Dear Seed, Well, I should say that I disagree with some of it -- the use of "abstract" puzzles me, and there are other problems I have -- it would probably make a good start for a debate. But there is something about it that is right, especially the part about being a vehicle for the music, and having some responsibility for a talent that touches people. I had never read anything like that. I also like the part about having to keep rooting yourself in the feeling for the music, which could of course turn into self-indulgence, but it can sure help when you are lost and weary to go back to the thread of why you got into music in the first place. The other nice thing he has in one of his interviews is something of an offhand remark about how archaic the whole role of the musician is -- how people just naturally want to gravitate towards one when he/she wanders into town. It again speaks to that sense of the absolutely ancient, primeval need for music which some of the people in this thread have also cited as the reason for songwriting. It gives it all a weightiness and that sense of responsibility to the tradition of muscimaking which I rather like. Harvey also makes good records (all by himself, from taping to shipping!)

Yours, Peter T.