Blogcritics Comments on A Byrd of a different feather

Comment by ClubhouseCancer on A Byrd of a different feather

Mon, 15 Sep 2003 12:56:15 EDT

Here is some gay-bashing: "Gay marriage? Get out of here. It's not meant to be. Two dads? Two moms? It's a mortal sin." The "meant to be" part has obvious echoes of the typical homophobe's complaint about gay sex. The disapproval of the idea of same-sex-led households is also disappointing. If by including discriminating against gays holding them to standards we wouldn't hold others to (i.e. judging the sex they have), I've made the definition too broad for you, I can accept that. It's not the worst gay-bash ever. I suppose I'm guilty of rhetorical excess. I still say who the hell cares what Chris Hillman says about politics?

Comment by Al Barger on A Byrd of a different feather

Mon, 15 Sep 2003 05:15:14 EDT

How exactly did Hillman "bash" gays here? He said that he thought it was sinful- the obvious judgment of most major religions- while in the same breath saying that they have a right to their own chosen lifestyles regardless.

Comment by ClubhouseCancer on A Byrd of a different feather

Fri, 12 Sep 2003 12:00:57 EDT

Yes, Hillman was most interested in country of all the original Byrds. He played mandolin in a few bluegrass groups and "jug-band" influenced ensembles before joining McGuinn et al. So when "jazz pianist" Gram Parsons joined in 68 and subsequently revealed that he was actually more interested in country, Hillman became his hillbilly comrade, and of course eventually left the Byrds to jon Parsons in the Enchilada Bros. Quesadilla Bros.? I'm not quite sure of the precise Mexican dish, but they sure made some great music. I'm not sure of the significance of the political conversion of a forgotten 60's figure, but I suppose the righties will take their gay-bashing wherever they can get it. BTW, I have inside information that the former drummer for Gerry and the Pacemakers has come out against the recent Bush tax cut.

Comment by Howard Owens on A Byrd of a different feather

Fri, 12 Sep 2003 11:51:35 EDT

That's a good take ... before the Byrds, Hillman had his own bluegrass band called the Hillmen. I believe they put out one album.

Comment by BJ on A Byrd of a different feather

Fri, 12 Sep 2003 11:32:54 EDT

If his new record is good (and thanks for the tip!) I can't say that I care so much about his politics. I'm not a Byrds scholar, but I'd have to guess his influence is greatly underestimated. Sure, the arrival of Parsons changed the course of the Byrds (and to some extent the course of all American music), but the fact that Hillman was on board and "got it" must have been important in creating a critical mass for that change. Their departure to form the Burritos would seem to confirm that. Any Byrds experts know if that's true?

Comment by Howard Owens on A Byrd of a different feather

Fri, 12 Sep 2003 11:22:04 EDT

He was a liberal. Now he's a conservative. If that isn't switching sides, I don't know what is.

Comment by Phillip Winn on A Byrd of a different feather

Fri, 12 Sep 2003 09:52:14 EDT

I didn't get the idea from the article that Hillman is actually voting Republican or anything, so I'm not sure if it's fair to saw that he "switched sides." He certainly wouldn't be alone in becoming more conservative as he got older and started raising a family. How does that expression go? "If you are young and not a liberal, you have no heart. If you are old and not a conservative, you have no brain." Or something like that.

Comment by Rodney Welch on A Byrd of a different feather

Fri, 12 Sep 2003 09:28:40 EDT

How many times have we heard this hoary old cliche? "I didn't leave the Democratic Party. It left me." I always like what the Clarence Darrow character said to his William Jennings Bryan counterpart in Inherit the Wind: "Perhaps it is you who have moved away -- by standing still."

Comment by Michael Jopling on A Byrd of a different feather

Fri, 12 Sep 2003 04:58:45 EDT

Sweetheart of the radio?

Comment by Al Barger on A Byrd of a different feather

Fri, 12 Sep 2003 04:11:48 EDT

Yes, that's a perfectly reasonable stance on Mr. Hillman's part. HE thinks it is wrong, but does not presume to force other people to conform to HIS beliefs in THEIR private lives.

Comment by James Russell on A Byrd of a different feather

Fri, 12 Sep 2003 02:50:17 EDT

So gay marriage is a mortal sin, yet he defends their right to do it? I'm confused.