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Rick Fielding is not folk

16 Aug 00 - 05:50 PM (#279121)
Subject: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GUEST,Larry, my brother Darryl & my other brother

While surfing around the Mudcat Cafe, I saw a post where Rick Fielding refers to himself as a folk musician and another where he declares that John Gorka is not folk.

I'm sorry, but if Gorka is not folk, then neither is Fielding. Neither play traditional music that they learned through the oral tradition. Both write their own songs and sing some traditional folk songs.

I repeat, if Gorka is not folk, then neither is Fielding. On the other hand, if Fielding is folk, then so is Gorka.


16 Aug 00 - 05:58 PM (#279124)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Jim Krause

Why labels? And does it really matter?


16 Aug 00 - 06:01 PM (#279127)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: little john cameron

KILL THIS THREED .LJC


16 Aug 00 - 06:13 PM (#279135)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: DougR

Guest Larry, et. al. Don't know the reason for your posting, and I know nothing at all about John Gorka, but Rick Fielding sure fits my description of a folk singer, even if he doesn't yours. I guess folks have many different definitions of what is and what is not folk.

If I rose to the bait, so be it.

DougR


16 Aug 00 - 06:29 PM (#279143)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Joe Offer

I suppose it's a horrible thing, but Rick tends to believe that he has to make a living, so he often plays what his audiences want to hear. He has confessed to having played some pretty bad stuff in clubs full of drunks who might have beat him up if he dared to sing a Child Ballad.
His recordings are mixed - I have to admit that on some cuts he sounds like a guy trying to sound like Gordon Lighfoot imitating Stan Rogers imitating Ian Tyson imitating Sylvia Tyson, but what Canadian folksinger doesn't do that on occasion? It's a horrible trait, to be a Lightfoot/Rogers/Tyson/Tyson wannabe, but they all seem to have it. Even Anne Murray sounds like Lightfoot at times.
But when Rick gets to relax and be with friends, the guy is amazing. He can pick with the best of 'em, and he knows all sorts of stuff about all sorts of songs.
So, can you blame him for wanting to make a living at times? Maybe he has prostituted his folkie ideals on occasion, but maybe that's better than being penniless. I had to work for a living myself once - it was awful.
-Joe Offer-


16 Aug 00 - 06:32 PM (#279146)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: little john cameron

OH MY SUCKED IN AGAIN. LJC


16 Aug 00 - 06:35 PM (#279149)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Joe Offer

Yeah, LJC, but I think we can twist this thread away from the flamer. Just pretend it wasn't a flame attempt, and ignore it. Besides, I've been working on that Lightfoot/Rogers/Tyson/Tyson crack for a long time. I'm sure Gordon Rick will have a witty comeback.
-Joe Offer-


16 Aug 00 - 06:43 PM (#279155)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: little john cameron

OK JOE But ye have tae get up early tae beat Ricky Baby. LJC


16 Aug 00 - 06:48 PM (#279159)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Peter T.

A man with a bad stammer goes to a circus, and unfortunately sits in the front row, and a clown comes up to him and cuts off his tie, and the man stands up and stammers, and the clown and all the people laugh, and the man goes away, and vows that he will think up a witty comeback. He takes speech lessons, and enunciation classes, and the next year he goes back to the circus ring, and the clown spots him, and throws a pie in his face, and the man stands up and stammers, and nothing comes out, and everyone laughs, and the man goes away and vows that he will come up with a witty comeback, and he takes meditation, and studies with great humourists, and finally he is ready. He goes into the circus ring, and the clown comes up with a seltzer bottle, and is just about to spray him, when the man stands up, and with a sardonic smile on his face looks at the clown and says: "FUCK OFF CLOWN!!!!!!"

yours, Peter T.


16 Aug 00 - 06:51 PM (#279162)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Joe Offer

Uh, well....gee, Peter, I didn't say you were trying to sound like Lightfoot...
But yes, Rick does sound like Lightfoot on some cuts, and he sounds better when he sounds like himself.
-Joe Offer-


16 Aug 00 - 06:53 PM (#279163)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: catspaw49

I was going to post something, but PT my friend, you have not only cracked me up but have indeed said it all!!! When I quit laughing I may return, but I don't think its too necessary..........

