It's taken me unusually long to find time to read your post this time. As ever, a great read. God, I feel you when it comes justification for creative art. The problem you discuss is certainly a major player when it comes to reasons for my own meagre output. Fantastic to see that you reached one of the artists that you wrote about!
Thank you for turning us on to Madder Rose. I had never heard or heard of them. If it wasn’t for rock music, I would’ve been institutionalized in some fashion at an early age. I see live music constantly, whether classic rock (Neil Young Friday) or new comers (Elias Ronnenfelt Monday). It’s been my refuge since my first concert at age 16 (Leon Russell). Thanks for writing about what I hold sacred.
Thank you very much, Frank, for reading, commenting, and listening to Madder Rose! Sharing what many of us hold sacred, important, and meaningful is what Substack is (or should be) all about, and it makes me happy that you’ve discovered Madder Rose! I hope you enjoy exploring their catalog thoroughly. You're in for a treat!
Thanks for listening all these years, and thanks for this great post! Looking forward to reading more. And I'll send you a link when the new record's done - it's half covers and half new songs by us. I am cautiously optimistic.
Wonderful news! If “The Love You Save” and “Ruler of My Heart” are hints at MR doing covers, I am VERY optimistic! And, on that note, regarding “Ruler,” I did name check Madder Rose’s version in this post (linked below) from last year (a bit more of a personal write-up). Thank you again for reading, commenting, and for your music! ❤️
I hear you, I feel you, and scrolling through these comments, so do so many others. We do have to turn away from the turmoil and hate and frankly, the demolishing of our democracy, to a great degree to maintain our sanity. To feel utterly hopeless and depressed does no one any good. And I do believe as so many here say that art is a form of resistance, and preserving the arts is more important than ever. So thank you for writing this, and the others for responding. We don't feel so alone when we find like-minded people who share our values and our dilemmas.
I love this comment so much, Deborah. Thank you! Your final sentence sums it up perfectly. Knowing others share similar values, morals, dilemmas, concerns, and love for all things good in this world (including the arts!) definitely gives me strength in our unity.
The world in 1994 had better music and people still made eye contact, but you're right about the panic - it's always been there, like the hum of air conditioning or the glow of neon signs that somehow makes everything feel both artificial and oddly comforting. In all honesty, I find it easier to admire the humans (the good, decent ones) from a distance.
Eye contact. Who would have thought we would now be in a place in humanity where we don't look each other in the eye? Or, panic when we have to phone somebody instead of texting.
I worry about where our social norms and etiquette will be in thirty years.
The panic in our world undoubtedly worsened with 24 hour news, and social media poured gasoline on that fire.
I didn’t know who Kirk was either Michael! I don’t subscribe to many political sites and tend to focus on the arts that keep us aware of the beauty in the world.
Thanks, Dan! Political sites are like horror movies for me. There's already far too much horror and violence in this world that I have no desire to seek it out for entertainment.
Political sites are similar... The world is already a horror show due to insane politics and hatred. Finding spaces free from politics, and especially those that focus on the arts, is a wonderful refuge to shelter in!
Your words are certainly not meaningless to me Michael. You’re one of a few handfuls of writers here on Substack that make my world a better place.
Somehow Madder Rose passed me by, which is disappointing as they would’ve been right in my wheelhouse back in the era that they started releasing music. I’m looking forward to digging into their catalog a bit.
On the subject of art, for me it remains a release, not so much in the creation as I haven’t had much experience in creating art, but more so in the appreciation and consumption.
Tina and I stopped into a gallery in Helmsley last week, the day before we set out on our current trail. As soon as I opened the door I saw a piece of art that literally took my breath away. I called Tina over and we both stood there, awestruck, appreciating the beauty of the piece. Then I walked into the next room and was blown away by another piece. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a reaction to any piece of new art (i.e. in a gallery not in a museum), let alone to have it happen with two pieces in the same gallery on the same day.
We ended up spending half an hour there and buying several pieces (including the two we both fell in love with). There’s a joy in being able to support the work of people that can create something so beautiful and it’ll be a privilege to be able to display their work in our home. The world would be such a darker and sadder place if it weren’t for art in all its forms.
Thank you, Mark. Your first sentence is humbling and very kind. I appreciate you being here!
Your experience in Helmsley is just one of the many reasons why art is so important. To have your breath taken away as you stood awestruck, appreciating the beauty of the piece, is incredibly profound and moving. I am glad you were able to purchase it and a few other pieces, and they will no doubt bring you great pleasure every time you admire them in your home. I would love to see photos of the pieces you bought!
