...the sheer volume of quality songs is simply baffling - the way they evolved, defining writing, arranging, recording techniques is beyond anything before or since. Lennon and McCartney drove each other - there's a book out there - Beatle recording sessions that highlights life at Abbey are in those years, just about every week one or both John and Paul would introduce another classic... The fact that Harrison's material became a force toward the end just really eliminates any competition from consideration for me... Fwiw, I'd rank Lennon slightly ahead of Paul as a songwriter.
...the sheer volume of quality songs is simply baffling - the way they evolved, defining writing, arranging, recording techniques is beyond anything before or since. Lennon and McCartney drove each other - there's a book out there - Beatle recording sessions that highlights life at Abbey are in those years, just about every week one or both John and Paul would introduce another classic... The fact that Harrison's material became a force toward the end just really eliminates any competition from consideration for me... Fwiw, I'd rank Lennon slightly ahead of Paul as a songwriter.
I'm not a rock historian, just a fan, but you've said what I think quite well, except that I like Paul's writing better. John's whimsy and bitterness always simmer below the surface in his songs. Paul often hearkens back to classic modes and standards ("Your mother should know") in fun ways that John wouldn't countenance.
I might toss out Carol King to represent the Brill building. Paul Simon is terrific. I love the Dead and Robert Hunter. I suppose Dylan is in a class all by himself.
and if we recognize that great rock songwriting is not Â
great, then those fellas who wrote Sympathy for the Devil, Paint it Black, and Gimmie Shelter should be appreciated as more than just a quality band but great writers.
RE: RE: Beatle canon is really beyond anything else... Â
...the sheer volume of quality songs is simply baffling - the way they evolved, defining writing, arranging, recording techniques is beyond anything before or since. Lennon and McCartney drove each other - there's a book out there - Beatle recording sessions that highlights life at Abbey are in those years, just about every week one or both John and Paul would introduce another classic... The fact that Harrison's material became a force toward the end just really eliminates any competition from consideration for me... Fwiw, I'd rank Lennon slightly ahead of Paul as a songwriter.
I'm not a rock historian, just a fan, but you've said what I think quite well, except that I like Paul's writing better. John's whimsy and bitterness always simmer below the surface in his songs. Paul often hearkens back to classic modes and standards ("Your mother should know") in fun ways that John wouldn't countenance.
lennon hated McCartneys goofy stuff. Once, when asked when the moment was that he knew the Beatles were done, he quipped 'Maxwells Silver Hammer'!
It is notable that after the breakup, McCartney continued to produce hits through the 70's while Lennon kind of disappeared after a couple of albums, tragically murdered just as he was coming back.
great, then those fellas who wrote Sympathy for the Devil, Paint it Black, and Gimmie Shelter should be appreciated as more than just a quality band but great writers.
Stones 68-72 was flat out awesome.
RE: RE: if we look for incredible writing on occasion, if not consistently Â
great, then those fellas who wrote Sympathy for the Devil, Paint it Black, and Gimmie Shelter should be appreciated as more than just a quality band but great writers.
Stones 68-72 was flat out awesome.
My favorite Stones album is still Exile on Main Street. I think one could argue that Mick is really a talented "scream" singer. But unlike McCartney, who could belt out a long scream that works in a song, Mick would bark melodically. I know it isn't the right way to say it but on Exile, you can hear it clearly.
RE: RE: RE: if we look for incredible writing on occasion, if not consistently Â
great, then those fellas who wrote Sympathy for the Devil, Paint it Black, and Gimmie Shelter should be appreciated as more than just a quality band but great writers.
Stones 68-72 was flat out awesome.
My favorite Stones album is still Exile on Main Street. I think one could argue that Mick is really a talented "scream" singer. But unlike McCartney, who could belt out a long scream that works in a song, Mick would bark melodically. I know it isn't the right way to say it but on Exile, you can hear it clearly.
The Stones weren't the best at anything... Except being the Stones, and that was plenty during those years, an amazing example of the sum being greater than the parts. The vibe on Exile in particular is really something to behold.
Great names - I'll add a few to the conversation Â
and would have developed a following and written songs as prolifically as Van Morrison (as he was somewhat similar but younger) is Ronnie Lane.
Alas, he died from complications due to MS. He is also similar to Buddy Holly as he had still much to do in music if it weren't for his abilities and life being cut short by disease.
RE: Not a single mention of John Prine? For shame... Â
when I look at what everyone has posted, it is a kick-ass list. Not sure I would put any above or below those already posted, though I have a huge soft spot for Ronnie Lane.