Spaw


16 Aug 00 - 06:56 PM (#279165)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: RWilhelm

Time flies like an arrow Fruit flies like a banana


16 Aug 00 - 08:05 PM (#279202)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: p.j.

Why I oughta....

Don't you get it, GUEST? By flaming one of our friends instead of making a general comment about folk music styles, you have negated any hope of having your point of view taken seriously here? IT NO LONGER MATTERS what you were trying to say, we are now obliged to gnaw off your ankles. Roll down your socks, please. No, I'm serious. Fine. I'll bite through your trousers....

Okay, so if Dave were here he would invoke his paternal side and convince me not to post (And let me say, it's a FINE day when a guy in fishnets and half a gorilla suit becomes the voice of reason in a household...) But he's off pulling fat ladies out of trees today, and I'm free to overreact unrestrained to mindless drivel such as this.

He's succeeded in convincing me to take the high road many times in the past, but I'm sitting here thinking...If someone just took a pot-shot at me in a thread, would my friends have kept quiet? Would Mick have been his better self, or Catspaw showed restraint as befits his status? Would Katscratching or WylieWoman or Beat'emwithaBanjoBonnie not have gotten up on their hind legs and formed a posse? So why should I show restraint and let this insult pass?

No matter what kind of musician Rick is, we'd have defended him because you attacked him, and because we love him. As it is, you didn't choose to resurrect a post and comment about your difference of opinion with the definition of a genre, you started a new thread specifically to insult someone who is respected and cared about around here.

And because of that-- AND THIS IS THE POINT-- because you approached the subject the way you did, a point of discussion that could have been interesting has become meaningless. Let's talk about oral tradition. Let's debate about folk music and it's various incarnations. Let's discuss diverse opinions and perspectives-- but please, handle it in a way that leaves out personal references to Mothers, Sisters, and Friends.

Guilty of crossing the street to pee on a flamer,

pj

p.s. Peter T., you are the Wind Beneath My Wings.


16 Aug 00 - 08:20 PM (#279217)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: little john cameron

Weel said guys.Mibbe this is a guid way tae deal wi this rubbish. LJC


16 Aug 00 - 08:29 PM (#279223)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: sophocleese

Umm, where is the attack? I see nothing in the original post that suggested Rick was a lousy musician or a bad person, it simply and succintly suggested that he didn't, according to the poster, fit a particular label. The vehemence with which this point has been rejected perhaps shows why the poster resorted to anonymity when making it. I have heard Rick Fielding but I have not heard John Gorka so I don't know if comparing them is reasonable or not, perhaps those who have heard both and are qualified to judge can enlighten the rest of us.


16 Aug 00 - 08:40 PM (#279226)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GUEST,Afraid of the fallout

Rick Fielding sounds like a cheap imitation of John Gorka, and, as Joe Offer says, uncannily Lightfootish at times.


16 Aug 00 - 08:48 PM (#279228)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: sophocleese

Well I tried to be reasonable but I'll leave the field at this point.


16 Aug 00 - 08:54 PM (#279230)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Joe Offer

Of course, the one person I've heard criticize Rick Fielding most severely is Rick Fielding. He spends a lot of time thinking about what he does. He makes mistakes, but don't we all? What matters is that he's a good guy and a good musician and he has a wealth of knowledge. It's nice to have him around, even if he does sound like Lightfoot on occasion.
-Joe Offer-


16 Aug 00 - 09:03 PM (#279236)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: little john cameron

Beats me why anyone would resort tae anonymity LJC


16 Aug 00 - 09:15 PM (#279241)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GUEST,Afraid of the fallout

I wasn't trying to be un reasonable, sophocleese. I am not 'Darryl', but I know what the 'cost' is of criticizing Rick Fielding on this forum.
It brings us back to the old question of cliques, etc., and whether people 'would stop talking to me' if I were to be so brave as to put my name to a criticism of him.

For a blues and folk forum, I seem to be overly concerned with the opinions of the chatters, than I am with the musicians'.
Stupid, I know. But I just want a quiet life.

I do not dislike Rick, nor am I flaming him.
I just agree with Darryl on this one.


16 Aug 00 - 09:27 PM (#279243)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: JedMarum

I don't see the Gordon Lightfoot comparison. Rick and Gordon may fit within the same genre (if so, I suspect they're at either end of the spectrum) - but I don't believe there's much more then that.

