Steven Earle-The John Walker Blues: Opinions?
- Thread starter Shaq
- Start date
Thomas Paine
Really Really Experienced
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2001
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- 438
You may not be getting lots of opinions because, although many people have heard about the song, not many have heard it. The CD that contains it isn't scheduled for release for about a month.
I will admit to a certain bias regarding Steve Earle. I am not only a fan, but I have a slight professional connection with him, have met him several times and think he's a pretty good guy.
I've heard "Johnny Walker's Blues," and it's a powerful piece of music. Steve takes Walker's point of view on why he ended up where he did and writes the song from that perspective. It neither glorifies nor condemns, just offers Steve's thoughts on what motivated Walker and what he may have been thinking.
Steve has written numerous songs this way, putting himself inside the head of death row inmates, murderers, bootleggers and other, so this isn't a new approach for him.
Is it disrespectful? Of what? When is asking questions or offering a point of view considered "disrespectful?" Besides, it's rock 'n roll, which is supposed to be disrespectful, isn't it?
Boycott? What would that mean? Steve isn't exactly up there with Britney and J Lo in sales, or even with major country artists, you know, the respectful ones. The people who buy his CD's tend to buy into his philosophy and aren't real likely to boycott him for doing what he always does. Those who would do so wouldn't be buying the CD anyway.
There is a certain irony in the idea that there are people in this country who would silence a voice outside the mainstream in the name of patriotism.
I will admit to a certain bias regarding Steve Earle. I am not only a fan, but I have a slight professional connection with him, have met him several times and think he's a pretty good guy.
I've heard "Johnny Walker's Blues," and it's a powerful piece of music. Steve takes Walker's point of view on why he ended up where he did and writes the song from that perspective. It neither glorifies nor condemns, just offers Steve's thoughts on what motivated Walker and what he may have been thinking.
Steve has written numerous songs this way, putting himself inside the head of death row inmates, murderers, bootleggers and other, so this isn't a new approach for him.
Is it disrespectful? Of what? When is asking questions or offering a point of view considered "disrespectful?" Besides, it's rock 'n roll, which is supposed to be disrespectful, isn't it?
Boycott? What would that mean? Steve isn't exactly up there with Britney and J Lo in sales, or even with major country artists, you know, the respectful ones. The people who buy his CD's tend to buy into his philosophy and aren't real likely to boycott him for doing what he always does. Those who would do so wouldn't be buying the CD anyway.
There is a certain irony in the idea that there are people in this country who would silence a voice outside the mainstream in the name of patriotism.
KillerMuffin
Seraphically Disinclined
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2000
- Posts
- 25,603
So do I.
Unless Steve Earle glorifies pedophilia, I'm actually pretty much rational and non-hypocritical about it. Let him sing what he likes and write what he likes.
Don't like it or the message? Disagree any way you like.
Copperhead Road is one of my favorite songs.
Unless Steve Earle glorifies pedophilia, I'm actually pretty much rational and non-hypocritical about it. Let him sing what he likes and write what he likes.
Don't like it or the message? Disagree any way you like.
Copperhead Road is one of my favorite songs.
RosevilleCAguy
Unsane
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2002
- Posts
- 12,331
My only beef with Steve Earle is that he is sometimes inaccurate with the info he slings out in his songs. This is not directed at the Walker song as I have not heard it yet.
