I am humbled. Thank you, Lynn and Mike, for turning me on to two phenomenal songs that somehow slipped past my consciousness.

First, the verses of "Almost Like a Song" are almost like a hymn. Simple, both melodically and lyrically. Then the bridge begins to pick up the phrasing pace perfectly. The final verse is inverted into a higher, more intense counterpoint that hammers home the irony that this is a song about an experience that is itself like the song that the singer could never bring himself to write. The song is a performance piece that the right American Idol contestant would be wise to bring back to feature that dynamic range they all need to show. (I mean that in a good way, BTW).

"Song For a Winter's Night" (which evidently has been covered by dozens of artist) is a genuine masterpiece. So incredibly beautiful in the counterpoint of melody and chords, with lyrical imagery that succeeds in capturing a very specific scene and emotional state with absolute precision. Wow! I'm blown away.

And, both songs are very sad and poignant. As songs are emotional, all emotions are fair game for great writing, and there is an audience for all of it - as long as the message is delivered with sincerity (good craft helps too - certainly in the case of these two gems).

Rand Bishop
songwriter/producer/author Makin' Stuff Up, secrets of song-craft and survival in the music-biz
www.makinstuffup.net

Rand Bishop
Songwriter/producer/author