From strictly a lyricist's standpoint, as I'm not a performer, I find myself drawn to the written word of so many writers/performers, even some whose actual music I don't always care that much for. My inexhaustive list, if you'll indulge me:

1. Harry Chapin (one of the best musical storytellers ever. Find "On The Road to Kingdom Come")
2. Paul Simon (lyrically and musically very engaging. Wish I had written "Bridge Over Troubled Water")
3. Justin Hayward (lush sonic balladry, if sometimes too sickly sweet. But "Tuesday Afternoon" will never get old)
4. Billy Joel (always consistently clever lyrics)
5. Robert Hunter (G.Dead lyricist, showed that bizarre and obscure are okay in lyrics)
6. John Barlow (G.Dead OTHER lyricist)
7. Bernie Taupin (most of my songwriting collaborations have been patterned after the way he and Elton work; Bernie scribbles the lyrics and sends them to Elton to compose the music. Very convenient for me. too.)
8. Nanci Griffith (beautiful voice, heartfelt lyrics and melodies. I LOVE "Late Night Grand Hotel")
9. Freddie Mercury (especially loved the operatic vocals and unique lyrics of songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Somebody To Love," "Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy," and "The Millionaire Waltz." I sure miss him.)
10. Gerry Beckley (gtr/vcls for America. Always beautiful, simple acoustic ballads.)

So many others, but I'm on my lunch break. Good topic, Brian!

Greg

[This message has been edited by Greg C. Brown (edited 04-20-2004).]

If you don't eat your meat, you can't have any pudding.