This Isn’t Personal

Rip It Up, Issue 217, 1 September 1995, Page 10

This Isn’t Personal

John Russell, Thanks for the review of my album Blue Boy (August issue) — though I found it amusing, I don’t think it offered much in the way of a review, except perhaps a sarcastic outpouring of grief over a perceived style of music. The album was recorded in 1993, and happened to turn out the way it did naturally. It might be laidback, but that’s the style on the record. It might not fit into what the current ‘scene’ is, but then again, I wasn’t attempting to do that. It reminds me of a time a few years back, when I wasn’t so flexible in my outlook. John Russell, I’m not saying you’re inflexible, but the pen you write with should be more like a rubber band. It should stretch more: up, down, wide, excruciating shapes, but still hold together. I remember when some dude in a punk band had his guitar smashed over him by a punter who objected to his style and what he represented. A few weeks later, I spoke to a friend

about that incident. [l] was surprised at how he spoke up for the punk, saying it didn’t matter what he represented, he didn’t deserve a bashing because he was an artist. He was doing his own thing, he was being himself, and then some arsehole comes along, with an IQ of two, and does him over. Since then, I’ve never judged someone on who they pertain to be because of their outlook.

If I could say a few things about myself and the album. I’m 26, into creativity, earn my living playing in a Celtic band, and am influenced by all sorts: Beatles, Black Crowes, Beck, Sinatra, and many more. Loud, Blue Boy ain’t, but it’s a debut, and I’m fortunate enough to have even finished it, let alone release[d] it. There’s an accompanying lyric book for an all inclusive price of fourteen dollars, from PO Box 106056, Downtown, Auckland. I don’t mind having the piss taken out of me, but I deserve a right of reply if it is. John Russell, this isn’t personal, OK? Jimi B, Auckland.