Our flamer is obviously attempting a personal attack, with words aimed to cut, insult, hurt. There is no legitmate intellecual discussion beneath the ugly words.

I think we have a great candidate for Bert and Max's "Rat Bastard of the Week" award!


16 Aug 00 - 09:28 PM (#279244)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Bill D

it is probably best that I am not good enough to TRY to make a career singing & playing, for I'd try to do REAL folk/trad and starve to death....Rick at least KNOWS folk and plays it when he can...and he makes a lot of that 'other stuff' sound pretty good....


16 Aug 00 - 09:28 PM (#279245)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Bert

Beats me why anyone would resort tae anonymity, says LJC

Of course not LJC, you're Scottish. Now Scots may be all sorts of funny things but one thing they are not is 'Chicken Shit'. Of course you don't understand it.

And MK, why don't you just sod off?

Bert.


16 Aug 00 - 09:32 PM (#279246)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: katlaughing

I am right there with you, pj! The title alone is inflammatory; especially when Rick has been such an important teacher, friend, host, etc. to so many Mudcatters as well as been a well-recognised professional for many years in the folk world.

Sophocleese, have you ever stopped to think that if someone had the guts to sign their real name, the reaction might not be so vehement? It's been done around here and people have been able to mostly keep a lid on it and be respectful of each other. If one is going to state something so challenging and personally attacking as the title of this thread, then they damn well should have the chutzpah to sign their known Mudcat name!

katscratching (thanks pj, I like that!)


16 Aug 00 - 09:40 PM (#279251)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Jeri

May be MK, may be someone else. Someone with an easily lost temper who's involved in the Gorka thread. He got pissed off at people not agreeing with him and ran out of logical argument. Mad at those who disagree, he thinks this is a way to "get back at them." LOL - don't care what Rick plays or what he or anyone else calls it - he's GOOD! This isn't an insult - it's a silly tantrum.


16 Aug 00 - 09:54 PM (#279262)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GUEST,Lyle

Larry, there is a fundamental flaw in what you have posted. The assumption behind your original statement implies that by listening to or naming a single singer, you can DEFINE folk music. Over the years, the question, "What is folk music?" has come up several times, and has not EVER been close to being answered. Each of us who like "folk-type" music have our own ideas of what it should be. Therefore, Rick (more than most of us) should certainly be allowed to define "folk music" in his own way, as should John Gorka. And if their definitions are not the same, it does not in any way change the broad CONCEPT of folk music.

You said, "Neither play traditional music that they learned through the oral tradition. Both write their own songs and sing some traditional folk songs."

Are you also saying, then, that that is the defining characteristic fo folk music? Ask 100 people at the next folk festival you attend if they agree - you will be lucky if 10 do.

Lyle


16 Aug 00 - 09:55 PM (#279264)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Big Mick

Naw, GAOTF is a she, IMHO. And when she makes a comment about Rick sounding like a cheap imitation of anyone.......well, all I can say is that it demonstrates an untrained ear, and very little in the way of smarts. And then to come back and say that s/he isn't trying to be unreasonable....well, it sounds like unresolved issues to me. All of us, in developing our styles are influenced by those we admire. But what this really boils down to is the same stupid old argument about what constitutes "folk" music. In my estimation, there are a number of Rick's songs that will be passed on in the folk tradition. My personal favorite, and I will be passing it on, is "Voices of Struggle". Oh, and may I second the motion on the floor by PT and say "FUCK OFF CLOWN". Peter, I had a mouthful of ice when I read that and now must wait for it to melt in my sinus cavities. Thanks, buddy!!!!

Mick


16 Aug 00 - 10:17 PM (#279279)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Dave Swan

p.j.'s points are well taken.

Who made the the cretin who began this thread the arbiter of who/what is folk or is not?

Having entirely missed the point, said poster goes on to prove that s/he knows diddly-squat about Fielding, what he knows, how he learned it, or how he passes it on.

As the anonymous guest has shown, all it takes is a key board, (opposable thumbs optional) and you can prove your mean spiritedness and ignorance to the world.


