Gram Parsons. I don't know what the hell form of rock, folk, country, or whatever....but the guy had something real special. I'd also go with Hawk in saying that a lot of Dylan's stuff certainly fits the category and then add in damn near everything that The Band ever did....tremendous group even with that lowlife Robertson. CSNY has to be up there too.

But I really have to agree with Allan in a big way. S&G were wonderful, but the lyrics of Paul Simon are simply spectacular. As a "wordsmith"....not a poet, songwriter or whatever, but simply as a wordsmith, I don't think he has an equal. Interestingly enough though, he writes the words to rhythms and patterns, and as much to lines that just pass through his head as any particular imagery or symbolism. They all have a certain flow, a specific feel. And how many people can get by using "crapped out" in a slow ballad? Sometimes they force your mouth to work and that's part of the fun......"He was a mean individual stranded in a limousine." And for all of that lack of emphasis on imagery which he professes, it's hard not to think that you could possibly get any clearer picture from "The Mississippi Delta is shining like a National guitar."

Spaw