Divas and war (updated 4/6)
Last night I saw the anti-war video "American Life "(download here) that Madonna pulled from release in the states. I have to start by saying that I think Madonna is truly talented and a marketing genius. Over the years, she has reinvented herself time after time, sometimes quite edgy, still remaining mainstream. So we have to ask, "Whassup?" The video has aired overseas and apparently was only held back here. It seems to me that most MTV viewers have the means to view it online and, most likely, it will soon be available at your local Blockbuster. Obviously it was created before actual fighting in Iraq began, but it manages to seem as if parts were yanked from today's headlines. Cool.
She stated that she didn't want to offend anyone. My take is, if it was aired, it definitely would offend some. (I don't know these people, but polls constantly tell me they exist.) Like the girl that says "no" and means "yes", she has managed to be naughty and not bear responsiblity. It just all seems so contrived to me. She did it. We're all seeing it and she has managed to escape retribution by disclaiming it. What a coup! Perhaps she was inspired by Michael Jackson's recent much ado about nothing. After all, any publicity is good publicity and Madonna certainly knows how to use the allure of the forbidden to her advantage.
So much truer, Natalie Maines' recent statement and the hoopla it created. Gotta love west Texas women for their candor. :) Yeah, she apologized to Dubya, she had little choice, but it was made clear how she felt. Nothing contrived or superficial there. Simple honesty followed by a conscripted acquiescence. I didn't own a Dixie Chick CD before, but I do now. You go, Natalie!!
I can't hang this up without mentioning Sheryl Crow. She seems to _try_ to reinvent herself. I've enjoyed her music but ever since she penned and sang "I bring you apples from the vine" I've not been able to take her seriously. C'mon!! Who the hell ever heard of apples on a vine? Others have argued poetic license about this, but I don't buy it.
I figured she just wasn't very bright. At this year's American Music Awards, she conclusively proved it. Showing up in an ever so tacky tee shirt with "War is not the answer" emblazoned in sequins, she offered this conjecture, "The best way to solve problems is to not have enemies" Profound, huh? Oh yeah, and coming soon, exclusively at a Starbucks near you, "Music that Matters to Her"
At least she didn't write the songs.
4/6/03 update More Madonna opinions