Friday, December 4, 2015

"As An Artist, I Take Great Pride In My Objectivism, But..."


SantaCrazed...
As an artist, I have suffered the scorn of many a relative and friends for standing on the high ground of objectivism, or as some would pundit, sitting on top of the fence. It is not like I have no opinion on the state of our world, globally or locally. But, why should I show the negatives of my upbringing and entertain all the prejudices I have temporarily to have an opinion that is sure to show what a rotten person I really can be.

I mean, what's in it for me, to do so... ya know?

I believe it is part of the job, as a card carrying artist, to be the sense of reason in a world that begs for over the top, dangerously emotional solutions. I mean, I love those political cartoonists and the incredible visual statements they make every day in every paper known in the free, and not so free, world.  I just don't have the "chops" to be so bold and to think that my world "vision"and comments are worth the cost of a newspaper.  I must say, I am a bit jealous of those that profit so well from exposing their prejudices, no matter how well thought out they may be while I sit alone in my own emotionally objective cubicle!

Having said all that, there is one thing that at this time of year just makes me so embarrassing subjective. Unfortunately, there is always, as an open minded artist, a danger of making a subjective judgement that may be based on opinion, here say, personal tastes, or feelings. I so try to battle with my psyche on this concern.

But, this is my true gut reaction... I can, no longer, contain myself. 

If lawyers wanting to become successful politicians by passing such insipid laws, here's one I would definitely agree with and vote for. Pass a law that prohibits anyone from performing or recording their sad version of "The Christmas Song!" ( affectionately known as Chestnuts Roasting! )


It totally belongs to the real "King Cole and no one else."Forget versions by

  • George Strait ( Nice, the twang kills me! I guess you have to be from there... other good songs, though)
  • Barbra Streisand ( Oh, I don't know... it's just not Nat's enough )
  • Donna Summer ( A disco version? In Summer? )
  • The Supremes ( Stop... in the name of good taste! )
  • Take 6 ( Take it away... )
  • James Taylor ( Aw, I say that everytime I hear him on any song. His, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is special, though. )
  • Jack Teagarden
  • The Temptations ( a "Ball of Confusion" meets Chestnuts! )
  • Mel Tormé –Well, maybe him because he wrote and recorded the song four times (1954, 1961, 1966 and finally in 1992 as part of his album "Christmas Songs")
  • Randy Travis ( too drunk! )
  • Twisted Sister ( too twisted! )
  • Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons ( too screechy! )
  • Luther Vandross ( His is a damn good version... ! )
  • Andy Williams ( smooth... but no! Maybe, Perry... haven't heard him do it... maybe! )
  • Stevie Wonder ( great Christmas album, but I always felt his Christmas songs a bit preachy! )
  • Dwight Yoakam ( I wonder what he'd look like in a Santa's hat... of course, the fuzzy white ball of fur would have to cover his eyes! )

See what I mean? "AND THERE'S MORE!" but thankfully, I decided to give it up logging all the folks who thought singing this song was a great idea. Thanks Wikipedia, for your help, butou get the picture!
I know this is quite unreasonable. But, I just don't wanna hear no more ridiculous jazzy, or pseudo heart felt dribble, no rock n' roll, cock rock, fluffy, spandex Santa,  or hipster versions... Nothing, Nada, Hasta Luego... that's it.

I know my vote doesn't mean one hill of beans to these law making "politicians." 

I've asked Santa, but he tells me the same thing every year...His reputation would be compromised to show such subjective prejudices. Okay,  I can understand his position on this matter, but...

I am really putting my reputation on the line as an open minded artist by saying this, but my ears just can't stomach any version, but the "King's!"

Merry Christmas?




Copyright 2015/Ben Bensen III