Quote:
Originally Posted by jastrub
Other songwriters, such as Tom Waits and Van Morrison, produced some masterworks in times of great loneliness and despair. In a more detached way, John Lennon's solo work was greatly influenced by the alienation he felt as a child and the estrangement from his family. Would Plastic Ono Band be nearly as amazing as a record if it weren't for John's abandonment as a child? How about the entire Grunge movement? Or look at Rush. After nearly 5 years of extremely poor songwriting, Neil Peart's daughter and wife died. Facing the onset of a deep depression, Peart disappeared for some time on a cross-country bike ride to rid himself of his grief. When he finally returned into the studio, he brought with him some of his richest songwriting since the Signals/Grace Under Pressure sessions.
So what do you think? Does an amazing artistic product justify the depression and brooding despair of the individual artist?
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I agree with all of the above. Artist like Van Morrison are icons.
Grunge is a definite.
I see most of the grief in Grunge. I really don't know where your leading, by saying justify the grief. You might suggest the amazing music created by Cobain and Stanley could justify the grief (in some sense). They're dead rock stars aren't they? Its nothing new in/to rock & roll.
edit:
Rush
That's why Ive always suggested as one of the reasons, that one of Rush's best albums is "Caress Of Steel". The lyrics by Neail Peart from the album "Caress Of Steel" are some of his best. As well, I personally think the music itself is all around better than their next album release 2112.
Although I like 2112, and other albums by Rush also.