I hope you enjoy exploring Madder Rose's catalog! You are in for a treat!
There’s something so profound about having a piece of art take your breath away. More often than not that happens in museums but very occasionally it happens in a gallery (not always where I can afford the art). We’re so glad we stopped in.
Billy from Madder Rose here. I actually subscribe to this Substack, so it was pretty wild to see this. Thank you for including us in this thoughtful post!
PS: We're recording another record - should be out next year!
I am so glad this piece found you and that you found my Substack, Billy!
Thank you for your art! It has meant a lot to me over the years. I have been listening to it for over 30 years and still discover something new in the grooves. I am very excited to hear that there's a new album currently being recorded.
And, thank you so much for taking the time to read, subscribe, and comment! It means a lot! 🙏
Like you I’d never heard of Kirk until his beatification over the past several days, as I also had never listened to Madder Rose, an oversight I will correct today. But make no mistake about it, our society’s current attack on culture is right out of Hitlers playbook in Nazi Germany.
Where to start? I didn't know the Charlie guy either but the violence behind the story kills me. And that same comment that many people make: SO much attention given to this one person who promoted hate and almost NO attention to the 39 children/teachers killed SO FAR this year in schools. I can't bear this.
Yet, I AM bearing it. I (like many people) am having a hard time facing the world every day. In fact, my primary response is that I want to disappear - but I'm white and no one is attempting to disappear me. I will have to do it for myself, if I truly want to disappear.
I don't pay attention to much of social media although I will admit to scrolling TikTok for humor. I've curated a small account there b/c there are people on there who make me laugh. Sometimes I need that. Sometimes I wish I were a person who could find solace in booze or weed but those days are long ago. I've never been friends much with alcohol but weed/cocaine served a purpose back in the day. Now? Now I am no longer interested.
I do take solace in three things: the outdoors (I live close to the beach so that is huge ), making art (though I am not skilled , I do have fun with that), and reading/writing. I am a fan of music but sort of stuck back in some past reality. Oh, that's another thing TikTok is good for .... I get introduced to new (to me) music.
I have to pay more attention to you. I didn't know you taught art! Had I a chance for a do over, I would have majored in art in college and become an art teacher. Silly me. I had graduated from an academically rigorous high school with no options for electives . Although I liked playing with paint on my own, I had never taken a class so I assumed that I could not major in art. I would be way too far behind. What was I thinking? Isn't that what college is for? To explore interests (among other things)? I took another path and ended up in the classroom and as an admin - whoo hoo.
Finding solace in nature, creating art, and reading or writing are wonderful ways to find refuge and are much better than online spaces! Music has always been my escape, where I can find clarity and peace of mind.
And, like you, I often find myself wanting to disappear from this world.
But then I see an incredible painterly sky with light, expressive forms, vibrant colors, and vast space that all dissolve together, and I am in awe. Or, I stand in front of objects made by Papuan New Guinea tribes, and I am inspired to learn more about their meaning and place within their cultures. Or, I listen to music and fall deep into its grooves & lyrics, and I see colors and ideas for paintings and drawings come to mind. This reminds me that the noise of the world can be temporarily tuned out, and beauty is always there to be found, appreciated, and admired.
I think a lot of us wrestle with the idea of writing--of creating-- while the world is on fire. IMO, not only is it more important than ever, I think it's a form of resistance. Heck if a Stones review (hard pass from me as well) or looking at a Led Zeppelin cover gives someone a moment's respite, I'm all for it.
P.S. I had to look up "Phthalo," and learned that its one of my favorite shades, so thank you for that!
I agree 100%, Kevin. My dig at classic rock is just me not knowing where to even start writing about such albums that already have an enormous amount of spilled ink lavished on them, and probably not knowing how to discuss them from a fresh, unique, or creative lens. Definitely no critique intended on those who do so!
Those three colors I listed are always on my palette! The oil paint versions, in particular, are deliciously gorgeous to the eye!
I don't! I vaguely recalled the name, but hadn't ever heard them. For some reason, I had them in the same category as, say, Mother Love Bone (sound wise). I'm listening to "Bring it Down" as I type this, and it's clear that I was both waaaaay off and have been missing out!
I had no clue who Charlie Kirk was either. I do have to limit my news intake because it just really amps up my anxiety. I should probably quit social media too, but it’s how I keep in contact with a lot of people.
