I always keep a running tally of which musicians/actors/other-public-people I would emulate had I the chance. Prior to now the list looked like this:
Vocalist: James Taylor
Guitar: Eric Clapton
Since that time, my list has changed:
Vocalist: James Taylor / Ben Folds
Guitar: Eric Clapton
Vocals as a percussive instrument: Mike Doughty
Keyboard: Ben Folds
I now notice that there is no one on my list for “lyricist”. Anyone have any suggestions?
Before you bother making a suggestion, my list is only for what I consider the best of the best. So telling me that the lyrics in the Backstreet Boys’ latest single are very deep and emotional doesn’t mean a damn thing to me. I am looking for a constant display of superiority, versatility and as an added bonus, humor and wit. That means someone who sings of nothing but drugs, or love, or pretty little butterflies isn’t going to cut it. This is not to say that that particular artist isn’t any good, just that they are not good enough to make my list in the “lyricist” category. The person you suggest ought to be widely recognized by those who know music as talented. Some portions of musical taste are up to the individual, but there are indisputable truths that exist as well. Also keep in mind that just because a particular person sings certain words, that doesn’t mean they actually wrote them. Also keep in mind, the artist doesn’t have to be a member of a band I actually like. The lyrics will be taken as a completely separate entity from the music itself.
Thank you in advance for your suggestions.