Can we seriously call Madonna Rock and Roll?
M-Tribe reader Kevin sent in the letter he sent to the Los Angeles Times in reply to the article by Ann Powers we showed you the other day.
In the LA Times article the author discusses wether the Rock Hall of Fame is takeing a step back with its ’08 inductees and if we should blame it on Madonna. Here’s Kevin’s take on the story;
Nice article Ann. Thanks for not beating up on Madonna. Twenty five years later and despite the murmuring of bitter acid rock fans it is Madonna’s hard work ethics and her music that have earned her a place in Rock and Roll Heaven. Go figure. No arrests, no drug or alcohol addictions, no rehab, no spousal abuse or beatings, no free crotch shots (Madonna made us so curious we paid money just for a glimpse) no informercials, no free concerts at the county fair or casino tours, no playing host to lame award shows or New Years Eve countdowns, and no b list celebreality show to revive her career which, may have slowed down once or twice, but has yet to stall.
For those who never jumped on the Madonna bus it would be easy to slag her off as the Material Girl, hiccuping her way through the pop eighties. Just compare her to Mike or Boy or even George and it’s simple to see…well…there is no comparison. Rather, instead, a comparison should be made to the likes of Elvis, the Beatles and Elton John to name a few who, at this point can feel Madonna’s musical track record (unprecedented by a female) nipping at their heals. Her influence is no joke, yet she has been the brunt of some intense (and seemingly desperate) criticism that would love to paint her as just that…a joke. Still she stands tall and continues to place her pedastal just a bit farther out of reach than many artists who were also initiated into the eighties club, but have since been knocked down to the point of no return.
So maybe we should “reinvent” a rather old concept. Perhaps it will again catch on that we reward someone for their hard work, and (in this case) amazing persistence rather than their pathetic attempts at getting attention. Let’s start with Madonna. After all, it has been more than two decades in which she has taken her music and videos, and of course her stunning live shows more serious than just about anyone or anything else in her world. Does this mean Madonna is calculated? Sometimes. Does she produce cheap bubble gum pop?Occasionally. Is she groundbreaking? Usually. Controversial? Absolutely. Captivating beyond the scope of any other female artist in Rock and Roll history? Argueably.
But can we seriously call Madonna Rock and Roll? Most definitely!
Kevin Lee Burns