a moment... if I hear a first single from another artist, and I don't particularily like that single; I certainly think that I will probably not like the rest of the album. Sometimes I am proven wrong because I get some off-chance to hear the album, or they release a second single and I really like that song so I buy the album then; but none-the-less, I definitely do create some opinions on an entire album after hearing only one song. It is just the natural thing to do"

Laurie the above comments really helped and when I can finally login to sony [img]mad.gif[/img] I may respond to the thread.

OK so I still can't login to Sony so here is my question

Can all of you who've heard TTATS put yourselves in the shoes of those who haven't, all you've heard of Popular is the almost 2 min clip...so would you have different feelings about his new album? How would you feel getting constant responses of "you have to hear the rest of the album, don't judge it on one song" Can you imagine you're not a fan of Darren, therefore no preconceived ideas, expectations? Can fans be truly objective? (I don't believe so)

Accusations of not letting go of SG and making up your mind to dislike it were rude (in my opinion).

You know I've come to accept now that part of what I'm feeling (not just unfairness towards a portion of Darren's fans) is exclusion - being out of the loop in what should have been an exciting time that has made it awkward to share feelings especially in places where I'd always felt comfortable before. It does not make me angryor sad, in fact it's hard to describe other than just what I said above...awkward.

My most sincere thanks to Dyan because for the first time in a long time I feel free to be me!

[ June 29, 2004 01:36 AM: Message edited by: NoRegrets ]

[ June 29, 2004 02:22 AM: Message edited by: NoRegrets ]
June 29th, 2004, 03:51 AM
Juliet10

*echoes what Janie said about you not having to be sorry, Barb*

Now, they could stop all this 'I've heard it and you haven't so don't judge it' bullshit if they would just stop being so bloody secretive [img]mad.gif[/img]

Although that's probably a whole other issue [img]smile.gif[/img]

Michelle

xx
June 29th, 2004, 05:15 AM
sunhawk

As you can probably tell from my comment on that thread, i completely empathize with getting tired of being told "give the album a chance!" when you already intended to do so. It's been somewhat frustrating to be lumped in with the few people who *have* decided to not like TTAS because i happen to not think too much of "Popular" as a track in itself.

As well, i have felt that the people who have already heard the whole album are in a much more comfortable position than those who haven't because they *have* gotten a chance to hear the whole album and give "Popular" proper context, whereas all we have is 2 mins in a vaccuum *chuckle*

And, as strange as it sounds, even hearing things that i am sure are supposed to be reassuring, like "if you love deep personal songs, you'll love it!", are beginning to feel like when you want to go see a movie and someone who has already seen it says "don't worry, the ending isn't as bad as you think" - i mean, nothing is ruined but i am beginning to get overloaded on everyone else's impressions without having my own as a buffer! LOL *is crazy*

Quote:

Originally posted by NoRegrets:
Can all of you who've heard TTATS put yourselves in the shoes of those who haven't, all you've heard of Popular is the almost 2 min clip...so would you have different feelings about his new album? Can you imagine you're not a fan of Darren, therefore no preconceived ideas, expectations? Can fans be truly objective? (I don't believe so)

that's exactly what i wanted to ask actually!

Quote:

Accusations of not letting go of SG and making up your mind to dislike it were rude (in my opinion).

i completely agree, that kind of commenting always gets my back up. If it were any other band that Darren was being compared to, it would be just chalked up as "difference of opinion"
June 29th, 2004, 05:44 AM
Laurina

Quote:

Thanks everyone for the replies.

"Stepping away from Darren for a moment... if I hear a first single from another artist, and I don't particularily like that single; I certainly think that I will probably not like the rest of the album. Sometimes I am proven wrong because I get some off-chance to hear the album, or they release a second single and I really like that song so I buy the album then; but none-the-less, I definitely do create some opinions on an entire album after hearing only one song. It is just the natural thing to do"

Laurie the above comments really helped and when I can finally login to sony [img]mad.gif[/img] I may respond to the thread.

