The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #105654   Message #2177171
Posted By: Jeri
23-Oct-07 - 08:28 AM
Thread Name: Speaking ill of the dead.
Subject: RE: Speaking ill of the dead.
Richard, per Heather's website, "Castle Communications in England has re-released the first two Young Tradition albums on CD." They, along with some other tasty recordings, are available from Grass Roots Productions. (Appears to be Heather's)

As to the actual subject (don't look so shocked), there's none can judge what interferes with enjoying a performance for anyone but themselves. Some people find a singer's politics makes them cringe, others don't like a singers appearance, religion, addictions or any number of things.

A good friend once talked to me of the hazards of being known for anything above the music. When some walk into a room, people think, "Here he is - I hear he's a wonderful musician." Others walk in the room and people think, "So this is the drunk? The misogynist? The racist?" There is a very great danger that someone can find their reputation dominated by rumors and incidents magnified in the tabloid brains of a mob looking for any weakness.

For the listener, we must recognize everyone has weaknesses. If we can take in what we enjoy and ignore the rest, we're better off. Sometimes we can't do that. It's just a personal thing, and it does absolutely no good to tell someone to change their mind and either ignore a performer's shortcomings or be as offended as you. We just have to focus on what we love.

...unless what we love is telling other people what their opinions should be.