Comments on Saint Joan

THANK YOU, David!

I can't think of a more underrated singer-songwriter. I still play many of her albums frequently. Thanks so much for this great reminder. I was just playing "Walk Under Ladders" (with the weird 80s production but superb songs) as I did the housework this week.

Great work on the article about marriage and Mormonism, BTW!

And if you're into Joan and Tracy, you've got to be down with British singer/poet/activist/all-around righteous motherfucker Labi Siffre. Sadly, too few Americans have heard of the guy, with the notable exception of Charles Aaron, who presented a paper about him at this year's EMP. Then again, Mr. Schmader's a Marshall Mathers expert, so I'm sure he's given Siffre a listen or two...and I'm sure you have, too, Mr. Estey!

Great to see you on here, Kathy!*

You know what? Until Charles Aaron nervously but magnificently presented that incredible paper at the Pop Con this year, I had no idea who Mr. Siffre was. A feature on him by any of the many fine writers for the Stranger (Michaelangelo? TJ? Charles? Paul?) would be absolutely delightful, I'm sure.

(*We must have drinks again soon. : )

I'm still kicking myself for missing that paper. Word has it that Aaron knocked it out of the ballpark. I discovered Siffre through the Other Music newsletter. I took one listen to "I Got The," and I was hooked. Tracy Chapman's vocal similarity is downright spooky (Siffre sings in a vibrato-laden falsetto). And if Joan isn't a fan, I'll eat my hat...or walk under a ladder. Estey, I'll see your asterisk, and raise you another. More drinks!