I'm glad Barb [img]smile.gif[/img]

Quote:

OK so I still can't login to Sony so here is my question

Can all of you who've heard TTATS put yourselves in the shoes of those who haven't, all you've heard of Popular is the almost 2 min clip...so would you have different feelings about his new album? How would you feel getting constant responses of "you have to hear the rest of the album, don't judge it on one song" Can you imagine you're not a fan of Darren, therefore no preconceived ideas, expectations? Can fans be truly objective? (I don't believe so)

I believe I can put myself in the shoes of those who haven't heard the album Barb. I have spent alot of time in other people's shoes (non-members vs. members, and on and on) so I can at least empathize with that feeling of unknowing.. and I have experienced it in the past (not with Darren but with an INXS album). It is a weird place to sit in, it really is. Like being on one side of a two-way mirror - seeing people but not hearing what they are speaking about. You understand part of the communication, but not all.

As to how would I feel? I think I would say this "Of course I will give it a chance. I have listened to Darren's music for 7 years, so naturally I will pick this cd up and give it a try" And then I might yell a bit lol.

Now, can a fan be truly objective? Depends on the fan, I think. Although I tend to think that "no" a fan who has been "with" that artist for some time probably can't be completely objective; I do think that we have it within ourselves to be. I am just not sure if we want to be objective all of the time because it is a scary thing... to acknowledge that maybe we won't feel connected anymore and that we have become seperated from someone's music when he has meant to much to us in the past. I would be scared of that because music, and the artists that make it, symbolize so many things in my life and to lose someone is like losing a piece of my life.

Can I give an example? You know what INXS means to me. I have been listening to those guys for nearly 20 years. When Michael died... I lost a piece of me because many things in my life I recalled because of something INXS related. When I heard Need You Tonight I remembered, with great detail, driving in my car with my friends, screaming the lyrics out. When I think of Original Sin, I think of my high school boyfriend and him singing that song to me at a school dance. When Michael died... somehow those things died too. Hard to explain really, and I know I am not doing the best job.

Anyway... can fans be objective? I like to think I can be; but I think I am subjective objective. lol

[ June 29, 2004 02:58 AM: Message edited by: Laurina ]
June 29th, 2004, 08:00 AM
DarrensPassion

Can all of you who've heard TTATS put yourselves in the shoes of those who haven't, all you've heard of Popular is the almost 2 min clip...so would you have different feelings about his new album? How would you feel getting constant responses of "you have to hear the rest of the album, don't judge it on one song" Can you imagine you're not a fan of Darren, therefore no preconceived ideas, expectations? Can fans be truly objective? (I don't believe so)

*************************************************

Barb firstly let me apologise if I came across as being rude in that thread on Sony. I certainly wasn't posting in anger, I only meant that I hoped everyone who hasn't heard it already would have an open mind about it and I see that they are willing to do so, so my apologies again for not picking up on that before. It certainly is not my intention to force my opinions on anybody else about this.

Stepping into the shoes of someone who hasn't heard the whole album but only that one clip of Popular, I would say that knowing what Darren is capable of musically and lyrically in the past, I would still have faith in his ability to produce an album that I could relate to and enjoy even if I didn't particularly like Popular.

I just want for Darren to be successful with this album and for as many people as possible to enjoy it. [img]graemlins/girl_hug.gif[/img]

Janie xx

[ June 29, 2004 06:17 AM: Message edited by: DarrensPassion ]
June 29th, 2004, 09:42 AM
BarbT

Gosh, where to start

Steen..Thank you so much for really understanding what I was saying and feeling [img]smile.gif[/img]

Laurie...I can totally relate to what you said about INXS. Some of my fave bands from my younger years have lost their lead singers and yes when you think back to those times and what you were doing it does make a difference.

Janie and Laurie..thanks for your ability to put yourself in anothers shoes, that is not something that everyone could and would be prepared to do.

Janie it was not your comment that really upset me. I enjoyed reading your review, Laurie's review and the one on the SG bbs (even though I had intended to wait and listen first..guess that was my big mistake, lol). It also wasn't those reviews that led me to feeling the way I do now.

