re: #274 wheat-dogghazi

Britney was a terrific dancer. From the recent reviews I’ve read, she’s lost her edge. Lohan can act, yes, but is also a handful on the set, when she bothered to arrive at all. For whatever reasons, those two peaked before they even hit 30. Aguilera may be able to pull off being a successful singer/dancer past 30, but not to the extent that Madonna has managed. Miley’s career might just peak out next year, unless she follows Sinead O’Connor’s advice and stops trying to shock, instead of entertain.

Britney can dance. Great occupation for a singer.

Miley can sing. She should try it sometime.

To me the problem still comes down to true artistry versus music pushed out by a corporation. Sure corporate labels can make big stars of Modanna and Timberlake, but are they really as talented as the way lesser known artists slaving away in small clubs or mid-size halls where they can’t hide behind video production and vocal manipulation?

I used to piss people off when back in the day everyone would argue over who was the best guitarist ever…Jimi, Eric, Jeff, Jimmy, on and on. I would always throw in some names like Gary Moore, Alvin Lee, Jim McCarty, and then say but even they might not be the best. Well then who? Well, the best guitarist in the world might live in a shack deep in the woods of upstate New York but doesn’t play in clubs. Just because we may not have heard of him doesn’t mean he wasn’t the best.

I keep that in mind about all the arts. And being in the arts that keeps me going.

I remember an interview with William S. Burroughs where a star struck interviewer asked what special insight Burroughs could give to upstart writers. Burroughs in his deep voice said he had only one suggestion. Write.