Was John the ultimate musical visionary of our times?
- Thread starter Guildedagain
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MacGuild
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No.
I would vote for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
And Albert Einstein.
I would vote for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
And Albert Einstein.
Perhaps, but since so many people aren't listening to his message, it doesn't matter. The chorus of "Mind Games" is just one more attempt over his whole career to tell us the "Love Is The Answer".
walrus
walrus
No, but he was one of the most prolific songwriters of our times.
Guildedagain
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I should have made it clear that it was in song, not comparing to politicians other other walks of life.
Even then, when I think of musical visionaries I think also of Paul Simon, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce.
Cougar
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No, not even close. McCartney surely helped him, and Lennon-McCartney would definitely have a shot at that title. As Dread mentions, I think Paul Simon produced better stuff than solo Lennon. (Of course, he had the benefit of a longer career.) Even Stevie Winwood produced better compositions than Lennon ever did, IMO....
davismanLV
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No one has mentioned Joni Mitchell. She's at the TOP of that list.....
jp
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When I think about visionaries in pop music, David Bowie immediately comes to mind. He always seemed to be moving forward was a student and scholar of new music all the way up to the end.
I'm assuming the OP was talking about Lennon in total, which would include the Beatles. No one mentioned it was only his solo career, which only lasted 10 years.
Musical "visionary" was the question. But I enjoyed a few of the responses, I needed a good laugh today!
walrus
Musical "visionary" was the question. But I enjoyed a few of the responses, I needed a good laugh today!
walrus
Guildedagain
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Just that song, and how his words resonate today.
Guildedagain
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I remember the song when it came it out, I thought it was about relationships...
Ironically, "Gimme Shelter" resonates more with me this past week.
Purely musically, Lennon always seemed to be more of a traditionalist to me. I'd throw Stevie Wonder onto the list for consideration.
Midnight Toker
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Go on youtube and listen to the isolated vocals from Gimme Shelter. Once you hear the amazing Merry Clayton isolated (sister of Little Feat's Sam Clayton btw), you'll never hear the song the same way again....it'll be even better!
davismanLV
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No. He was talented and his life cut short, but the ULTIMATE?? C'mon.....
Midnight Toker
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I would rank John 3rd when it comes to solo artists. And that's just counting Beatles!!
as a lyricist, 1st out of the group, but musically...3rd. Personally, the music always comes before the words.
as a lyricist, 1st out of the group, but musically...3rd. Personally, the music always comes before the words.
davismanLV
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But when the music comes WITH the words.... it's magic!! (JM)
Go on youtube and listen to the isolated vocals from Gimme Shelter. Once you hear the amazing Merry Clayton isolated (sister of Little Feat's Sam Clayton btw), you'll never hear the song the same way again....it'll be even better!
Yup, and the story behind that vocal is worth checking out as well. I listened to an interview with her a year or so ago - fascinating career.
Charlie's drums and Nicky Hopkin's piano are also great listens.