Originally Posted by couchgrouch
Mike, what about She's Gonna Fly moves you? which lines? What you like most about Jason's lyrics is that they fit with his music? so you recommend them on the basis of good metering? I already mentioned why the Dylan/Jason analogy was bad here "comparing Jason to Dylan seems like a bad analogy...go to allmusic.com ...artists there are listed with their influences. Dylan's name comes up all the time. never seen Jason's. Last year's article in American Songwriter had many interviews with classic writers concerning their influences. Dylan was mentioned by several writers...Jason wasn't."


Grouch, I'm moved by all of "She's Gonna Fly." It reminds me of my grandmother's passing. The music fits it perfectly. I wouldn't single out one line, just as I wouldn't single out one eye of the Mona Lisa. I find no line in it that is weak.

I'm not, by the way, qualitatively comparing the Mona Lisa to "She's Gonna Fly." Nor am I suggesting that I expect Mr. Blume's work to be as regarded by future generations. Very few works of art will ever reach that level of acclaim. I'm using the Mona Lisa as an example of a work of art which most people know, and using it as a bolster to my decision to not be antiseptic in my analysis of what's good. I chose the Mona Lisa because it is dissimilar, as a work of art, to the song "She's Gonna Fly" except in that I wouldn't focus on one part as emotionally moving to me. This is also an analogy, which the dictionary defines as: NOUN: 1a. Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.

This was how I compared Dylan and Mr. Blume. They are dissimilar. Dylan is older, and more well known. Dylan is considered a giant among songwriters and Mr. Blume, though widely respected, is not. This is proven by your observation that many classic writers mentioned Dylan as an influence in American Songwriter magazine, but not Mr. Blume. Dylan writes and wrote serious intellectual pieces, and wrote most of his work for himself as the singer. Mr. Blume writes popular music in many genres and is covered by other artists. They are dissimilar. What I pointed out as a similarity, was that some folks like Dylan, some do not. I will prove this: I like Dylan, my friend Dave does not. Similarly, some folks like Jason Blume, others do not. I will prove this: I like Jason Blume, my friend Dave does not.

So, proving they are dissimilar, and proving they are in some ways similar satisfies the definition of "analogy." As to it being qualitatively judged as a good or bad analogy, I defer to my own judgement...it's good.

Further, I went on to point out another dissimilarity. Copying Dylan's style, in my opinion, will not garner hit quality songs for young songwriters...he's too hard to copy successfully. Copying Mr. Blume's style will.

All the Best,
Mike

You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music