http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC4_rwbZ2GU

and the latter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shy4ZZ1CUk0

Because I suspect this is my problem and not the problem of the sound-makers (music in the first case and noise pollution in the latter – sorry sorry sorry sorry…) I just get depressed, while publicly aspiring to support and desire diversity, at the thought that there are human beings out there who can sit through the second interpretation of Handel’s statement of faith and not feel nauseated. I am a feeble atheist. It’s not other’s faith that gives me the collywobbles, far from it, but their taste in sound. Happy Christmas 2007

http://dublinopinion.com/2006/11/11/gavin-and-mmoh-at-the-point/

But you were only joking, right?
I think John Kerry is better at telling jokes than me.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=es8sX4L2thk

Your blog post begs to differ.

That’s the reality. I should have attached a smiley I guess to confirm that I wasn’t being serious.

So why did you agree with Gerry’s definition of the word ignorant? I don’t mean to seem pushy, but if you think he’s ignorant, so be it… just be prepared to stand by it. If it was a joke that backfired, so be it, but at why imply that you said it because Damien “obviously” didn’t know what he was talking about?

But I do think when you pronounce such a harsh judgment on an artist who is liked by a number of people that you should expect some flack back, even if it’s not deserved. It’s the cut and trust of this thing, isn’t it?

No one should expect flack for expressing an opinion on art; you should expect people to disagree with you, but you shouldn’t have to expect personal insults.

When it comes to the arts things inevitably get personal – there is no real objectivity and I think in the case with popular music that is especially so.

I’d say art is where it is least likely to get personal. If it’s a political issue that may cost lives or livlihoods then you can expect people to get more passionate than normal; for example I read a piece in the Sindo on climate change that suggested it’s too late to do anything so we should sit back and enjoy the party… it was (hopefully) tongue in cheek, but if it wasn’t I’d happily call the person an idiot… at least people who usually disagree with the green agenda they claim it’s because they see climate change as a myth, they’re at least hiding their laziness/greed with a cause.

I realise of course that to use the word ‘ignorant’ passes judgment on someone else mental facilities or probably more accurately on their inability or unwillingness to absorb what they are exposed to. That was not fair.

But you were only joking, right?

When it comes to the arts things inevitably get personal – there is no real objectivity and I think in the case with popular music that is especially so. I realise of course that to use the word ‘ignorant’ passes judgment on someone else mental facilities or probably more accurately on their inability or unwillingness to absorb what they are exposed to. That was not fair.

Teresa, to continue that point, I had no intention of attacking Damien personally, except to suggest that maybe the extreme view published on a public forum could have been offensive to those who actually enjoyed the performance.

I guess if I was surrounded by a bunch of Westlife fans and they heard me calling their music the aural equivalent of distemper-infected pig swill then I would expect that they would have one or two things to say about it. Music is cherished by fans. Those who don’t like a band or a style of music can usually manage to avoid listening to it. Because of the nature of the gig at the point MMOH’s performance was very hard to avoid and that was perhaps what precipitated Damien’s comment.

However, I do completely agree that everyone has the right to give out about music in the strongest terms possible and that it is not necessary to know their back catalogue in order to do so. In fact I would go further and say that you don’t have to even listen to a full song before getting on your blog and being downright rude about the artist in question.

Twenty Major does it all the time about Damien Rice and I would fight to protect Twenty’s right to do so. Even if Twenty decided to attack an artist that I’m precious about I would defend his right to do so. As long as it was funny.

Am I back tracking on my attempt to defend my use of the term ‘ignorant critic’? Absolutely. After all, my use of the term in the first place was just me having a go. And in that repect: mission accomplished.

In truth, the one person qualified to decide whether Damien Mulley thought Mary Margaret O’Hara was a screaming zombie or not is, in fact, Damien Mulley. That other people may not agree is natural, but implying his opinion doesn’t count because he is unqualified or ignorant in your view lessens your opinion because Damien, at least, is referring to music whereas you’re just making a personal attack.

The point is this: Mary Margaret O’Hara has fans. I really have no idea why. But like a lot of artists of her nature – ie very niche, very cult – the response of her fans to those who dare to question the brilliance is pretty predictable. “You don’t understand, you’re not qualified, you don’t know enough”. The truth is that’s not an adequate response. Significantly more people don’t think she’s brilliant than do think she’s brilliant. Live with it. I think she’s a caterwauler, but granted it’s ages since I’ve bothered to give her a listen. Life is too short and there is plenty of other music in the world which I do like.