Under the influence
I realised to some surprise that I have not yet mentioned music in my live journal. This is a surprise because music is the single most important aspect of culture in my life. If I had to put books, music and films in order, it would be a close call between music and books but the former would win out. The reason? Music is essential to my soul. If I had a daemon, I am convinced it would come in the form of a cute, white, lovable iPod.
It has always been female singers that have had the biggest effect on me; to mention a few (in chronological order obviously): Madonna, Kate Bush, Joan Baez, Dar Williams, Sleeper (ahem), Laura Cantrell, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Le Tigre. Why female? Well it's partly because they are easier to sing along to but I think principally it's because I can imagine myself *as* them or at least, and less embarrassingly, doing what they do. The fact that I am not a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter is probably the biggest let-down of my life to date. I have busked with a friend a few times and although like most women I can sing in tune, my guitar playing skills are lamentable and my attempts at songwriting worse.
I therefore content myself to revel in the creative powers of others. Gwen Stefani - girl, your album kicks ass.
It has always been female singers that have had the biggest effect on me; to mention a few (in chronological order obviously): Madonna, Kate Bush, Joan Baez, Dar Williams, Sleeper (ahem), Laura Cantrell, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Le Tigre. Why female? Well it's partly because they are easier to sing along to but I think principally it's because I can imagine myself *as* them or at least, and less embarrassingly, doing what they do. The fact that I am not a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter is probably the biggest let-down of my life to date. I have busked with a friend a few times and although like most women I can sing in tune, my guitar playing skills are lamentable and my attempts at songwriting worse.
I therefore content myself to revel in the creative powers of others. Gwen Stefani - girl, your album kicks ass.