My Dear Poppagator,
Is there no room for levity in your undying admiration for the acclaimed Mr Cooder (Barra to his friends).I remember buying "Bop Till You Drop" when it was released and thinking "the boy done good". As you state his vision and ability to diversify into unchartered musical territory is unquestionable and I applaud most of his achievements but I am less than impressed when I hear him churn out flatline versions of "All Shook Up", "Shake,Rattle & Roll" and "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" etc.After saying this I do quite like some of his sojourns in Sweet Soul Music i.e. "Dark End Of The Street" "6345789" etc. So there you have it Poppagator -lighten up Brother he ain't no Ray Charles or Sam Cooke.

Best Wishes.

Sidewinder.