Tom Petty deserves mention. He has a tremendous catalog and the back of his catalog doesn't get enough credit, IMO. He has some beautiful and some rocking songs that many people have not even heard.
I wouldn't say he is the best, but he has written songs that charted in every decade since the 1970's. That is pretty impressive.
Tom Petty deserves mention. He has a tremendous catalog and the back of his catalog doesn't get enough credit, IMO. He has some beautiful and some rocking songs that many people have not even heard.
I wouldn't say he is the best, but he has written songs that charted in every decade since the 1970's. That is pretty impressive.
Joni Mitchell
Stevie Wonder
and the word "best" is going to cause angst with the tightly wound anal douches on the sites.
I'm not a rock historian, just a fan, but you've said what I think quite well, except that I like Paul's writing better. John's whimsy and bitterness always simmer below the surface in his songs. Paul often hearkens back to classic modes and standards ("Your mother should know") in fun ways that John wouldn't countenance.
Quote:
...the sheer volume of quality songs is simply baffling - the way they evolved, defining writing, arranging, recording techniques is beyond anything before or since. Lennon and McCartney drove each other - there's a book out there - Beatle recording sessions that highlights life at Abbey are in those years, just about every week one or both John and Paul would introduce another classic... The fact that Harrison's material became a force toward the end just really eliminates any competition from consideration for me... Fwiw, I'd rank Lennon slightly ahead of Paul as a songwriter.
I'm not a rock historian, just a fan, but you've said what I think quite well, except that I like Paul's writing better. John's whimsy and bitterness always simmer below the surface in his songs. Paul often hearkens back to classic modes and standards ("Your mother should know") in fun ways that John wouldn't countenance.
It is notable that after the breakup, McCartney continued to produce hits through the 70's while Lennon kind of disappeared after a couple of albums, tragically murdered just as he was coming back.
Quote:
great, then those fellas who wrote Sympathy for the Devil, Paint it Black, and Gimmie Shelter should be appreciated as more than just a quality band but great writers.
Stones 68-72 was flat out awesome.
My favorite Stones album is still Exile on Main Street. I think one could argue that Mick is really a talented "scream" singer. But unlike McCartney, who could belt out a long scream that works in a song, Mick would bark melodically. I know it isn't the right way to say it but on Exile, you can hear it clearly.
Quote:
In comment 12969794 Moondawg said:
Quote:
great, then those fellas who wrote Sympathy for the Devil, Paint it Black, and Gimmie Shelter should be appreciated as more than just a quality band but great writers.
Stones 68-72 was flat out awesome.
My favorite Stones album is still Exile on Main Street. I think one could argue that Mick is really a talented "scream" singer. But unlike McCartney, who could belt out a long scream that works in a song, Mick would bark melodically. I know it isn't the right way to say it but on Exile, you can hear it clearly.
The Stones weren't the best at anything... Except being the Stones, and that was plenty during those years, an amazing example of the sum being greater than the parts. The vibe on Exile in particular is really something to behold.
Smokey Robinson
Van Morrison
If we start moving into country, that's a whole 'nother can of worms.
How dare you
The soundtrack for Emmet Otters Jugband Christmas is GENIUS
I think he has some corny cliched songs, but their early stuff was much different. And the Beatles also capitalized on some corny cliched lyrics.
I never cared for the religious themes, but still can acknowledge Bono's talent.
Speaking of unique. Randy Newman too
Good call. She's another one who writes and writes and writes.
Jeff Tweedy
Rich Robinson
Lou Reed
Alas, he died from complications due to MS. He is also similar to Buddy Holly as he had still much to do in music if it weren't for his abilities and life being cut short by disease.
My wife is making me go to Nashville for his 70th Bday.
He doesn't do it for me, but she's obsessed.
John Prine
Johnny Cash
Paul Simon
Gordon Lightfoot
Curtis Mayfield
Bjorn Ulvaeus/Benny Andersson
John Prine
Johnny Cash
Paul Simon
Gordon Lightfoot
Curtis Mayfield
Bjorn Ulvaeus/Benny Andersson
Awesome! An Abba shoutout
Shit, that was my eff up.
Yes, good call.
I wouldn't say he is the best, but he has written songs that charted in every decade since the 1970's. That is pretty impressive.
I wouldn't say he is the best, but he has written songs that charted in every decade since the 1970's. That is pretty impressive.
I mentioned him above.