In a message dated 11/11/00 4:23:14 PM, I wrote:
<<I can't help but wonder why Joni's list members as a group are so much more
liberal than conservative. Why is that? Her subject matter hasn't been all
that 'liberal' in 30 years (Big Yellow Taxi, Woodstock, Blue, for example).>>
To which [EMAIL PROTECTED] responded:
<< Maybe we're not listening to the same records. 'Sex Kills', 'Magdalene
Laundries', 'No Apology' - Joni has included at least one song with a left
leaning, semi to blatant, political theme on all of her records since 'Dog
Eat Dog.' She may have rich people's problems
but her concerns about the environment and the corporate greed that is
threatening to swallow us all up is well documented. I think she's more
out-spoken that she was in her early years. >>
Sorry my original post was so badly worded; I certainly didn't mean to imply
that I thought Joni had abandoned liberal causes or themes in her music over
the years. I even thought of a couple of the songs you mentioned while I was
writing that post -- plus "Cheroke Louise" and "Not to Blame" -- so I should
have more correctly said, "Her well-known subject matter hasn't been all that
'liberal' in 30 years." Mea culpa, but I've been trying to prepare dinner
and plan a seduction today. :-)
But as far as public perception goes, I would guess that when *most* people
think of Joni, they think of her folk years and her songs from that period.
And if that's the period and those are the songs that most people identify
with Joni, maybe they assume her politics are *too* liberal. (I was shocked
to hear some of the comments from audience members as I was leaving Joni's
Boston concert in May. Even her "fans," or people who like Joni enough to buy
tickets to her concerts, are still looking for the friggin' dulcimer.)
Anyway, with all the associations folk music has thoughout its long history
with liberal politics and communism, I guess my muddled thought is that maybe
that is one reason why conservatives don't seem to care for Joni.
In any case, Joni is one of the most gifted artists of our time. But there
are many artists who are farther to the left. What is it about her that keeps
consevatives from enjoying her music?
I hope this post makes a little more sense. Now I have to go find something
to wear that makes me look thin.
Wish me luck,
--Bob
