Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2008 > January > 05 > Entry
Blind Spots: Lightnin,’ Pacino, the Who, etc.
I just feel terrible about this. I know I’m wrong and everybody else is right, but I just don’t get Lightnin’ Hopkins. The cat just bores the stuffing outta me with all those country blues tunes that sound the same. Can’t get into it. Know I should.
You’ve no doubt heard the term “guilty pleasure” describe, say, an affinity for Wayne Newton or Slim Jims or the New York Knicks. Well, I‘ve got something I call “blind spots” to describe someone or something whose appeal I just can’t see. These Just-don’t-get-its run deep. Let’s start with jazz and paintings and go from there.
I Just Don’t Get…
Al Pacino in anything besides the “Godfather” movies. He was great as that frosty volcano Michael Corleone, but from “Scarface” on, his roles have been so over-the-top that he’s become a fave impression of hack comics. He’s become a caricature, albeit an Academy Award-winning one.
Lenny Bruce, the Smiths, “24” or playing Chick Corea at any time other than when it’s late and you want people to leave.
The Who. This one’s really tough to explain because two of their songs- “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” - are two of my all-time faves. The rest of their stuff does nothing for me. I think it’s Roger Daltrey’s fault.
Katt Williams. He’s the new hip black comic on the scene, but unlike Chris Rock, this pipsqueak playa doen’t really have anything illuminating to say. His new DVD “American Hustle: the Movie,” which features three other stand-ups who are even unfunnier, is a complete waste of time.
“Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.” Beware of movies with catchy titles that have nothing to do with the plot. Neither does Marisa Tomei’s attempt to get into the Mr. Skin hall of fame, but, you know, you put up with what you have to.
All right, I’ve thrown my opinions out there; who do you just not get? Who is the legend, the award-winner, the rising star that does absolutely nothing for you?
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By CarterB
January 6, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
About Hopkins, have you heard Mr. Charlie (parts 1 and 2) and the first 10 notes or so of Lonesome Dog Blues?
My list of “say what” goes to Don Dellio, Wilco, and Tarantino. I’ve given each of them multiple opportunities and they always fail me.
By Joe
January 6, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Of course everyone is entitled to their view, however, The Who is one of, if not the, greatest Rock band of all time. I’m not talking pop, I’m talking Rock. I’ll take The Who in 1973 and put them up against any other band in history. As for Daltrey, few front men (singers-only) have been better. Again, I can accept someone arguing that the Beatles or Stones or Led Zep were better, but it’s hard to suggest (not that you necessarily are) that the Who should not be in that conversation.
By kong
January 6, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Windbags that I just don’t get: Springsteen, Dylan (except Nashville Skyline) and The Clash (after the first album).
Also: Radiohead, Anime, pizza with cheese in the crust, True Believers, golf, Sandra Bullock, Tom Waits, the reputations of Daydream Nation and Loveless (when the albums preceding it were better), Sgt. Pepper’s, Ron Paul, generally any sensitive music made for 20 year olds (when they should be out drinking and breaking things), the very idea that Jack Black has a cologne line and blogs.
By S. Adams
January 6, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Michael Corcoran, or his reviews!
By eh~
January 6, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
For shame, Monsignor Corcoran.
This revolting indictment of our 20th Century Masters is a clear example of how our State (in denial) is in perpetual turmoil. Every working man should be horrified that a writer of this prestige cannot praise the foresight that the Oscar-worthy film Cruising (1980) offered our tarnished nation. With the AIDS epidemic and the downfall of simple morals and decency looming, Cruising offered the mixture of Pacino as the powerful Police Officer desperate to refurbish a city of chaotic sin. Combined with the crystal-clear implication of the HIV virus in having that dreadful band The Germs’ name on the soundtrack (whose gay leader thankfully perished soon afterwards) and involvement of Jack Nitzsche (a man who found syringes and street drugs quite compelling), Cruising adds up to the Tough Love era that got our glorious nation a temporary boost, thanks to Ronald and Nancy Reagan.
Long live run-on sentences, and long live the power of Pacino, because all we have in this world are our balls and our word.
By Marcy
January 6, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes, Ultimate Fighting (I’ll take my wrestling scripted, thank you), The Strokes, frozen margaritas that are incredibly way too strong, Deadliest Catch, college basketball, guys who dress like golfers on casual Friday, Angelina Jolie, Radiohead (GOD do I not get them), and chilado.
By Michael Corcoran
January 6, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Radiohead. Yes, how did I forget them?
By Dave
January 7, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I just don’t get Radiohead either, and I can’t understand why I don’t. I listen to a LOT of music, and not the dreck that comes over the radio waves. I’ve tried and tried, but just don’t see what the fuss is about.