At the time, Nico was great. Of course she couldn't really sing, but what she did was completely right for who she was, who the VU were, and all that shit Warhol was orchestrating. J Mascis, though a gifted writer and guitar player, isn't known for his mellifluous singing voice. He's gritty and not always in tune, but it's perfect for the kind of music he makes. And to drag in another medium, Picasso, before he got into his surrealist/cubist/abstract works, painted beautifully in the more of-this-world realm.
(You know, blue period, rose period, African period...I'm no art historian, not even close, but I know this.)
SO
Though the aforementioned artists are wondrous, their legacy has been left a certain detriment. Imitators always follow successes. Aspiring singers listen to J Mascis, or even Bob Dylan, and think "Sure, I can do that!" but what they lack is the thought, the art, if you will, that's behind it.
And yeah, I could draw a lady with two freakin' eyes on the side of her head! It just wouldn't mean dick. Sonic Youth - yes. A million shitty indie bands who can't play their instruments? Ugggghhhh.
To try and put it succinctly, there's a vast difference between brilliance in simplicity and incompetence trying to be passed off as "cool."
I mean, there's a reason Pablo Picasso was never called an asshole.
 | Currently listening:
Aquemini
By OutKast
Release date: 29 September, 1998 |
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