<<I struggle with this: If you get "Amelia", how can you NOT get "Thunder Road"? >>
I can sympathize, Jim, but I would say that if you don't like Springsteen's vocal, or that E-Street band sound (I love them both), you won't be able to get past it. Tom Waits & Elvis C. fall into the same category. <<And why is it that some bands like the Cowboy Junkies garner a familiar kinship similar to pride? >> I think there's a private joy in feeling like you are one of the priveleged few that appreciates something. As if to say, "I'm NOT one of the millions, the lemmings, but rather I'm somebody special". There's a certain amount of that that goes on with our mutual appreciation of Joni. We get it, most don't. Or, don't care to make the effort. <<It's so weird. It's completely different listening to a JMDLer's work than learning about it from the radio. I'm automatically PROUD of them.>> And on one level, that's borne of the fact that NOW you're enjoying something that isn't even KNOWN about by the common folk. Even more of a sense of exclusivity than The Cowboy Junkies. <<What is it about Success that puts a barrier between listeners and players?>> I don't think it's success, I think that the barrier can be created by the celebrity in their attitude. When I saw Richard Thompson, no barrier whatsoever. He acted like one of us, performing on stage. No posturing, just performance and sincerity. Not too many people can handle celebrity & fame. Joni has done a good job of it. <<What is it about Airplay that distinguishes Famous from Local Talent?>> Well, with airplay comes more exposure, which means more sales, which means more money, which means more fame. Some interesting questions... Bob NP: Booker T. & The MG's, "Time Is Tight"