I too hope Darren has success with his new album, whether I end up liking it or not. I am willing to give the album a go because it is Darren and yes there is history. That said one song of Goldfrapp did put me off even bothering to check them out further and as for Specificus 30 seconds on stage was enough to last a lifetime, so there are artists I dismiss after hearing 'one clip' [img]wink.gif[/img]
June 29th, 2004, 09:49 AM
Kattitude

Completely valid points Barb!

You are allowed to feel whatever you feel without anyone telling you to give anything a go. You feel what you felt when you heard the clip of Popular and express your views.

one of my pet loathes is the when people say if you were expecting SG its not like that its different Darren blah blah.. well I say be as different as he wants but make it damm good. I will give the album a chance just as I did with spin. I guess I dont have high hopes after the dissapointment that was "Spin".

Kat
June 29th, 2004, 04:00 PM
twizzle

Well we'll have to agree to differ then Laur. [img]smile.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/girl_hug.gif[/img]

For me, it IS only music and although I love the stuff, it's not especially an important thing to me in that I don't let it rule my life or my actions. I just enjoy having it around. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ June 29, 2004 01:02 PM: Message edited by: Twizzle ]
June 29th, 2004, 04:09 PM
sunhawk

You are most welcome Barb [img]smile.gif[/img] *huggles*
June 29th, 2004, 04:31 PM
Laurina

Quote:

Originally posted by Twizzle:
[QB]Well we'll have to agree to differ then Laur. [img]smile.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/girl_hug.gif[/img]

For me, it IS only music and although I love the stuff, it's not especially an important thing to me in that I don't let it rule my life or my actions. I just enjoy having it around. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Nothing wrong with that Terry [img]smile.gif[/img] It is that way for me with some music, but with other music I am more emotionally attached to it. It is like a piece of me. It sort of reminds me of when I was a teenager and I really loved Duran Duran, and people at my school would call them all sorts of names. I would get so pissed off and so upset because it was not like they were insulting Duran, it was like they were insulting me. Some music is a part of me. Darren's music is a part of me. INXS music is a part of me. Depeche Mode's music is a part of me too. There is just a far deeper connection to them for me.
June 29th, 2004, 10:49 PM
BarbT

I am a music whore [img]wink.gif[/img] It surrounds me, it relates to defining moments in my life, I can't travel down the street without having a cd on, lol. I crave it (just like chocolate).

However since the 'incident' elsewhere I am still unable to derive any pleasure from my SG/DH albums, in fact I rarely play them. Could this be a stumbling block with the new album, I sincerely hope not because I truly am prepared to give it a go despite being somewhat 'surprised' at Popular. At the present I am listening to 'swing' he he, won't my mummy be pleased [img]eek.gif[/img] but maybe not it is Robbie after all [img]smile.gif[/img]

Yesterday I listened to Ray Of Light and I was surprised when I really listened how many 'noises' there were and how I'd not really noticed them before I just loved the sound, however, I didn't like 'Music'.

Laurie my 'friends' here scoffed at my admiration of Darren's music. If I spoke to 10 ppl in real life...3 would probably say 'who', 5 would say 'oh he's the guy who broke up SG' (courtesy of the wonderful media support he receives here NOT), 1 would remember the very moving 'Lost Without You' performance and 1 would say 'oh he has the most incredible voice' You know I'm tired now of the 'he broke up SG' I just sigh and change the subject. My sister-in-law does have a copy of Spin now after falling in love with it because she heard it here.
June 30th, 2004, 02:13 AM
sunhawk

Quote:

It is that way for me with some music, but with other music I am more emotionally attached to it. It is like a piece of me. It sort of reminds me of when I was a teenager and I really loved Duran Duran, and people at my school would call them all sorts of names. I would get so pissed off and so upset because it was not like they were insulting Duran, it was like they were insulting me. Some music is a part of me. Darren's music is a part of me. INXS music is a part of me. Depeche Mode's music is a part of me too. There is just a far deeper connection to them for me.

i get that way sometimes...ok a lot LOL... myself *g* I do believe that we like the music we do because it resonates with our soul and the closer the harmony of resonance, the more we feel connected to the music and enjoy it [img]smile.gif[/img] Just my private theory [img]wink.gif[/img]
June 30th, 2004, 03:09 AM
twizzle

Can I just say that I think that it's a total non-event that some ppl say that they don't think that they're going to like TTATS (or even if they end up NOT liking it after they've actually heard it).

