bdd (01/05/83)
I must say that the 'heavy metal artists' oxymoron was neither humorous, nor accurate. I, like Rosen, am a heavy metal lover although that is not the only style of music I enjoy listenting to. Granted, there are many heavy metal bands that turn out some garbage that isn't worth the wear on your needle but there are also some very talented and versatile heavy metalists. A few cases in point, I am not an Ozzy Osborne fan by any stretch of the imagination but I have yet to see any rockers whose guitar playing abilities measure up to Randy Rhodes' who plays guitar for Ozzy. The quickness and speed with which he plays can only be equalled by some fellow named Santana. Also, Rhodes 'knows more than three chords' and plays with refreshing creativeness not seen in many guitarists, rock or non-rock. Another heavy metalist that I feel deviates from the 'burned out' heavy metalist norm is Sammy Hagar. I have had the pleasure of seeing Sammy Hagar three times since his Stree LP released in '78. Hagar can rock as long and as loud as any but he does it with style and energy. He can do a love song or a ballad in concert that sounds as smooth or as captivating as any crooner might and then on the next tune blast you right out of your seat. I could continue this argument against the lack of heavy metal artists but I think I have made my point. I don't think someone who probably has never bothered to listen to or look at some real heavy metal artists need cut them down because he/she doesn't like, listen to, or appreciate that style of music. Let's try to approach artistic ability from the musical standpoint with a little more open mindedness. I don't think its fair to judge someones musical artistry by the style they play because its all relative, i.e.: OXYMORON: 'TWANG TWANG' COUNTRY ARTISTS ... flame off for now ... Brian Durnell cbosg!bdd Bell Labs - Cols. OH
rlr (01/06/83)
re: cbosg!bdd's assessment of "heavy metal artists" (quotes necessary)
>From his article--
I must say that the 'heavy metal artists' oxymoron was neither humorous, nor
accurate. I, like Rosen, am a heavy metal lover although that is not the
only style of music I enjoy listenting to.
Please do not associate my name with "heavy metal music" (quotes very
necessary), unless it is in reference to some sort of "World League to
Abolish Heavy Metal and the Rectal Orifi Who Claim That It Is Music".
Heavy metal can be summed up as a lifestyle for alcoholic/drug-consuming
racist, sexist, white male teenagers who have nothing better to do than
worship their cult heroes who perform surrogate masturbation with their
guitars and/or scream inanities at the top of their voices, probably
because no rational person wants to hear what they have to say (and
rightfully so). Their message to their fans--it's no fun being a moron,
so screw the rest of the world.
Mind you, heavy metal started out with some great moments---Led Zeppelin
(perhaps the most influential group of the early '70s) and Deep Purple,
for example. But the raucousness of the music wound up feeding the vapid
brains of those fans described above (What did these a**holes do before
there was heavy metal?). Today the "music" is made by "fans" who have risen
in musical expertise to the point where they can scream like Robert Plant
and play four chords (I'll give them credit for more than three) and solo
as fast as Ritchie Blackmore. Not a very big rise in stature. The Plants and
Blackmores were doing something new and different; their modern counterparts
are pale, wimpy imitators in comparison, who must resort to shock effect
to keep their fans' attention (admittedly, their attention span is low).
To cbosg!bdd: If Rhodes and Hagar are as good as you claim, why do they
waste their time in the vapid wasteland of heavy metal? Couldn't they put
their talents to better use?
To all heavy metal fans: If you want to hear a heavy metal band that
transcends the ridiculous macho posing and redundant attempts at music found
in most heavy metal, listen to Joy Division (Factory Records).djo (01/07/83)
Brian, I think is was meant as a joke, just like the one you ended your article with. Try to laugh at your musical tastes, I do. Music should be, above all, FUN.
pha (01/09/83)
True, "Heavy Metal Artists" is not an oxymoron, nor is "Heavy Metal Music". How 'bout "Heavy Metal Classics"?
klick (01/14/83)
The abusive language directed at people who do not share
the author's tastes is inappropriate in a public forum,
and would not be used even in a private exchange between
mature adults.
Vickie Klick
Bell Labs - Naperville