The chicken or the egg

I was rather amused by the advertisement promoting Marc England's musical offering to the Maltese (and, indeed, international) public. I have not heard the CD nor do I intend to, but what struck me more than anything is that he seems to be using the uproar caused by Richard England's monstrous "LOVE" sculpture to his advantage.

My initial reaction was of admiration at his clever attempt to profit from the public sentiment against his father's work. My second, and more disturbing reaction, was the sneaking suspicion that had been hoodwinked. Which came first, the CD or the sculpture? Did the sub-standard architectural fake serve to generate a furore that would publicise a CD?

I immediately banished such thoughts from my mind. Dislike of a man's work is one thing, calling his honour into question is another. I am sure Prof. England's integrity is beyond re-proach. On the other hand, it does also mean that the advertisement was in the poorest taste possible.

The attempt to trivialise and belittle the sentiments of a nation to publicise a CD is, in my estimation, a step too far.

One last little nugget for the more perspicacious of readers out there - I am fully aware of the irony of the fact that I am probably helping publicise Marc England's work by denouncing his methods of promotion. In my defence I can only say that my emotions regarding this matter got the better of me and forced me to put pen to paper. I love St Julian's and I love Spinola Bay but I most certainly do not love "LOVE" (if you know what I mean).