Rock and Hendo
From David Bunker Sir: 1 was pleased to learn that Michael Henderson ('Sex, hate and hypocrisy', 17 July) had more than a dozen letters published in Melody Maker when he was still at Repton, but I refuse to take any lectures on rock music from one who, while still an acned adolescent, rated Tangerine Dream as superior to Led Zeppelin.
We learn that since that time Mr Henderson's musical tastes have matured. I wish his ability to sustain a line of argument had grown up as well, but I can offer him some guidance. There is a difference between being a performer and being a composer. The two terms are not interchangeable. Mr E. Presley excelled at one and Mr J.S. Bach excelled at the other. It matters not whether Brian Wilson persistently sings flat if we are trying to evaluate his worth as a composer (pretty limited, says Mr Henderson; quite right, for once!).
Secondly, we judge the quality of a work of art on the merits of the piece itself, not on the longevity and social usefulness of its creator, don't we, Mr Henderson? Mozart, anyone?
I note Mr Henderson's outline of the qualities needed for great art. For myself, I first heard 'Mr Tambourine Man' getting on for 40 years ago. There has barely been a day since when the song has not flitted through my mind. I still find it haunting, elusive, poignant and extremely beautiful. I cannot claim that the 'Four Last Songs' of Strauss have had a similar effect.
The fault, I am sure, is all mine.
David Bunker
Bristol
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