Note how the phrase ‘see the light’ is subverted totally, for it is not only shown as trite, within the lyric, for the wording frames seeing the light as silly, metaphorically, as well as eschewing the light of the trite sunset imagery. So, one line clips two clichés, and does so in an offhanded way, not in full negation. The Bible line could be seen by true believers as profane, save that the negation is not of reading the Bible, but of the lack of reading the Bible.
As the stars rotated a full 12-15 degrees in the clear night sky, and a black cat nestled up onto the small hay stacks that surrounded the band, I was taken aback by the power of good or great art, even if that art is ‘mere’ pop art. Yes, there is the whole soothing the savage breast trope, but it was also the ability to make one’s worries (almost always more superficial and light than during their initial experience) dissipate that drew me to the power of Martinez’s lyrics. That the two things (my lessening angst and my growing involvement in the structure of Martinez’s songs) ebbed and flowed in antipodal concert with each other, made the $45 I dropped for the three CDs seem a relative bargain- certainly in comparison to the money I’ve paid to see rather mediocre concerts in the past.
Some years ago I started my website Cosmoetica to help promote excellence in the arts, sciences, and life; especially that which is under appreciated by the often uncomprehending and uninterested masses, and the songwriting and music of John Arthur Martinez certainly fits the bill of that mission. I would urge people who appreciate good music, especially that rooted in the wide variety of American music’s roots, to seek out the works of this unusual (in the best sense) musical artist, for while I am heartened that he can make a living from his music (something I and a few other quality writers I have known through the years cannot currently do), the fact is that the prefabricated Top 40 music of ‘artists’ like Carrie Underwood should be the stuff that appears on Indy labels, and she should be opening for better acts like Martinez.
Only by supporting artists of quality (via purchases, criticism as this, or patronizing their performances) does more quality emerge. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy and act, of sorts. So, act, and perhaps the act will fulfill the prophecy. Lo, I smell the seeds for another song by Martinez. Here’s hoping.
Article comments
1 - Mary Fran
As someone who has been a fan of john Arthur martinez since I first heard him on Nashville Star, I was delighted to read Dan Schneider's comments. John Arthur is so under appreciated by the mainstream music industry. I hope this column will prompt more people to listen to, appreciate and support him.
2 - Josh
As a long time reader of Cosmoetica, all I can say is - this article had better be an April Fools' Day joke, five months and several days early.