Why This New Blog?

Okay, I'm just going to say it: The message board forum at Carolyn Arends's website just isn't doing it for me anymore. It is very awkward to attempt to go "deeper" in discussing her work there because of three reasons.

The first is that the format of a message board is conducive to quick posts, not long meanderings. Unless you are Carolyn herself, no one wants to read your ponderous ponderings on a page meant for quick "howdya-dos?" and occasional congratulatory exclamations.

The second is that Carolyn Arends keeps tabs on her message board and reads everything and remembers what she's read. Although this blog will never be defamatory (it is a fan blog, after all), it might be a little easier to be perfectly honest in a new format -- both more honest in compliments as well as any critiques. It is very difficult to wax effusive about the merits of a Canadian in her presence, as part of that national character seems to be an almost pathological modesty. My belief is that Carolyn Arends is one of the most important songwriters of our time, and she deserves a forum for in-depth examination of her creative work and the thought behind it.

The third reason for this blog is that its originator wants to be able to invite a select group of fellow fans in for discussion. This is "Carolyn Arends 202," and it is a place for folks who want to explore her music in a more academic manner, worthy of coursework for a junior or senior scholar. I love the freshmen, too. I remember well the excitement and awe of discovering Carolyn Arends's music. Freshmen, you are welcome to comment on anything you see here. But it is juniors and seniors for whom this blog was created.

Anyway, here's a start to it all. I hope it yields fruit. Even if no one else joins in and I remain a voice crying in the wilderness, this will be a good outlet for the nagging thoughts that run through my head when I listen to any album of Mrs. A.

Enjoy!