I don’t know how I missed Madder Rose in the 90s- they are totally up my alley! The name sounded familiar, but none of the tracks. Listening to that 1994 album now, so thank you for giving me a good grading soundtrack for the day!
Seriously, the AI is killing me. I don’t know if I can continue to teach when 90% of the discussions and papers are AI generated… I just immediately kicked back almost half of the 25 assignments submitted because of bogus references. The time I spend verifying references before even reading the assignment is such a waste of my time.
Limiting my news intake has been essential for my mental health. I choose when I want to read, and I don't spend much time at all (and rarely ever on my phone). Mainly because I feel angry, frustrated, sad, and helpless, and I have to remind myself that I have no control over any of it. But the things I do have control over are the small things in my immediate life. These days, just being kind is so important.
Thankfully, I teach art, so I don't have as much of an issue with AI in my classroom. In fact, most of my students are strongly opposed to it, which is encouraging. However, I think language arts and writing courses are going to have to change and adapt because the use of AI in student work will only increase.
I'm glad you have a Madder Rose soundtrack for your grading! Check out 'Hello June Fool' after 'Panic On' and then move on to their later albums. They haven't missed a beat in their 20-year hiatus. In fact, they seem to have returned with an even greater urgency and focus!
And I’m very glad to hear the attitude is much different in your art classes!
I teach writing and film classes online - if I was teaching face to face classes, I would absolutely have moved to all handwritten in-class assignments. I’m not sure how online courses could make changes. My college did roll out some integration with MS Word, but I can only get access if a student voluntarily shares it with me.
Thank you! I will take your listening advice and listen to Hello June Fool and check out some of the newer stuff. I love it when bands come back and are just as good! It’s so comforting!
It's taken me unusually long to find time to read your post this time. As ever, a great read. God, I feel you when it comes justification for creative art. The problem you discuss is certainly a major player when it comes to reasons for my own meagre output. Fantastic to see that you reached one of the artists that you wrote about!
Thanks, Phil! Always great to hear from you. I, too, was excited to see that Billy had seen my post. 😎
Thanks for your thoughtful post. It inspired me to write one of my own, "selfish art". Hang in there.
Thank you! You, too!
Thank you for turning us on to Madder Rose. I had never heard or heard of them. If it wasn’t for rock music, I would’ve been institutionalized in some fashion at an early age. I see live music constantly, whether classic rock (Neil Young Friday) or new comers (Elias Ronnenfelt Monday). It’s been my refuge since my first concert at age 16 (Leon Russell). Thanks for writing about what I hold sacred.
Thank you very much, Frank, for reading, commenting, and listening to Madder Rose! Sharing what many of us hold sacred, important, and meaningful is what Substack is (or should be) all about, and it makes me happy that you’ve discovered Madder Rose! I hope you enjoy exploring their catalog thoroughly. You're in for a treat!
Hi Michael,
Thanks for listening all these years, and thanks for this great post! Looking forward to reading more. And I'll send you a link when the new record's done - it's half covers and half new songs by us. I am cautiously optimistic.
BC
Wonderful news! If “The Love You Save” and “Ruler of My Heart” are hints at MR doing covers, I am VERY optimistic! And, on that note, regarding “Ruler,” I did name check Madder Rose’s version in this post (linked below) from last year (a bit more of a personal write-up). Thank you again for reading, commenting, and for your music! ❤️
https://substack.com/@michaelfell/p-144104759
I turned off The Notes it helps me to not see all the shit.
I hear you, I feel you, and scrolling through these comments, so do so many others. We do have to turn away from the turmoil and hate and frankly, the demolishing of our democracy, to a great degree to maintain our sanity. To feel utterly hopeless and depressed does no one any good. And I do believe as so many here say that art is a form of resistance, and preserving the arts is more important than ever. So thank you for writing this, and the others for responding. We don't feel so alone when we find like-minded people who share our values and our dilemmas.
I love this comment so much, Deborah. Thank you! Your final sentence sums it up perfectly. Knowing others share similar values, morals, dilemmas, concerns, and love for all things good in this world (including the arts!) definitely gives me strength in our unity.
I'm so glad. I feel the same way.
The world in 1994 had better music and people still made eye contact, but you're right about the panic - it's always been there, like the hum of air conditioning or the glow of neon signs that somehow makes everything feel both artificial and oddly comforting. In all honesty, I find it easier to admire the humans (the good, decent ones) from a distance.
