Yin Meets Yang...or...Random Musical Tribute To Messrs Rollins and Morrissey

Just started reading a book called "Saint Morrissey." It's an ode to the author's feelings of helplessness when it comes to being at the mercy of SPM. It's great to have someone capture so completely the feeling of what it's like to be a fan of Moz. He's got something rare. Extremely so, that only a handful of performers have the ability to utilize - complete control over the audience.

Interestingly, the same could be said for my main musical hero - 1 to Morrissey's "1a" and 1 to Johnny Cash's "1c" - Henry Rollins. I've read all of Henry's books. Listened to all of his CD's. Allowed him to help me survive through my loyalty to his music. He is the true renaissance man. Morrissey is right there as well - despite maintaining a decidedly more aloof presence.

Rollins and Morrissey could be brothers. They resemble each other with their physical features. They elicit similar abandon from their minions. They both write with an aggression, a passion, an anger - that is unparalelled - especially when compared to the "music" offings of modern day "artists". They both reside in L.A. - the only sensical place, I suppose for either to dwell. Or hide. Or observe. And, like many "siblings," they also complement each other with a yin/yang in its truest form. Then again, maybe they're not so different. Maybe they're friends. Maybe they run in the same circles - whether purposely or simply by proxy. Maybe they've never met. If one wasn't aware that neither could be bothered to actually attend one, one could almost argue that they trained together in some ethereal "school of rock" somewhere.

Both are equally capable - in spite of their very different vocal stylings - of delivering the messages of their art with surgical precision. A precision that is capable of equal parts damage and repair - often at the same time. Bring you down. Lift you up. Often on front and back ends of the same sentences.

Enigmas. Mysteries. Shamanistic. While at the same time, "obvious despite themselves," to paraphrase Lloyd Cole (a man who comes awfully close to both Henry and Morrissey's abilities through his lyrical talents.)

Yes, both could be considered Saints, I suppose, although both would accept such a title, no doubt, reluctantly. Instead of being praised for what they do for countless souls, saving them, nurturing them, torturing them...all at the same time, through their art, talent and poetry...they'd much rather continue to be true to themselves.

All I know is, they could be brothers, soulmates - and by pulling me in - from two different directions - help keep me centered.