However, "The Lizard King" has had no authorial control whatsoever over his works, and people have exploited his work for their profit.
I often wonder what would have become of Morrison the Poet had he lived...I'm sure he would have matured, and elaborated on his flashes of greatness, instead of becoming trapped in his own cult of personality, and, given his volumes of poetry, I'm sure he would have exerted some editorial control.
Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, et al. found a way to stay alive, and keep advancing their art, and comparing Morrison to Dylan is problematic for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that they approached their art in two different ways, and as artists, had different concerns. Yes, both are poets, and both worked in the 60's, but that's about as far as I can take a comparison of the two.
One thing I can say about Bob Dylan is this: His effect on Rock N Roll cannot be overstated. Everybody owes Bob bigtime.
Morrison lived in and for the moment more than anybody in Rock n roll history. Hence, his real magical influence while on earth. I like Dylan and many others. They're great role models. But damn, Jesus himself did not speak with such unvacillated prose. If we ever have a great awakening in this Country, Morrison will have been one of the major reasons why. You can be sure of that, mark those words Wizard.
1. "Morrison lived in and for the moment more than anybody in Rock n roll history." Subjective and gross over-statement. Jimi Hendrix or Janis Joplin?...to name just a couple who certainly "lived in and for the moment."
2. "his real magical influence while on earth" A) Magical is not real, unless you live in television-land. B) This is woefully over-nostalgic, part and parcel of the continued romanticization and, thus, distortion of a real lived life.
3. "Jesus himself did not speak with such unvacillated prose" What "prose" we have from the Nazarene known as Jesus Christ has been handed down to us over centuries and interpreted and reinterpreted so that claiming any kind of fixity on Jesus' "unvacillated prose" is spurious, indeed.
To charles who has trouble with how I categorize the true genius of Morrison: first, hendrix and joplin were simply not as intelligent as Morrison (granted all three were musical geniuses). Thus, I still stand by this "gross over-statement" that no other lived in and for the moment more than the "Lizard King." Maybe Jerry Garcia and one or two more but in a different way. Morrison was a one-man juggernaut of human integrity and spirit, not just musical talent. Only "woeful" and not “real” if you fail to Imagine charles, borrowing from an old John Lennon tune. Btw, just a reminder, one can't romanticize the "Lizard King" - yet another reason why he can't be "overstated." Peace brother.
it REALLY blows that the "Lizard King" isn't around anymore! even though he's dead i think his spirit has been as strong as Dylan's is alive.
ReplyDeletePerhaps...
ReplyDeleteHowever, "The Lizard King" has had no authorial control whatsoever over his works, and people have exploited his work for their profit.
I often wonder what would have become of Morrison the Poet had he lived...I'm sure he would have matured, and elaborated on his flashes of greatness, instead of becoming trapped in his own cult of personality, and, given his volumes of poetry, I'm sure he would have exerted some editorial control.
Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, et al. found a way to stay alive, and keep advancing their art, and comparing Morrison to Dylan is problematic for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that they approached their art in two different ways, and as artists, had different concerns. Yes, both are poets, and both worked in the 60's, but that's about as far as I can take a comparison of the two.
One thing I can say about Bob Dylan is this: His effect on Rock N Roll cannot be overstated. Everybody owes Bob bigtime.
Comforting, beautiful and ponderous, with the mastery and feeling of Robert Johnson and Woody Guthrie.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wizard,
Charles
Morrison lived in and for the moment more than anybody in Rock n roll history. Hence, his real magical influence while on earth. I like Dylan and many others. They're great role models. But damn, Jesus himself did not speak with such unvacillated prose. If we ever have a great awakening in this Country, Morrison will have been one of the major reasons why. You can be sure of that, mark those words Wizard.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the above comment by "anonymous":
ReplyDelete1. "Morrison lived in and for the moment more than anybody in Rock n roll history." Subjective and gross over-statement. Jimi Hendrix or Janis Joplin?...to name just a couple who certainly "lived in and for the moment."
2. "his real magical influence while on earth" A) Magical is not real, unless you live in television-land. B) This is woefully over-nostalgic, part and parcel of the continued romanticization and, thus, distortion of a real lived life.
3. "Jesus himself did not speak with such unvacillated prose" What "prose" we have from the Nazarene known as Jesus Christ has been handed down to us over centuries and interpreted and reinterpreted so that claiming any kind of fixity on Jesus' "unvacillated prose" is spurious, indeed.
For what it's worth...
Carry on,
Charles
To charles who has trouble with how I categorize the true genius of Morrison: first, hendrix and joplin were simply not as intelligent as Morrison (granted all three were musical geniuses). Thus, I still stand by this "gross over-statement" that no other lived in and for the moment more than the "Lizard King." Maybe Jerry Garcia and one or two more but in a different way. Morrison was a one-man juggernaut of human integrity and spirit, not just musical talent. Only "woeful" and not “real” if you fail to Imagine charles, borrowing from an old John Lennon tune. Btw, just a reminder, one can't romanticize the "Lizard King" - yet another reason why he can't be "overstated." Peace brother.
ReplyDeleteI understand your passion for Morrison's work...the first two Doors records are lasting, huge, achievements, that I cherish...
ReplyDeleteHowever...
I'd take the Velvet Underground, not apologies, any day of the week. Lou Reed...a god among men.