...continued from previous post
The underlying thesis of the article, though, is that Smith hates Lennon’s politics. I suppose he has a right to. But what can’t be denied is that as a political songwriter and sloganeer McCartney, even when he has tried, can’t hold a candle to Lennon. McCartney’s response to 9/11, "Freedom," for example, was a pathetic and embarrassing composition.
By contrast, Lennon’s great strength was as a sloganeer and an organizer. "All You Need is Love," "Revolution," "Come Together," "Give Peace a Chance," "Imagine," "Gimme Some Truth," and "Instant Karma" are unmatched in their love, compassion, and righteous anger. A song like "Freedom" was out of McCartney’s league, and despite his good intentions, only added fuel to the fire of his most vocal critics.
In the end, though, let’s put this inane rap battle to rest. The Lennon/McCartney partnership was something that has made us all better, more fulfilled people. Choose your favorite if you will, but let’s stop tearing down the one to laud the other. There’s plenty of other crap out there to rail against. Indeed as Paul said, perhaps we should just “Let It Be.”
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/09/17/224736.php
does anybody here subscribe to the digital edition of the National Review? if so, please post the august 27 article, "the Bard of Optimism," which spurred this commentary. thanks.