It's only music - It's not the end of the world - And their opinions really shouldn't matter to the ppl that DO like it. [img]smile.gif[/img]
June 30th, 2004, 03:45 AM
Laurina

That is where my opinion differs from yours Terry. I don't see this as only music. In fact, I am not so sure that many people do because if they did, would emotions be running this high? Would Barb be feeling the way she does? Would I feel as if people disregard me because I like Darren? For me, this is not only music.
June 30th, 2004, 08:37 AM
DarrensPassion

Quote:

Originally posted by sunhawk:
<blockquote>quote:<hr /> It is that way for me with some music, but with other music I am more emotionally attached to it. It is like a piece of me. It sort of reminds me of when I was a teenager and I really loved Duran Duran, and people at my school would call them all sorts of names. I would get so pissed off and so upset because it was not like they were insulting Duran, it was like they were insulting me. Some music is a part of me. Darren's music is a part of me. INXS music is a part of me. Depeche Mode's music is a part of me too. There is just a far deeper connection to them for me.

i get that way sometimes...ok a lot LOL... myself *g* I do believe that we like the music we do because it resonates with our soul and the closer the harmony of resonance, the more we feel connected to the music and enjoy it [img]smile.gif[/img] Just my private theory [img]wink.gif[/img] <hr /></blockquote>I agree with you both because that's the way it is with me too. Music isn't just a random collection of noises, it's an entity that can affect you on the deepest emotional level. On a purely scientific level, how we hear and absorb music is connected to the limbic area of the brain where we also process all other emotions so it follows that music can affect us at the deepest level. Add to that various life experiences that may have been happening at the same time we receive those first chords of a particular piece of music and the two are inextricably intwined with each other.

The ancients used to talk about the harmony of the universe where everything had a rhythm to it and part of that becomes deeply ingrained in our psyches. Music can evoke all sorts of feelings and memories in us and in music that is special to us it becomes absorbed into our souls and becomes a part of us, of who we are. When we meet someone who shares that love then the bond becomes even more special.

SG and DH's music is special to me also because of the bond of friendship that has also formed between us and if it wasn't for Darren and his music in the first place, probably none of us would actually know each other, so it's also about community and kinship and all those wonderful feelings that can emmanate from that.

Janie xx
June 30th, 2004, 02:36 PM
Laurina

Quote:

The ancients used to talk about the harmony of the universe where everything had a rhythm to it and part of that becomes deeply ingrained in our psyches. Music can evoke all sorts of feelings and memories in us and in music that is special to us it becomes absorbed into our souls and becomes a part of us, of who we are. When we meet someone who shares that love then the bond becomes even more special.

*sigh* I just love reading your thoughts Janie [img]smile.gif[/img]

Quote:

SG and DH's music is special to me also because of the bond of friendship that has also formed between us and if it wasn't for Darren and his music in the first place, probably none of us would actually know each other, so it's also about community and kinship and all those wonderful feelings that can emmanate from that.

Janie xx

That is very true Janie. That contributes greatly to why his music is so deep within me.
June 30th, 2004, 07:53 PM
sunhawk

Quote:

Originally posted by DarrensPassion:
I agree with you both because that's the way it is with me too. Music isn't just a random collection of noises, it's an entity that can affect you on the deepest emotional level. On a purely scientific level, how we hear and absorb music is connected to the limbic area of the brain where we also process all other emotions so it follows that music can affect us at the deepest level. Add to that various life experiences that may have been happening at the same time we receive those first chords of a particular piece of music and the two are inextricably intwined with each other.

