Interesting you left out Brian Wilson, but he’s not a lyricist.
I also take issue with Leonard Cohen. Great to me. I’m also an admirer of Tom Waits as a songwriter.
Besides the craft, the greatness of a song is the connection it makes with others ears and hearts. And how many others choose to interpret it themselves.
Of course, I’m also of the opinion most of the really great songs were written between 1920-50.
yes, it gets tricky. brian wrote some great ones. not as familiar with waits' oeuvre, but others have mentioned him. lenny's a controversial one, and those who are fans of his work are generally strident, as are his un-fans.
in re the time period of pre-rock era songwriting, i guess it's hard for those not alive at the time to really have a handle on the greatness of those songs, especially without knowledge of the history, context, and depth of various genres. you've studied the era much deeper than i, so i won't argue that point.
True musical geniuses in my mind are Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky. One could argue western music has gone steadily downhill ever since. But since you're talking about songs, how about Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, the Gershwin Brothers? Now about Joni - she's a genius in my mind. I can't begin to write a song with a new guitar tuning or come anywhere near her creativity. She invented her own way of playing and writing and taught herself to do it. There's no one else like her.
Yes, you do songwrite pretty good there, Sandy. I've had a chance to play a lot of your works in your shows with Liv.
It's always a gamble to put out a "best" list like this because there'll be somebody (like me) who'll squawk about perceived omissions. So here's a short "But what about?" list:
Joe Raposo, Michele LeGrand, Paul Williams, James Taylor (who's still turning 'em out).
For the most part I see your point. I do think those Eagle guys went a long way from country rock to some great pop songs. However, as individual artists their output was slim and mostly unimpressive. By comparison John and Paul wrote great songs as solo artists. Tom Petty had a great knack for expressing the plight of everyman, but the range of style was limited so I'll have to give you that one. Overall, an interesting, thought provoking article.
of course, my bias is toward eclectic writers. something about music appreciation, and range. it's a gift to be able to span the spectrum, stylistically. not to mention being able to assay abilities alliteratively.
I agree to a large extent. Greatness vs good.
Interesting you left out Brian Wilson, but he’s not a lyricist.
I also take issue with Leonard Cohen. Great to me. I’m also an admirer of Tom Waits as a songwriter.
Besides the craft, the greatness of a song is the connection it makes with others ears and hearts. And how many others choose to interpret it themselves.
Of course, I’m also of the opinion most of the really great songs were written between 1920-50.
yes, it gets tricky. brian wrote some great ones. not as familiar with waits' oeuvre, but others have mentioned him. lenny's a controversial one, and those who are fans of his work are generally strident, as are his un-fans.
in re the time period of pre-rock era songwriting, i guess it's hard for those not alive at the time to really have a handle on the greatness of those songs, especially without knowledge of the history, context, and depth of various genres. you've studied the era much deeper than i, so i won't argue that point.
It is tricky. Because we tend to attach genius to those who move and deeply connect with us personally.
True musical geniuses in my mind are Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky. One could argue western music has gone steadily downhill ever since. But since you're talking about songs, how about Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, the Gershwin Brothers? Now about Joni - she's a genius in my mind. I can't begin to write a song with a new guitar tuning or come anywhere near her creativity. She invented her own way of playing and writing and taught herself to do it. There's no one else like her.
Dave Rhodes
yeah, that's why i limited it to modern, pop music. songwriting geniuses, not musical geniuses...that's a whole 'nother thing.
joni is on my list. you could make a case for 100 others, i'm sure. just my take on tossing around the term a little too promiscuously.
Yes, you do songwrite pretty good there, Sandy. I've had a chance to play a lot of your works in your shows with Liv.
It's always a gamble to put out a "best" list like this because there'll be somebody (like me) who'll squawk about perceived omissions. So here's a short "But what about?" list:
Joe Raposo, Michele LeGrand, Paul Williams, James Taylor (who's still turning 'em out).
So there. Keep fighting the good fight, Sandy!
yes, it's tricky. but...paul williams???? :)
Yep, Paul Williams. Check him on Wikipedia and I think you'll be amazed at all the great and famous songs he's written.
i know much of his work. he's good. but he's so short.
He's working on that.
ha!
For the most part I see your point. I do think those Eagle guys went a long way from country rock to some great pop songs. However, as individual artists their output was slim and mostly unimpressive. By comparison John and Paul wrote great songs as solo artists. Tom Petty had a great knack for expressing the plight of everyman, but the range of style was limited so I'll have to give you that one. Overall, an interesting, thought provoking article.
of course, my bias is toward eclectic writers. something about music appreciation, and range. it's a gift to be able to span the spectrum, stylistically. not to mention being able to assay abilities alliteratively.