>> you won’t find many descriptions of Jackson’s early work that 
doesn’t use the word in the first couple sentences and it’s used with 
some measure of distaste.

 >> I think critics like to reference Jackson’s wit almost as a way of 
punishing him.

 >>While we were willing to follow Costello into whatever genre 
experiments he cooked up, while we were happy to laud Alex Chilton for 
his steadfast worship of the pop gods, we didn’t give Joe Jackson the 
same room to operate


The first two statements reference idiot writer/critics, and I think 
those referenced are a minority. Jackson's early records were popular 
and his clever lyrics were often highlighted.

The third statement is patently false; there are a TON of people who 
bailed on Chilton's non-pop explorations and/or merely tolerated the r&b 
songs at shows to be able to see the Big Star tunes performed live.

I think the only question really posed here is whether Jackson would 
trade money for credibility. Since he's financially secure and - to my 
knowledge - has a solid reputation as a songwriter, performer and wit, I 
would suggest he doesn't even have to consider the deal.

cheers
b