Mad geniuses...
Who are your favourite 'mad geniuses' among musicians/singers/composers?
Ie; People who exist(ed) on the outer edge of whatever musical forms they chose to occasionally inhabit, but who's idea of music were usually too extreme to give them superstardom.
Frank Zappa was a guy I always admired, for his single minded dedication to 'pushing the envelope' of rock guitar, both musically (with his knowledge of jazz and classical) and image wise. Charlie Parker (the great jazz saxophonist) was another. So too John Coltrane. Jazz has probably produced more 'extremists' than any form, with its emphasis on freedom of expression.
There was a 70s synthesizer band called Tangerine Dream that achieved very little in public recognition but produced some breathtaking music. They were cursed with being a few too many years ahead of their time.
Some of these characters even became icons of popular music; John Lennon springs to mind, perhaps in some ways Bob Dylan (certainly the early Dylan) also qualifies.
Lets hear some personal favourites and why...
Traumaddict Traveller in the arts
Posts: 61
(1/22/02 5:02 am) Reply
Re: Mad geniuses...
Mad Geniuses, hmmm
Weird Al - his songs/parodies make us laugh. He helps us realize life is too fun to take so seriously all the time, and that nothing is sacred that can be put into words and sung.
Erykah Badu - although some might consider her mainstream/popular, I consider her to be fringe because she is original and groundbreaking with her lyrics. Her whole theme seems to be "I'm am Woman, step the f*ck back and hear me roar!" She tells it like it is, and it ain't always pretty. I listen to her lyrics, and find myself nodding and getting mad. My husband usually stays away when he hears me listening to Ms. Badu.
Alan Parsons Project - lyrics that aren't about the same old same old stuff that everyone else is singing about. Music that is unique, not trite and tried.
Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood. - Helen Keller
Re: Mad geniuses...
Patti Smith (especially her 70s stuff 'Radio Ethiopia', 'Horses', 'Easter', 'Wave.') was someone 'from the edge' who always impressed me. Especially her powerful lyrics. It's unusual when Rock lyrics actually work as true poetry but she often managed it.
A rare talent.
Soho Traveller in the arts
Posts: 16
(4/25/02 10:16 am) Reply
Re: Mad geniuses...
Syd Barrett. Imagine doing so many drugs you get kicked out of Pink Floyd. A mad genius he certainly was on the two solo albums he made.
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