Eye contact. Who would have thought we would now be in a place in humanity where we don't look each other in the eye? Or, panic when we have to phone somebody instead of texting.
I worry about where our social norms and etiquette will be in thirty years.
The panic in our world undoubtedly worsened with 24 hour news, and social media poured gasoline on that fire.
Cheers, for reading and commenting, Gary!
I didn’t know who Kirk was either Michael! I don’t subscribe to many political sites and tend to focus on the arts that keep us aware of the beauty in the world.
Thanks, Dan! Political sites are like horror movies for me. There's already far too much horror and violence in this world that I have no desire to seek it out for entertainment.
Political sites are similar... The world is already a horror show due to insane politics and hatred. Finding spaces free from politics, and especially those that focus on the arts, is a wonderful refuge to shelter in!
Your words are certainly not meaningless to me Michael. You’re one of a few handfuls of writers here on Substack that make my world a better place.
Somehow Madder Rose passed me by, which is disappointing as they would’ve been right in my wheelhouse back in the era that they started releasing music. I’m looking forward to digging into their catalog a bit.
On the subject of art, for me it remains a release, not so much in the creation as I haven’t had much experience in creating art, but more so in the appreciation and consumption.
Tina and I stopped into a gallery in Helmsley last week, the day before we set out on our current trail. As soon as I opened the door I saw a piece of art that literally took my breath away. I called Tina over and we both stood there, awestruck, appreciating the beauty of the piece. Then I walked into the next room and was blown away by another piece. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a reaction to any piece of new art (i.e. in a gallery not in a museum), let alone to have it happen with two pieces in the same gallery on the same day.
We ended up spending half an hour there and buying several pieces (including the two we both fell in love with). There’s a joy in being able to support the work of people that can create something so beautiful and it’ll be a privilege to be able to display their work in our home. The world would be such a darker and sadder place if it weren’t for art in all its forms.
Thank you, Mark. Your first sentence is humbling and very kind. I appreciate you being here!
Your experience in Helmsley is just one of the many reasons why art is so important. To have your breath taken away as you stood awestruck, appreciating the beauty of the piece, is incredibly profound and moving. I am glad you were able to purchase it and a few other pieces, and they will no doubt bring you great pleasure every time you admire them in your home. I would love to see photos of the pieces you bought!
I hope you enjoy exploring Madder Rose's catalog! You are in for a treat!
There’s something so profound about having a piece of art take your breath away. More often than not that happens in museums but very occasionally it happens in a gallery (not always where I can afford the art). We’re so glad we stopped in.
I’ll send you some photos!
I agree! And, I will add that there is street art, which has no ownership and is completely free, that can also take your breath away!
I look forward to seeing the photos! 😊
Yes I’ve definitely had my breath taken away by street art!
I think you speak for a lot of us Michael. Creating is an act of resistance something to take us away from being passive voyeurs.
I’m with you.
Thank you for being a partner in creative resistance with me, Margaret!
Billy from Madder Rose here. I actually subscribe to this Substack, so it was pretty wild to see this. Thank you for including us in this thoughtful post!
PS: We're recording another record - should be out next year!
I am so glad this piece found you and that you found my Substack, Billy!
Thank you for your art! It has meant a lot to me over the years. I have been listening to it for over 30 years and still discover something new in the grooves. I am very excited to hear that there's a new album currently being recorded.
And, thank you so much for taking the time to read, subscribe, and comment! It means a lot! 🙏
Like you I’d never heard of Kirk until his beatification over the past several days, as I also had never listened to Madder Rose, an oversight I will correct today. But make no mistake about it, our society’s current attack on culture is right out of Hitlers playbook in Nazi Germany.
Where to start? I didn't know the Charlie guy either but the violence behind the story kills me. And that same comment that many people make: SO much attention given to this one person who promoted hate and almost NO attention to the 39 children/teachers killed SO FAR this year in schools. I can't bear this.
Yet, I AM bearing it. I (like many people) am having a hard time facing the world every day. In fact, my primary response is that I want to disappear - but I'm white and no one is attempting to disappear me. I will have to do it for myself, if I truly want to disappear.
I don't pay attention to much of social media although I will admit to scrolling TikTok for humor. I've curated a small account there b/c there are people on there who make me laugh. Sometimes I need that. Sometimes I wish I were a person who could find solace in booze or weed but those days are long ago. I've never been friends much with alcohol but weed/cocaine served a purpose back in the day. Now? Now I am no longer interested.
