Living in a material world

So, Madonna's coming. She performs June 25 at the Hartford Civic Center, in what will be her first Connecticut show in 21 years. She's one of about four artists some of the top editors here have actually heard of (the others: the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and U2), which means we'll probably be making a bigger deal of this than is strictly necessary. (Ever wonder why we run staff-shot photos of the Stones or Springsteen every time they come through, yet there's never art of Dave Matthews, Coldplay or Korn? That's why.)

Seems like now is a good time to ask, how big a deal is this? Well, it's sort of cool for Hartford, given the amount of time that has elapsed between Madonna's Nutmeg State appearances. But let's be honest: playing here is nothing more than a business decision. Madonna is the Material Girl, coming to collect material rewards, to the tune of $382 per top-priced ticket. She has no particularly loyalty to Connecticut -- this just happens to be a place where she hasn't exacted tribute from her loyal subjects for a long time.

Now, there's nothing wrong with that -- it's the music BUSINESS, after all. But there's honestly not much left to write about Madonna. She's a virgin, or a whore, take your pick. She's culturally sensitive, or a shameless appropriator of other cultural traditions for fame and profit. She's a musical innovator, or a trend-chaser with good timing. It's all been said.

But we're going to find a way to say it again, guaranteed.

Comments

[dl004d]

That's a very good point.

But when you're talking about new music, Madonna is in the mix. She is still making music that relates to other new music being created. That's where the "musical-innovator-vs.-trend-chaser -with-good-timing debate comes from.

[dl004d]

I know plenty of people who still care deeply about Madonna. (The type who would spend $382 to see her perform.) (If they had the money.) (Which they don't.) Whether or not she's a "musical innovator" or "trend-chaser with good timing," she's still relevant one way or another.

Eric responds: Well. I'm not sure the mere existence of people willing to shell out huge amounts of money to see you perform makes you relevant. Jimmy Buffett, for example, is no longer culturally relevant, but he still packs in the fans (and cashes very large checks as a result).

[Josh]

It is exceptionally telling that on a blog where two readers -- TWO! -- comment about some idiot's rambling about the Human League, not one of your many readers have anything to add about Madonna.

Whatever there is to say, it has already been said, dissected, and mocked on late-night talk shows.

It's over. No one cares.