Monday, December 27, 2010

PERFECTION AIN'T ALL IT'S CRACKED UP TO BE

In another generation the contrast was between a sweaty, raucous Janis Joplin concert versus a sweety, rambling Lawrence Welk show. Today it's a sweaty, raucous Bruce Springsteen concert versus virtually any musical show you can find on TV. Whereas at one time the contrast was generational in nature, today it seems both young and old alike are attracted to this air-brushed perfection in their performers.

Now wait -- nothing's wrong with a little perfection now and then. But something's going on here that has convinced musical producers to present their audiences with only the neatest and nicest. Talent is good, but tidy is better. As in perfect teeth, flawless complexion, luxuriant hair, and costuming that has, by gosh, never seen a spot or a wrinkle.

Perhaps it's our legion of perfect computers which has intimidated us into approving only perfect performers. PBS is famous for this. Ever watch their Celtic Singers? A grand array of lovely Irish singers whose faces, bodies, choreography, and cued smiles into the camera could out-sugar Welk's old gaggle any night of the week. Or what about those Grand Ol' Opry country-and-western shows, where the country guys and gals are wearing blue jeans as in $1200 a pair. Along with hats not from the country, but from the couturier.

OK, so Bruce wears $1200 jeans too, but he actually sweats. Grunts, growls, and gasps as if he were a real flesh & blood guy from Jersey, instead of a hologram from Hollywood. Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and other musical performers come across raw and real too. Which -- in age of glitzy, Las Vegas lets-pretend -- is not a bad thing. Why even our politicians try the reality gig with their tie-less, coat-less look.

So here's the deal. Computerology has perhaps compelled us humans into greater levels of perfection performances. Where nothing is unrehearsed, nothing is spontaneous, and everything is cued to the light board and camera shots. Only when these performances take place, please call these shows for what they are. And not, God help us, reality...!

1 comment:

  1. Jack, these days everything must be rehearsed to the letter and be perfectly polished due to LACK of talent. For example, the young bimbos who sing the National Anthem at so many events are not able to hold a note long enough to follow the music so they have to "modulate" the end of a phrase which tends to make a mockery of the Anthem. Janis Joplin vs. "The Boss", my vote is for the throaty Janis. Also, Welks' musicians were polished AND musically talented. I think we could have a long discussion on this one.

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