On Nov 15, 2007, at 4:56 PM, Donald Tillman wrote:
> Well, I greatly admire Jon Anderson's lyrics.
>
> I understand that you might not get the concept behind his lyrics, but
> belittling his work is neither helpful nor constructive. I think it's
> unfortunate that so many listeners who consider themselves musically
> sophisticated and enlightened are at the same time so closed minded
> when it comes to lyrics.
>
> Jon Anderson's lyrics are impressionistic; basicly Claude Monet
> applied to rock lyrics. The direct textual meaning is diminished and
> the poetry of the rhythms and the sounds of the words take its place
> in evoking the listener's mental imagery.
>
> Progressive rock is all about opening up the basic rock genre to
> musically sophisticated, creative and artistic ideas. And Jon
> Anderson has the balls to try something different and build on it. My
> hat's off to the guy.
Donald,
I've expressed my opinion (and I think I also know a tiny bit about
what writing is all about) and you've expressed yours. I've said I
think his lyrics are not good; you've said you like them. This is all
good.
You think his lyrics are impressionistic (although I think comparing
him to Claude Monet who is regarded by many to be one of the most
influential artists of the past 300 years is taking it a BIT far); I
think it's pretentious claptrap dressed up to appear "artsy". In my
opinion, his lyrics are second rate poetry.
Jon did indeed have "the balls to try something different", and
that's a good thing, but to my mind, he failed in what he set out to
do. Why would you assume from that that I'm close-minded? Because I
don't think much of Jon's lyrics and you do?
Let's talk about words. Don't yours in the first paragraph make some
sweeping assumptions, presumably about me, that you have no right to
make without engaging in further discussion?
Donald, your comments are a very unfortunate example of an "I'm
right, so that makes you wrong" exchange. You should take note that I
didn't include in my initial email on the subject: "anyone who thinks
Jon Anderson's lyrics are profound or even good knows absolutely
nothing about what constitutes good poetry." That wouldn't have been
very nice, would it? And you would then have a perfect right to feel
insulted -- as I do now.
Rick