Mudjack, do you think as I do that the S/S has become a kind of cliche? An image rather than a viable musical or lyrical act? Perhaps the label should be thrown aside.

Some of the key elements of songwriting that I look for are: 1. Fresh images 2. A cohesive story line 3. Specific descriptions rather than generalized emotions with sophmoric exhortations and philsophical platitudes 4. A sense of style 5. A focus that doesn't stray from the origianl path of the song 6. Elements of good lyric writing such as the use of intelligent rhyme schemes, contrast (from verse to chorus) singable lyrics that don't sound forced or harsh unless intended for that purpose 7. A natural wedding between the lyric and the melody 8. An interesting tune..it doesn't have to be complicated.............And the thing I don't like in a song is one that tries to insult my intelligence by teaching me how to behave, believe or to feel or call me or any other person names. I also don't like egocentric songs that exalt the emotions of the songwriter who talks about themselves and what they think and believe as if it's the most important event that ever took place.

I think there are some great songwriters out there today. Many of them can sing their own songs well. In some cases, though, others who are great performers and not songwriters can sing them better.

Frank