know."Mark stated: "I used to identify with Joni's description of herself in 'People's Parties' - 'I'm just living on nerves and feelings with a weak and a lazy mind'. Maybe I'm not so much nerves and feelings anymore and I wouldn't say I was weak-minded. But the lazy part probably still applies. So I don't know that I would be a particularly interesting correspondent for you. But I do find what you write to be interesting and certainly provocative. So feel free to email me anytime if you feel so inclined. Just bear in mind that you might find me somewhat limited in what I know or might think I
Couldn't agree with that last Joni quote more!! You strike me as a thoughtful, intelligent, articulate soul (now that's just my opinion - but I do value it highly) lol. I think you're quite sharper than your self-image would lead you to believe.
You asked whether I read much or not. I do read voraciously - mostly older books. I have one of the largest private collections of philosophical books from the 1800's - you know, back when people thought and spoke in more than just sentence fragments. I also read anything current from media sources I consider honest, accurate and intelligent. That certainly doesn't include the much of the mainstream ones (funny, but it's kind of like music that way.) I have VERY specific tastes in music. It must be intelligent, articulate, personal (as far as gaining something from it) and performed by national caliber musicians. There are so few with the artistic capacity of Joni in pulling all these together.
To name a few: Some John Haitt (a couple anyway, some of them are pretty pedestrian - "Bring the Family" was excellent (Ry Cooder on lead guitar - it should be!). Early (first three) Steve Earle CDs, Carly Simon, first Chris Whitley CD, Cat Stevens, are a few that I can at least appreciate. Even some of them have too much *filler* on their CDs.
I don't know if you've noticed my total, unabashed regard for the works of L.A. Cowboy. If you love Joni's wit, wisdom, poetic poise, class, sense of responsibility to her audience, artistic risk-taking and charm - you just might thoroughly enjoy the Cowboy's (as we die-hard fans call him) large and eclectic catalog of material. And I swear,this guy simply doesn't write "filler". You might like some of his songs and styles more than others, but it is all totally credible. Kind of like Joni. You feel like you aren't wasting your money to get just one or two "catchy" songs on an album full of bona fide clunkers. Do you know the feeling? Johi's been fairly consistent about avoiding the "filler" folly also. Too inspired, too smart to resort to mediocrity or mush.
Just in case you're interested, you can find a great sampling of the Cowboy at http://www.mp3.com/lacowboy If you're not registered there, it only takes a minute or two. Then you have free access forever. They just want to keep track of the numbers of visitors that go there I think. It is more than worth the time - if you have DSL or Broadband connection that is. Phone modems stink for streaming the music there.
If you do check him out, let me know if I'm on track in my description of his varied abilities. BTW, I tried to get his label to get him to check out Joni's boards. I e-mailed them and told them that he should have a set-up like this one. The manager actually *e*d me back and said she'd investigate it. She seems quite cool and intelligent in her note. Apparently a "real" music lover. Maybe she'll join the fray over here. Thank you again for your fine correspondence. Hope to keep hearing from you.
NP - highband streaming the Limeliters entire play list on http://www.mp3.com/limeliters, while cooking some gourmet vegetarian fare. What a hoot they are! Really classy, witty, charming. What extraordinary musician/storytellers! Great performers!! I'd love to see them live.
Franklin P.S. I plan to address my take on the M&M approach to "art" and "music" very shortly, particularly his "contributions" to humanity in general.
