Blog 2
Likened to famous artists
Blog 2A – Likened to famous artists
The artists people compare me to — and my honest thoughts
Quite often I'm likened to famous artists, because that's what people do — comparing you to someone they know makes the music easier to appreciate, I guess. I'm cool about it, and I find it interesting.
It's a huge compliment to even be mentioned in the same breath as these artists. I'm grateful, and still amazed, that I've come this far in such a short period.
They are, in no particular order: Bob Dylan, Sixto Rodriguez (Sugar Man), James Taylor, John Lennon, Coldplay, Chris de Burgh, and Cat Stevens.
Do you agree with these? Do you have others to add? Please submit your comparisons and give each a rating from 1 to 10, with 10 being closest. No promises, but I'd consider giving away free merchandise to anyone whose ratings are close to mine and the manner of your submissions with reasons. So dazzle me with a submission and tell me which of their songs gave you that impression etc. Please do not send me a novel but all in one page is enough. Simply rating and liking the songs won't win it but is welcomed too.
And don't forget: once I have more than 1,000 followers, I'll hold a free monthly draw for all my followers — an automatic draw at no cost to you. It's my small way of saying thank you.
My thoughts on each artist
1) Bob Dylan — One of the greats of yesteryear. Many consider him one of the greatest songwriters because of his lyrics, but to be honest, I don't get much of his lyrics as he was from an earlier era to me.
He's the artist my listeners mention most. Funny thing is, I never listened to any of his songs except Knockin on Heavens’ Door until a couple of months ago, when I got curious about the comparison. Rating: 6.5
2) Sixto Rodriguez aka Sugar Man Rodriguez — About as often as Dylan. I'm sorry to say I'd never heard of him until recently, when many told me he's one of the greatest songwriters ever and that I had to see the film. I did, a couple of months ago, and I loved it.
His journey — how he became famous and was “discovered” — is truly incredible, and I hope for a similar road to success. Maybe I should have a documentary made about me and submit it to Cannes Film Festival! Due to the success of the documentary about him, his songs and 2 guys from South Africa investigated to see if he was alive and had a small clue from a picture on the album that he could possibly be from Detroit and began their searched not knowing if he was alive or not then is incredible story.
Rodriguez mostly wrote about life, the everyday worker and that's how he connected with his fans. I too have many songs about life and spiritual matters yet to be released, though I mostly write about love, as it's an easy subject for me. My producer calls me the Romantic Songwriter, or a Hopeless Romantic. But I corrected Keefe that I am a ‘Hopeful Romantic” because I write mostly about positive things and live by my nickname Glee. Now that description has stuck. So I connect most with Rodriguez — if you haven't seen “Searching for Sugar Man,” I'd suggest you do. It's on Netflix. Rating: 7.5
3) James Taylor — An incredible songwriter, and such down-to-earth music that touches the soul. “You've Got a Friend” is legendary, and he influenced me. Rating: 6
4) John Lennon — I was surprised when a few came up with JL. I wasn't much of a fan of his solo work, though I loved the Beatles. “Imagine” is a classic and legendary. I guess it's more about him outside the music that I didn't connect with — and many blame Yoko for the break-up of the Beatles, though that's a matter of opinion. Rating: 5
5) Coldplay — I was pleased to be likened to Coldplay, as I love their music. “Fix You” is my favourite and an incredible song. They're currently touring Australia, and it would have been a dream to be their opening act. Rating: 7.2
6) Chris de Burgh — I always have “Lady in Red” humming in the back of my head. One of the best romantic songs ever, along with “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx and many others — songs you wish were playing as you fall in love. Rating: 7
7) Cat Stevens — Unbelievable talent, giving us “Father & Son,” “Wild World,” “Morning Has Broken” and more, then suddenly giving it all up when he became a Muslim. I liked this connection; he influenced me. Rating: 7