Monday, November 16, 2009

Quote of the Day

"Ever since the '80s, I've felt that Cyndi Lauper won the battle between her and Madonna. Madonna is the public's champion, but Lauper made some fucking masterpieces." -- Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas, who tells Rolling Stone his Danish model mom, Jeanette Christiansen, was a fan of Lauper's version of "When You Were Mine," which came out when he was 5.

8 comments:

Aron said...

It's true Lauper had some great tracks that have been overlooked- "I'll Kiss You" from She's So Unusual being one of my faves. I don't buy this "battle" between the 2. Just because they both came out of the same scene around the same time doesn't mean they were in competition. Clearly, Madonna's ambition was quite different from Lauper's. Cyndi's no doubt enjoying herself, singing in cabarets, fighting for gay rights, etc. Don't know that she would want Madonna's lifestyle. The real battle is: Who's happier?

Matthew Rettenmund said...

It's not really about winning vs. Madonna, but as much as I have loved Cyndi, she hasn't made almost any great music since the '80s. I liked her last album, but it was the same kinda brainless fun for the masses that HARD CANDY was, and wasn't even a return to her roots since her roots were rockabilly.

I loved Blue Angel! There was a band.

But I will say I'm impressed that Cyndi has had a career past the '80s, when it seemed she would become entirely irrelevant. She wound up rejuvenating her touring career and even won an Emmy. Not bad!

jeffreychrist said...

Back in those mid-80s, I swore Lauper was going to be the megastar 20-years on and Madonna a near-nobody. "Madonna" and "Like A Prayer", despite their popularity, were sub-par, chintzy even. "She's So Unusual" is a timeless classic.

Then something funny happened. Lauper released the awful "True Colors" and Madonna released the unusually terrific "True Blue". Then, successively Madonna released one better-than-before album (well, at least for a few years) while Lauper released the deadly "A Night To Remember" then "Hatful Of Stars", and continued downward ever since.

I'm not sure what Julian Casablanca feels is a Lauper "masterpiece" other than her solo debut, but while there isn't one single Madonna "masterpiece" either (even her best album, "Like A Prayer" is quite dated), overall I'd say Madonna wins artistically.

Although both have released classic singles, unarguably.

nojarama said...

As much as I adore both, I agree Cyndi has more talent. While Cyndi may do something unpopular or trendy, Madonna just steals from whatever is the latest style (even when it's already old hat- after Confessions, she took three steps back with Hard Candy& why is she working with a 13-years ago latest thing DJ for her latest?). Both, though, have been consistently enjoyable.

Anonymous said...

People need to remember that at the height of her career cyndi took a lot of time off to care for her ailing boyfriend who I believe had some sort of stomach illness. Also I think her gig with the wrestling federation at the time came off as silly and comically, which doesn't really promote one as a serious artist.

But I will always pick cyndi.

Francisco said...

The fact is they're both great, but I give Madonna the edge. Madonna works hard at her career leaving us wanting more. Always pushing herself to accomplish her goals. Although the goals are not always great masterpieces. More is more and Madonna gives the fans just that, for that reason she is The Queen of Pop. Madonna wants to rule the world maybe one day she will. Ciao

Anonymous said...

I think Cyndi Lauper has a good voice but i think she didn't know where and how to take her career after the 80s ended. While Her Madgesty seemed to clearly know where is going. I think it comes down to who's the most memorable one. Like Michael Jackson, MJ's career before he died hasnt really gone up since the last 90's but his works surpass his struggling career. I believe Her Madgesty wins hands down! Innovation, Money, Influence, Impact and Style, she got it all or atleast more so than Cyndi! Bow down bitches!

Anonymous said...

no much to say CYNDI LAUPER is just the best any other is a copy ( madonna ) on a of them