"Everybody from Dylan, to Mitchell, to Cohen and beyond wrote as many drecky throw-aways as keepers."

Ah, yes--but did they torture you with them at coffehouses every Friday night? That's the kicker, right there. Can you, (not *you* personally) as a singer-songwriter, listen to your own material, and have the objectivity to decide that some is good, and some needs to be trashed? Or, can you pare down an 8-minute song (which means you'll have to cut out some of your precious writing) to a length that will keep listeners from wishing they were at the endodontist, having a root canal, instead of listening to you?

THAT'S the difference between a totally self-absorbed, self-indulgent singer-songwriter and the pros. The material needs to be good, and have some connection to other people, but you need to be able to look at it objectively. Put it away for a week, and come back and read it again. Sing it for a friend whose opinions you trust (and who's not afraid to say, "I don't think so, Bucky...").

denise:^)