Why thank you, Kim. The folk torch, you ask? Not bloody likely. Seems to me that perspective and context are required to continue a tradition with respect. I just don't see it in this case.

As for comparing this sort of music to that of other generations which pushed the boundaries of acceptability, I offer this: We live in the most untethered social times known since the dawn of the round Earth. Within this context we have not seen a consistent testing of the norms of society, we have seen an increasing abuse of those norms. I happen to think that mutual respect should be a condition of societal tests.

Compare for example the outrageous lyrics of the '50's to that of today. Within the context of the era, today's are much more outrageous. Just because time has passed or we are accustomed to being tested in this regard does not mean that the limits of acceptability should be eroded until there are none. One does not have to be religious to expect or accept the 10 Commandments and the Golden Rule as guides. They are very practical for the continuance of dignity and self-preservation. There are other simple guides too, from many societies, but espousing hate has never been a successful one for long.

As for our subject being regarded as worthy expression or art, I'll bet that time will prove otherwise. In the meantime, because of the ability and influence of mass reproduction, media, style, image, advertising, and marketing, there will be considerable confusion about whether it constitutes fine art or refined crap, particularly among those who can afford to buy it but can't yet afford to understand it.

I'm outa breath. Mooh.