Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images Nine days after the deadly tornado that touched…
Joanna Newsom Has Harsh Words for Lady Gaga and Madonna
- Posted on May 10th 2010 12:45PM by Carter Maness
Lately, it seems that one of the primary responsibilities of being an indie star is taking shots at your mainstream counterparts, and virtuoso harpist and songwriter Joanna Newsom is playing her part by going after Lady Gaga. In a recent interview with the Guardian, Newsom admits that Gaga crafts a stunning and provocative visual image but thinks fans are being lazy by attributing some sort of musical genius to her work. "I'm mystified by the laziness of people looking at how she presents herself and somehow assuming that implies there's a high level of intelligence in the songwriting," Newsom said. "Her approach to image is really interesting, but you listen to the music and you just hear glow sticks. Smart outlets for musical journalism give her all this credit, like she's the new Madonna ... Although I'm coming from a perspective of also thinking Madonna is not great at all. I'm like, fair enough: she is the new Madonna, but Madonna's a dumbass!"
Even Newsom knew that she had thrown down the gauntlet and the blogosphere would come calling. She issued a clarification that tried to refine her stance but continued to mock Gaga and her crazy outfits. At one point, she even referred to the pop sensation as "Arty Spice."
As for Madonna, Newsom wasn't so quick to apologize. She felt bad for calling Madge a dumbass, but that's about as far as she's pulling back on her harsh criticism.
"I shouldn't have called Madonna a dumbass," continued Newsom. "Her music and she have just gotten so boring to me, this last decade. I think maybe she doesn't hold her money very gracefully, the way some people can't hold their drink. But one thing she is surely not is dumb."
All the AOL Music info you want to know
Chief Keef Receives Apology From Katy…
The BoomboxFacebook Will Chief Keef accept an apology from one of pop music's biggest stars?…
2 Chainz Prepares Sophomore Album for…
The BoomboxKevin Winter, Getty Images 2 Chainz will be a busy man this summer. The rap titan…
Darius Rucker Felt Compelled to Expose…
The BootRich Polk, Getty Images Darius Rucker says he knew that the person behind the…
Add a Comment
Esteban
Joanna Newsom is extremely intelligent. The music she composes is by far much more complex than anything Madonna or Lady Gag have ever written. Even in poetry, Joanna surpasses almost all contemporary and definitely ALL mainstream songwriters. Check out some of her lyrics. They're teaming with poetic elements. If you know anything about poetry, you can surely appreciate at least that.
It's not fair to accuse someone of being dumb for using language that's not necessarily "intellectual". Take Mark Twain for example. And as for the "no name artist" remark...She made an album with Van Dyke Parks! On top of that, she was just featured to perform at Matt Groening's All Tomorrow's Parties festival. She's even had the privilege to play with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. I guess it depends on what you believe "success" is. If it means selling your soul to major record labels and living life as douchebag, then Joanna is a kook. However, if success means making music and poetry that is equivalent in quality to the work of Antonio Vivaldi and T.S Elliott and living a lifestyle free from the vanities of commerciality, then Joanna Newsom is a saint.
Juan
I compare Newsom's writing on par with Elton John. Genius. Madonna and other 'pop' stars are in a completely different ballgame appeasing to the stupid.
:-)
Jessie
Just because Joanna isn't main stream doesn't mean she's no name. She sells out large shows in a matter of minutes.
May 12 2010 at 2:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Mike
Who's that girl?
Madonna has only been aroundfor over 30years. I think she isdoing something right. Her music reflects differnt images. Madonna's Cd Erotica saved me from killing myself when I was younger. She explored grounds that other artists or adult role models ignore. she made stop drinking at age 16, because of her Bad Girl video. Deeper and Deeper helped me to deal with being a teenager living a tough life. Rain video helped me deal with my mother leaving me. Bye Bye baby video just tought me to be strong. Need I say words, In this Life, and Why's it so hard taught me to stop holding grudges, snd live lifefor today!!!!
Now I'm serving in the US Air Force, and with my life together.
Madonna has touched had saved one life with music and image!
Jonathan
another no name artist attacking people who are successful. NEXT...
May 11 2010 at 6:00 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Giles
I agree with JoAnna`s amendment, Madonna is surely not dumb, but while she may have a nice a**e, I surely can`t go there. And obviously, if Lady G or Madonna wanted to return the favor, and say JoAnna is surely not dumb,who, aside from JoAnna, would care? Interesting hat. Maybe a cute gal, too. Upright harp or blues "harp"? Fans work hard for the right to be lazy and enjoy themselves. They pay entertainers who, ahem, entertain them, not who try to get paid for making the fans do their job for them. Here, try a glow stick, to enlighten us about your attempted career. As for Johanna saying "I`m like" and "so boring", that perfectly displays her, like, totally high intelligence, doesn`t it?
May 11 2010 at 3:43 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
6 Comments