16 Aug 00 - 10:31 PM (#279283)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: catspaw49

Now ain't this really just some silly ass shit? Rick is more than capable of defending himself if that's needed but frankly it isn't. Rick meets all the criterion for folkie in anybody's book and very few around here are as solidly rooted in traditional folk as Rick. Ask Sandy Paton.....or Art Thieme.....or even Bill D. Things Rick does are either real folk or newer songs in folk style which after time will enter the idiom.

The original poster knows nothing about Rick or the oral/aural folk process......and if s/he does, then this can only be considered a spiteful attack leading me to believe that they DO have a knowledge and ability in some areas. Like I know they can suck the chrome off a bumper hitch for instance. This isn't a clique and the notion could have been phrased in ways allowing discussion....but no, this is simply the work of an unmitigated little pissant with all the courage of a small turd excreted by a mole. Even more gutless is the anonymous supporter. I suggest you both have a coke and a smile and shut the fuck up.

I was going to post this above, but I was laughing at the PT posting so damn hard I just couldn't type. Love ya' Peter!!

Spaw


16 Aug 00 - 10:31 PM (#279284)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: DougR

Peter T: good joke, but not a knee slapper, I think. My fellow Mudcatters are bowled over by it, so maybe I'm missing something.

Anyway, Rick Fielding is a folk singer/songwriter, performing artist, and if the poster doubts it, he should buy his CDs.

DougR


16 Aug 00 - 10:36 PM (#279286)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: catspaw49

What makes it funny Doug is in knowing Peter. Think about all his wonderful, thoughtful, intellectual postings and what a brilliant and also opinionated man he is. The joke is delivered in true PT style, but the punch line and the attitude behind it make it much funnier than if I had done it.

Spaw


16 Aug 00 - 10:41 PM (#279291)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: katlaughing

Peter, does this mean you will be back to posting your TFTD threads tomorrow? Please say YES!!


16 Aug 00 - 10:52 PM (#279298)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: DougR

Aw Spaw, you're just being modest. DougR


16 Aug 00 - 11:08 PM (#279310)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Jeri

I'm with Sophocleese on this one.

I don't think this is about Rick at all, but the poster rightly suspected everyone he is pissed of at would respond. I could have it wrong, and it's just someone who wants to continue the "what is folk" debate in another thread. But then there's that attention-getting thread title and anonymity, so I'm still suspicious. There's no insult to Rick at all in the first post, just a successful attempt to jerk peoples' chains.

Rick does traditional songs, and does new songs. I knew Gorka did his own material (heard him once a few years ago) but I didn't know he did traditional songs. I don't think Rick sounds much like Gorka. He sounds a bit like Lightfoot, but that might just be the fact that Canadians have those funny accents.(Joke) The "cheap imitation" comment sounded to me like "my favorite singer can beat up your favorite singer." Juvenile and silly. I'm having a hard time finding much to get upset about in the initial post.

If one must "play traditional music that they learned through the oral tradition" to be folk, then neither Fielding nor Gorka (or most other musicians I can think of) are folk. However Rick does sing/play folk music. Like I said, I don't know about Gorka. It all depends on whether we're talking about performers or the actual music they do. It's funny, but has anyone noticed that when someone talks about pop music, the emphasis is on the musicians,and when people talk about folk music, the emphasis is on the music "Band X rules! I really like their song 'Worship Me Baby, I'm a Star'" instead of "I really love "Tam Lin." There's a great version on Elvira Blatnick's new CD."


16 Aug 00 - 11:33 PM (#279316)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: DougR

Interesting thread. Many have commented about how much Rick sounds like Lightfoot. I don't hear it. I think Rick's voice, and I'm basing this entirely on the CDs, is very distinctive.

I posted an opinion several months ago that the successful recording artist was one that had a voice that "said" to the listner, that's so and so. I think Rick has that quality.

Example: if you heard Burl Ives, Tex Ritter, Eddy Arnold, Marty Robbins, Bob Dylan, Bing Crosby, Perry Como (yes I'm mixing pop, country and folk together) John Prine, Dougie McClean on the radio, did you have to ask someone who was singing on the radio? I doubt it. I think Rick has the same quality in his voice.

Just my opinion, of course.

DougR


16 Aug 00 - 11:38 PM (#279319)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Rick Fielding

Good Grief, do you mean I missed all this just cause I wanted to watch Joe(y) Lieberman on the boob tube? I'm pretty cynical about politicians but I kinda like this guy.

