Madonna [the pop tart, not the Blessed Virgin] = Pat Boone

Madonna is every bit as bad for rock and roll as Boone ever was. Rock and roll is supposed to be about creativity and pushing your limits, not only to break rules but also to discover ancient truths. As Pete Townshend of The Who once put it, it’s an art form in which you can sing about absolutely anything you want. This is the kind of freedom that has enabled the inspired performances of women like Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde, and St. Vincent. This is not to say that rock and roll can’t be simple or crude or confrontational. But if you’re going to take that route, you better do it with some style, and you better be able to play.