Absolute essential #1 is just that. Paying extra attention to the songs (and records) that have been partially responsible for each of us delving into this uncertain endeavor of songwritng can be a real eye-opener.

In a lot of cases, we find that the tunes and writers that have grabbed us the hardest are doing the things we try the hardest to avoid - writing simply, for instance.

I think Supertramp's songs for the most part are pretty simple songs. They seldom got into lengthy lyrical stuff, just kept the hooks comin'. Their records were very dynamic though, and exhibited a boatload of vigor and enthusiasm, along with some very inventive musicianship and coloration. I love that Wurlitzer sound. Give a Little Bit keeps comin' back - a positive, joyous song with a exuberance that is irresistable.

Dire Straits. I'm in awe of Knopfler. Romeo and Juliet would probably be one of my desert island songs. It's as substantial a take off on the old Shakespeare theme as West Side Story is. And talk about dynamics. Wow! Check out the imagery in that lyric.

How a guy with thinning hair and about a four note vocal range could have sustained a career at the top of the heap is amazing. It's a tribute to his soulful pickin' and singin' and especially those great, great songs. Money for nothin' - yeah, right. Nobody knows how hard we work for a bit of attention, let alone one o' those royalty checks. But, at least we're not layin' bricks (no offense to any of you bricklayers out there).

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