Just for the record, I always thought I was more of an Alanis Morrisette wannabe!

Rick


16 Aug 00 - 11:54 PM (#279329)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: catspaw49

I don't think you got the legs for it Rick....and you have to work on the hair angle too. Now voice wise....well let's see, I got a big hammer and Mick can hold you down....................

Spaw


16 Aug 00 - 11:56 PM (#279332)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Bugsy

Aw Shit! That's it! I'll never communicate with Rick Fielding again!

Get a life for Christ's sake!

Cheers

Bugsy


17 Aug 00 - 12:03 AM (#279339)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Crowhugger

refresh!


17 Aug 00 - 12:07 AM (#279345)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Sailor Dan

Hell I thought this Fielding bloke was Folk all the way and the originator is an uneducated joke.

And spaw I am glad to see that in your second paragraph two posts above this one, you wax so eloquent.

Damn I wish I was half that good

Sailor DAn


17 Aug 00 - 12:29 AM (#279357)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: ddw

For what it's worth, I can't see the fielding-lightfoot connection either. GL, who has far as I can ascertain never wrote but two tunes and then did every set of words he wrote to one or the other, puts me to sleep faster than a military training film. Rick, on the other hand, turned in one of the most enjoyable concerts I've heard in years while he was here in the spring and I've listened to his two CDs a bunch of times. Great musician, really nice guy. Is he folk? I think so, but in the long run, who really cares?

david


17 Aug 00 - 12:32 AM (#279359)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: DougR

ddw: you found the military training films boring? Did you see the ones about ...aw, you know!

DougR


17 Aug 00 - 12:36 AM (#279362)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: WyoWoman

Rick, I totally get that connection. I rented "Dogma" last night and when Alanis Morrisette walked out at the end in her cameo as, well, The Lord God Almighty, King of King, Lord of Lord, Hippie Chick of Hippie Chicks, I thought to myself, OMIGOD, IT'S FIELDING. And she never even sang.

So. fooled me.

Luv ya, Bud.

WylieWoman


17 Aug 00 - 12:43 AM (#279369)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: catspaw49

Well geeziz Pansy, she musta' been wearin' a hat or something. And like you say, she didn't sing. But I'm tellin' ya' that Lane, Swan, and I can FIX that problem! Big Mick on the shoulders, El Swanno on the legs, and I got a nice 10 pound sledge that'll have that boy going up an octave or two in no time.

Spaw


17 Aug 00 - 12:45 AM (#279372)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: ddw

Naw, DougR — I didn't see that one. Soon as I saw the title I could tell I already knew the story line.....


17 Aug 00 - 12:50 AM (#279377)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: WyoWoman

'Spaw, you're envisioning this just a leetle too clearly. I think you've been hanging out over there in the "sopranos" thread too much.

wowow


17 Aug 00 - 01:00 AM (#279382)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: hesperis

No, no no, Spaw!

You's be needin' ter do tat afore the voice breeks at pooburty now, ye hear me lad?
See tat threed on ginder and sopranins ar whateever 'twas.

Ohhh, LOL!
I'm bad!
(Especially at fake accents!)


17 Aug 00 - 04:26 AM (#279432)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler

He ain't? You mean he's a freakin' android? Or a highly trained (funky) gibbon? Who is this Gordon Lightfoot any way? I don't know from Gorka either. Hell, I like Rick's CDs, we seem to like the same guitarists (though he knows many more than I do) never had the pleasure of hearing him live. I'm an ignorant old git any way and don't care about labels, if I like something. Why do we label music- like pop's "house" "garage" "handbag". I play sorta "briefcase potting shed" on my kazoo, is that folk? (O.K., Nurse, I'm coming).Back to real life.
RtS


17 Aug 00 - 04:30 AM (#279433)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Lepus Rex

I bet Larry/Daryl is a vengeful John Gorka!

---Lepus Rex


17 Aug 00 - 04:37 AM (#279436)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GUEST,Sam Pirt

All I have to say is that the definition of folk music is

"Music made by the people, for the people"

Rick writes his songs within the folk tardition for the people, as well as singing folk songs. What else does he need to do to become a 'folk singer'

I rest my case.