I do take solace in three things: the outdoors (I live close to the beach so that is huge ), making art (though I am not skilled , I do have fun with that), and reading/writing. I am a fan of music but sort of stuck back in some past reality. Oh, that's another thing TikTok is good for .... I get introduced to new (to me) music.
I have to pay more attention to you. I didn't know you taught art! Had I a chance for a do over, I would have majored in art in college and become an art teacher. Silly me. I had graduated from an academically rigorous high school with no options for electives . Although I liked playing with paint on my own, I had never taken a class so I assumed that I could not major in art. I would be way too far behind. What was I thinking? Isn't that what college is for? To explore interests (among other things)? I took another path and ended up in the classroom and as an admin - whoo hoo.
Thanks for an engaging piece.
Finding solace in nature, creating art, and reading or writing are wonderful ways to find refuge and are much better than online spaces! Music has always been my escape, where I can find clarity and peace of mind.
And, like you, I often find myself wanting to disappear from this world.
But then I see an incredible painterly sky with light, expressive forms, vibrant colors, and vast space that all dissolve together, and I am in awe. Or, I stand in front of objects made by Papuan New Guinea tribes, and I am inspired to learn more about their meaning and place within their cultures. Or, I listen to music and fall deep into its grooves & lyrics, and I see colors and ideas for paintings and drawings come to mind. This reminds me that the noise of the world can be temporarily tuned out, and beauty is always there to be found, appreciated, and admired.
But then the noise always returns...
I think a lot of us wrestle with the idea of writing--of creating-- while the world is on fire. IMO, not only is it more important than ever, I think it's a form of resistance. Heck if a Stones review (hard pass from me as well) or looking at a Led Zeppelin cover gives someone a moment's respite, I'm all for it.
P.S. I had to look up "Phthalo," and learned that its one of my favorite shades, so thank you for that!
I agree 100%, Kevin. My dig at classic rock is just me not knowing where to even start writing about such albums that already have an enormous amount of spilled ink lavished on them, and probably not knowing how to discuss them from a fresh, unique, or creative lens. Definitely no critique intended on those who do so!
Those three colors I listed are always on my palette! The oil paint versions, in particular, are deliciously gorgeous to the eye!
PS: Do you remember Madder Rose?
I don't! I vaguely recalled the name, but hadn't ever heard them. For some reason, I had them in the same category as, say, Mother Love Bone (sound wise). I'm listening to "Bring it Down" as I type this, and it's clear that I was both waaaaay off and have been missing out!
I had no clue who Charlie Kirk was either. I do have to limit my news intake because it just really amps up my anxiety. I should probably quit social media too, but it’s how I keep in contact with a lot of people.
I don’t know how I missed Madder Rose in the 90s- they are totally up my alley! The name sounded familiar, but none of the tracks. Listening to that 1994 album now, so thank you for giving me a good grading soundtrack for the day!
Seriously, the AI is killing me. I don’t know if I can continue to teach when 90% of the discussions and papers are AI generated… I just immediately kicked back almost half of the 25 assignments submitted because of bogus references. The time I spend verifying references before even reading the assignment is such a waste of my time.
Limiting my news intake has been essential for my mental health. I choose when I want to read, and I don't spend much time at all (and rarely ever on my phone). Mainly because I feel angry, frustrated, sad, and helpless, and I have to remind myself that I have no control over any of it. But the things I do have control over are the small things in my immediate life. These days, just being kind is so important.
Thankfully, I teach art, so I don't have as much of an issue with AI in my classroom. In fact, most of my students are strongly opposed to it, which is encouraging. However, I think language arts and writing courses are going to have to change and adapt because the use of AI in student work will only increase.
I'm glad you have a Madder Rose soundtrack for your grading! Check out 'Hello June Fool' after 'Panic On' and then move on to their later albums. They haven't missed a beat in their 20-year hiatus. In fact, they seem to have returned with an even greater urgency and focus!
Thank you, Kristin, for reading and commenting!
And I’m very glad to hear the attitude is much different in your art classes!
I teach writing and film classes online - if I was teaching face to face classes, I would absolutely have moved to all handwritten in-class assignments. I’m not sure how online courses could make changes. My college did roll out some integration with MS Word, but I can only get access if a student voluntarily shares it with me.
Thank you! I will take your listening advice and listen to Hello June Fool and check out some of the newer stuff. I love it when bands come back and are just as good! It’s so comforting!