What an odd mix of disdain, praise, admiration, envy, literary criticism, etc., etc., ad nauseum.

I was just trying to put myself in the shoes of someone, such as a Gordon Lightfoot, who had a stellar early career and quite a measure of fame. At some point, in order to keep pace with changing tastes and commercial pressure (not unlike in writing)there is the need or, at least, the temptation to experiment with new song styles, techniques, different instruments, overlays of orchestration - real or electronic - and different backup performers. As in the old Ricky Nelson song, "Garden Party," in the end, "You can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself."

I have always admired Lightfoot's songs, among many others, but I have my favorites. The ones I tend to like are those which are evocative of mood or place, both in lyric and instrumental accompaniment, something at which he excelled. The late, great Red Shea contributed powerfully to his earlier work, most of it acoustic. With a few exceptions, those are the songs I prefer.

I saw Gordon last year in San Diego. He has been much affected by the prior years of excess and the illness which nearly took him. He looks a bit gaunt. But, he is still a trouper. His voice has lost some range and smoothness and he would be the first to tell you he likely is done recording. But he put on a good show and most of his key backups are still with him, notably guitarist Terry Clements.

By the way, I don't much care whether others share my admiration for Gordon or any other particular musician, but I tire of comments from some that sound like sour grapes or are simply arrogantly dismissive of someone else's music or success. Think Karma.