Sam


17 Aug 00 - 04:55 AM (#279444)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: CarolC

I wasn't going to post to this thread. I said to myself, "Carol, this isn't your fight, don't get in it". But I really need to say this.

Some of the behavior that I see in this thread really makes me sad. One of the beautiful things about music is its ability to bring people together. I don't understand when people allow it to be used to drive people apart. I really don't understand it.

Respectfully,

Carol


17 Aug 00 - 07:37 AM (#279484)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: kendall

I dont understand why people throw out their opinions as fact. "Rick Fielding is a cheap imitation of John Gorka" Almost no one agrees with that, it is not a fact but an opinion.If you wish to make such a statement, put it out for what it is..an opinion. No one can argue with an opinion. The best they can do is offer a different opinion. Example.. In My Opinion.. John Gorka could't carry Rick Fieldings banjo capo. Now, how can you argue? you will not change my mind, you will only piss me off. Is that your intention? Just what IS your intention? Let's deal with the real issue here. Cut the crap.


17 Aug 00 - 08:46 AM (#279505)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GUEST,harpgirl

...hey Jed I wanted to be under Kendall...


17 Aug 00 - 08:51 AM (#279508)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GeorgeH

Guys, (in the US "either sex" sense . .) the second post in this thread said it all . .

G. (about to disappear for another 11 days . . not folking this time, though!)


17 Aug 00 - 08:57 AM (#279512)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: McGrath of Harlow

The worst thing you can do with threadworms like the one or two who've been stirring this thread is to stratch them. It's what they need to propagate.

Definitions about words like folk are handy for deciding how to arrange your record collection, and so forth, but it's a waste of energy to get too aerated about it.

It's not like there was a frontier between the different varieties and you had to get the right kind of passport or visa or pass through immigration control. But at times it almost feels like that with the threads here.


17 Aug 00 - 09:36 AM (#279540)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GUEST

Am I the only one who thinks this entire thread is really weird?

Threads like this make me glad that I don't know most of the people involved in them outside of the context of Mudcat. I am happy to have them remain faceless pseudonyms on a screen.


17 Aug 00 - 09:45 AM (#279546)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: catspaw49

Of course its weird nameless and faceless Guest. It started as a "Lame Flame" and we all just kinda' jacked it around for our own amusement. But most of us on this thread are not nameless or faceless. Feel free to check the Mudcat Resources site and you'll finbd pictures of most and other info as well. And in the threads you can find most of the names for the ones using pseudonyms.

All that is probably too much for you though....but check it out if you like.

Spaw


17 Aug 00 - 10:22 AM (#279572)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Pseudolus

Call me crazy, but if I was going to try to make a serious and intelligent point, would I call myself Larry, my brother Darryl and my other brother Darryl? why not call yourself Larry, Moe, and Curly?!?! Helloooooo!!!

I've never had the pleasure of hearing Rick but it seems to me that all I need to know is that the people defending him are using their real names and the ones flaming are not......nuff said....

So rick, will you be in the Wilmington Delaware area anytime soon? I seem to be the only one that hasn't had the pleasure....

Frank


17 Aug 00 - 11:39 AM (#279609)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Jim the Bart

I guess I must be dense. I thought that the point of the first posting was that if you create a narrow enough definition of folk you eliminate not only those whom you don't like (in this case John Gorka) but also those that you do (Rick Fielding). I thought it was a valid point, probably because I object to the need to categorize and define everything and everyone. I obviously didn't see it as an attack by a rabid flamer.

Why do we need to categorize within this forum? And why (except humorously, thank you very much Mr. Offer) do we need to compare? Ever since I heard Leo Kottke compared his singing to "geese farts on a muggy day", I've thought that nothing positive ever comes from those comparisons. I spent months trying to find albums with gees farting, only to be disappointed. If Rick Fielding or John Gorka or anybody else does a song or two IN THE STYLE OF Gordon Lightfoot, I'm sure they both do many more in styles that could be described in any of a million different ways by different listeners.

What's my point here? If you want to argue, defend, flame or whatever the hell else - go ahead. But, please, try to understand what's been written before leaping on your high horse if you wish for these discussions (like the original Gorka thread)to remain civil and informative.

Luv ya'll,
Bart


17 Aug 00 - 01:03 PM (#279663)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: kendall

careful harpgirl, you may attract the attention of the flamers. (What you said sounds good to me)Anyone have a problem with that?


