Sorry Micheal, I shouldn't have sounded so upset. I just feel that any "mainstream" artist that dips into the well deserves some credit. I read an interview where she was trying to make this album for over 12 years and none of her record companies would encourage her. She had to wait until she was free from a major label to do it.

I'm not a big fan, but I have seen her twice. Once was an abbreviated set - the Bob Dylan concert at Madison Square Garden. That was the week after she ripped up the popes picture on SNL.   I was appalled at the way that audience treated her, especially at a concert honoring Dylan. I must say that the audience seemed to be a largely populated by music industry people, which made it that much more appalling. My seat was across the floor in the first level of MSG. On the video you can't really get the feeling of how small and alone she looked on that stage. She was totally alone and the audience was brutal. The freedom of expression is dear to me and when a large portion of that audience booed her I was just shocked.

Again, I'm not a big fan of her style of music, but I do admire her ability to be unique.

Ron
The second time was a few years later at a Guinness Fleadh on Randall's Island. She was superb. Her voice was magnificent and her command of the stage was perfect. Sure the studio adds a lot, but she held her own that night.