I better jump back in. Thank you all for your thoughts - especially catspaw49, who probably makes the most sense. I guess it's like arguing over the best pizza in New Haven - Sally's or Pepe's (I prefer Sally's but that's a discussion for another thread on another site. Oh BTW, New Haven is the pizza capital of the world).

I have never learned a song that I didn't make my own. I'd like to say this is by design, but, most often it is because I lack both the skill and the talent to do it the way it's "supposed" to go. When I think about it, though, I can't remember doing the a song the same way twice. This can be chalked up to lack of discipline. (It always amazes me when performances sound "just like the record." It seem such a poor choice on the part of the performer.

Anyway, I will add RUS to my collection of sources, along with various books, hymnals, DT, records, CDs, tapes, videos and other actually living breathing people. It's all stealing, after all, and anyone who does any songs not personally written is guilty.Br>
In a word, judicious use of anything is advisable.

dw