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| https://twitter.com/chadtaylor |
"On this particular day, the youngest, tiniest, most blatantly adorable of the children becomes intently interested in what I am doing on my computer, and why, exactly, none of those activities involve watching Elmo. Truth be told, she's not really listening to me as I explain the blog." - Chad Taylor on his blog, Culture Myth
There's no two ways about it. Chad is a controversial figure in the music scene. I had more than one person request NOT to be part of this tribute.
But I had number who were happy to be a part of this. I'm obviously in the second camp, or I wouldn't be doing this.
Can Chad come off as rude and obnoxious? Sorry, Chad, but yes you can.
But part of this stems from Chad's desire to speak from the heart and speak straight and honestly. He doesn't pussyfoot around. He tells it as he sees it.
And some times Chad doesn't like what he sees and isn't afraid to say so.
To be fair, though, some times he does like what he sees and he doesn't hold back on that either!
But I'll say it right now. I think Chad is something the Des Moines music scene needed!
Cheerleaders are important and needed. I consider that part of my job on this web site.
But cheerleaders aren't enough in any artistic endeavor. You also need someone who will speak honestly, and tell you if you're not doing so hot.
Does it hurt? Yeah. Does it suck? Yeah. No one wants to hear something they worked hard on isn't that great.
But someone can't improve if they'll only told "Good job!" and given a ribbon just for participating!
Did I always agree with Chad? Hell no. But I'm grateful that the Des Moines music scene had someone who wasn't afraid to speak his mind.
And I think Des Moines is going to be hurting without Chad's honesty and straight opinion.
So I'm grateful that Chad loved and cared about the Des Moines scene enough to take that role.
And if you read enough of his stuff, you should he did care, and he did love the local scene.
So, Chad, this is just my way of saying thank you. And I know I'm not the only one who will miss you!
"I look at her giant, stupid brown baby eyes for a moment, then do a Google image search for Elmo. Ellie loses her shit."