The ancients used to talk about the harmony of the universe where everything had a rhythm to it and part of that becomes deeply ingrained in our psyches. Music can evoke all sorts of feelings and memories in us and in music that is special to us it becomes absorbed into our souls and becomes a part of us, of who we are. When we meet someone who shares that love then the bond becomes even more special.
[/QB]

Well said! [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

I suspect it has to do with the fact that all music is a set of vibrations set to a certain rhythm and since all life as we know it is made up of vibrating molecules, music that we love may very well literally BE us because we vibrate in the same way, and the energy from the music is transfered into us from the air we breathe in and through our skin [img]smile.gif[/img] Being energized so subtly like that sounds pretty nice to me! ^_^

There is a theory that states that life itself started as a single note, rippling through the cosmos and moving the elements into patterns, songs we could say, of increasing complexity that we known as living organisms ^__^
July 1st, 2004, 01:55 AM
Dyan

I read this thread yesterday, then left. Then I came back, thought about the posts here and read it again today.

The thing is that I wonder if this isn't a topic that can't be over-analyzed. I like how Barb described herself as a musical whore. lol And I agree with Terry. It IS only music. But that doesn't lessen the important, irreplacable, place that music has in my life and in my soul.

To me, music simply is. It's there in my head. It's every where around me. It's not something that I sit and think about or try to put my finger on why it's there. It's simply there.

What I have a hard time with is this interweaving of the musician with the music. I mean, I realize that it IS interwoven. Without the musician and who they are, their life experiences, there wouldn't be music. But the musican isn't a part of my life. The music is.

I don't know if I can explain it. I play cds and go to shows, but until SG I never thought in terms of "loyality" or supporting the artist. I simply wove their music into my life at a fundemental level and never thought further. And when they moved into new musical realms (as all will do at one time or another), I either follow or I don't follow. If the new direction fits my life and my emotions of the moment, I follow. If not, I move on .......... just as they move on artistically.

So maybe I'm ......... I don't know what. I feel a bit shallow reading all the deep thoughts here. I have and will leave a given song or cd or even artist in the dust without a second thought if it no longer suits my spiritual/emotional needs. Because it IS just music and they're only a band or singer. And yet, their music will always be in my soul. I don't think about it. It just simply 'is'.

[ June 30, 2004 10:56 PM: Message edited by: Dyan ]
July 1st, 2004, 05:17 PM
bengalcat

It's an interesting dichotomy... the singer or the song? I've known musicians who completely dissociate themselves from their "material", perhaps because they have no hand in its conception and thus no personal connection to it. It shows, it definitely shows. They toss off the words like so many nursery-rhyme recitations, and it's obvious that authenticity has no place in their syntax.

And then there are artists who become very indignant and even insulted when you dare to suggest that their fans may be more interested in their physical attributes than in the content of their work.

But from my own perspective... I don't make a distinction between artist and song. To me they're one and the same. Songs (or the best of them, anyway) are channeled direct from the heart to the acetate. I believe you can gauge an artist's maturity and growth by the twists and turns of his lyrics, his willingness to experiment in different (often less ---forgive the pun---popular) forms, and his detachment from ego. That last part, I find, is often the most vital. When an artist has ceased to be caught up in pandering to other people's ideals, and begun to focus on his own personal growth, you know he's reached, or is beginning to reach, his full potential.

That often entails leaving some former admirers unhappily by the wayside.

Just my thoughts on the singer-not-the-song concept, and why there may be such intense debate on THIS particular artist's music. He polarises opinion. And he's deleted the word "compromise" from his vocabulary. Which is something I applaud. It's been a long time coming. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ July 02, 2004 10:33 PM: Message edited by: bengalcat ]
July 2nd, 2004, 12:09 AM
Dyan

I dunno............ on one hand, I agree. People (I think) can tell the difference between honesty and calculated emotions. On the other hand, none of us can know what is in another person's heart or what they are thinking at a given time. To a large degree, I wonder if we don't end up hearing what we want in the music. Perhaps it's what is in our hearts that colors how the music affects us.

The thing is that we don't know what Darren may have deleted from his vocabulary. Or not deleted. But I don't know that it matters. John Lennon could have been sitting in the studio laughing at how guilable his fans were, but it wouldn't have changed how his music affected me.

BUT (going back to the first hand) perhaps he couldn't have created the music that affected me if he had been calculating and mocking.

*thinks for a time*

No............ to me, it's only about how the music affects me. I can't know what is in someone's head or heart, but I DO know how it impacts me.