17 Aug 00 - 01:11 PM (#279668)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: DougR

Well, Kendall, I'm jealous. DougR


17 Aug 00 - 01:15 PM (#279673)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GUEST,harpgirl

...I made it! Hey Kendoll, if Rick ain't folks then what is he? I thought it was the musical genre of the song in question and not the person?


17 Aug 00 - 01:18 PM (#279675)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Bill D

Rick...tap your left hoof three times to agree that you ARE folk...;>)


17 Aug 00 - 03:05 PM (#279727)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: kendall

How can we argue something that cant be defined?


17 Aug 00 - 03:18 PM (#279737)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Songster Bob

Kendall asks:

How can we argue something that cant be defined?

-- Hell, those are the best kind of arguments. Seriously, this thread is a poor way to debate the terminology we use, but we already knew that.

I ain't folk, either, other'n being one of the mass of humanity we call "folks," but it doesn't bother me.

Bob Clayton


17 Aug 00 - 03:26 PM (#279748)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: kendall

Arguement.."The automatic gainsaying of anything the other person says". pointless and stupid. I prefer to have a discussion with someone from whom I can learn something. Thats why opinions dont carry much weight with me.


17 Aug 00 - 04:33 PM (#279765)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Irish Rover

You Guys don't get it! Rick wrote the post to see if we still love him, we do, so we can end it now


17 Aug 00 - 08:52 PM (#279891)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Art Thieme

FAT CHANCE !

Art


17 Aug 00 - 09:57 PM (#279919)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Rick Fielding

You got that right Art. Funny thing is that on both my website and business card I'm listed as "traditional and contemporary acoustic musician". Would never seriously call myself a folksinger, 'cause like the well-informed initial poster, I DO know the difference. 'fraid she's been doggin' me for several weeks now, but what the hell are ya gonna do? It's the internet, after all.

Rick


17 Aug 00 - 10:00 PM (#279921)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: little john cameron

The way ah se it,the problem is ye're aw too bloody "nice"LJC


17 Aug 00 - 10:06 PM (#279927)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Jon Freeman

I may upset people here but I could not care less. My defintion of folk is "If it sounds like folk to me, then it is folk".

I have heard little of Rick but I have enjoyed what I have heard without feeling the need to pigeon hole it that precicesly and that is all that concerns me.

Jon


17 Aug 00 - 11:13 PM (#279989)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Little Hawk

Holy mackerel, I can't believe the number of postings to this thread. Too bad I was away for 2 days and missed it all.

Anyone who's ever been called a folksinger by himself or anyone else has probably been accused of not being a folksinger by various other people. I look forward to seeing Rick play in Orillia fairly soon, and when I do I will let you all know if I think he's a folksinger...not that it matters what I think...but what the heck! How ya doin' sophocleese?

I agree with Jon Freeman. If it sounds like folk (subjective judgement), then it is folk.


17 Aug 00 - 11:15 PM (#279993)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: Brendy

No, he is not folk.

He is one of many folk.

B.


17 Aug 00 - 11:21 PM (#279998)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: DougR

Rick! You mean you really are NOT a folksinger? Shucks shoot!

DougR

P.S. I can't believe this thread is still alive, but Rick as somebody said one time, -'as long as they spell my name right!'


17 Aug 00 - 11:26 PM (#280007)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: ol'troll

By the initial postings definition, Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Big Bill Broonzy et.al. were not "folk" musicians because they wrote a lot of their own material.So don't dispair Rick. You are in august company with these "non-folk" greats.

I don't know from Gorka. Maybe he is too.

troll


17 Aug 00 - 11:39 PM (#280016)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: wysiwyg

Well, another thing to just shake my head over.

Who cares what kinda critter a friend is, if they're a friend? Aren't people just people, and isn't music just music? When you get a person who is also music... like Rick is.. what else need be said?

~S~


17 Aug 00 - 11:49 PM (#280028)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: katlaughing

on both my website and business card I'm listed as "traditional and contemporary acoustic musician".

Traditional acoustic musician? Sounds like folksinger to me...:-)


18 Aug 00 - 07:34 AM (#280138)
Subject: RE: Rick Fielding is not folk
From: GUEST

I am a cheap imitation of myself.