In a message dated 11/19/03 8:55:47 PM Eastern Standard Time, zoogang@bellatlantic.net writes: > So I pose this question to the group: Will this latest > Wacko-smack-in-the-middle-of-controversy event keep you from listening > to his stuff (I'm partial, myself, to classic J5 Motown)? Can you > separate the real (albeit weird) life happening from the art? Always a good question, which I've applied in the past to Gary Glitter, Ike Turner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Phil Spector and cover versions of Charles Manson's "Cease To Exist." And the answer is...I dunno. Depends on what level of separation I can manage between art and artist, and it varies. I've never been quite able to shake a feeling of unease when playing Glitter's stuff, for example, but that's probably because his best material is driven by his already-smarmy personality, which serves as a constant reminder of what a swine Glitter seems to be. Context counts. However, I haven't given up the notion of enjoying his music again; it may be a rationalization--it IS a rationalization--but we can enjoy a performance while loathing the performer. It's just a little tougher.... I haven't been able to stand Jackson for a while now, but I doubt I'll ever lose my fondness for "The Love You Save," "I Want You Back" and "I'll Be There," nor even for some of the Thriller-era material. Still love the music; still think Jackson's unhinged, and possibly dangerous. CC! THIS IS ROCK 'N' ROLL RADIO Sunday nights from 9 to midnight Eastern USA time (with repeats all day Wednesday), on the web at wxxe.org Syracuse Community Radio