This morning, British singer-songwriter Patrick Wolf posted a short-but-not-so-sweet bulletin on MySpace: “Mika is a twat.” For one of the most self-consciously posturing entertainers since, I don’t know, Jena Malone at age 13, to criticize another artist for what he deems, according to a subsequent verse-style bulletin titled “translation,” “over marketed, expensive heartless tacky rubbish, autotone, airbrush,” is just plain calling the kettle fuchsia. If Mika is Britney Spears, then Wolf is Avril Lavigne. Same shit, different costume.
When he demands “justice for good music and firebrands who refuse to compromise to be popular,” I can’t help but think about how Wolf fancies himself much more popular than he actually is. “Should I market myself to look OUTRAGEOUS and kooky or would it be easier if I sold records by playing safe and serene and for the family?” Are you not marketing yourself to look outrageous and kooky already, Patrick?
Just days after I complained about Wolf’s capricious, self-involved MySpace blog entries in my review of his brilliant new album The Magic Position, he went and hit his drummer over the head with a cymbal stand during a live performance and then posted a typically melodramatic, long-winded message on his official message board claiming that he was retiring from touring. Okay, Celine.
The truth is, Wolf loves that I’m writing about him right now. He’s the Kathy Griffin of indie-pop…only his haircut is worse. Patrick, lose the delusions of grandeur and let your inspired, captivating music speak for you.
Since 2001, we've brought you uncompromising, candid takes on the world of film, music, television, video games, theater, and more. Independently owned and operated publications like Slant have been hit hard in recent years, but we’re committed to keeping our content free and accessible—meaning no paywalls or fees.
If you like what we do, please consider subscribing to our Patreon or making a donation.
