Who is the Great American Songwriter?

[creekster]

Originally Posted by SteelBlue

If Born in the USA and Glory Days are any better than Jack and Diane and Little Pink Houses, I'd like for somebody to tell me why.

I think Mellencamp scored well with those two songs. They are light, but they are the American Heartland to the core. WHat of his most recent work are you referring to that you think is superior?

I am not a huge fan of Born in the USA; the synth riff is overplayed and I can barely bear it now. Plus, most poeple completely miss the point of the song (Are you listening, Reaganites?). Even so they are pretty good pop tunes. I donn't think they match the personal intensity of his ealrier and some of his later work, but they are good stuff.

[SteelBlue]

OK, I actually went and looked at concert revenue stats and my claim that JM was actually one of the higher grossing tours in the world is flat out wrong. My bad.

[SteelBlue]

Originally Posted by creekster

I think Mellencamp scored well with those two songs. They are light, but they are the American Heartland to the core. WHat of his most recent work are you referring to that you think is superior?

Anything he put out past 1990 is better than what he did in the 80's imo, but again, I don't really like his stuff. What I have a difficult time with is seeing much of a difference between the two artists. If anything I'll give Springsteen credit for doing the salt of the earth, stick it to the man, this MY America, the real America routine first. He may have even done it somewhat better, but not much.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by SteelBlue

Anything he put out past 1990 is better than what he did in the 80's imo, but again, I don't really like his stuff. What I have a difficult time with is seeing much of a difference between the two artists. If anything I'll give Springsteen credit for doing the salt of the earth, stick it to the man, this MY America, the real America routine first. He may have even done it somewhat better, but not much.

Well, I guess that's why it's a horse race.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

The person who best embodies the unique American experience through his original music? The person whose ballads define an era?

3 people come to mind off the top of my head.

Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan.

Mark Mothersbaugh.

"Are we not men? We are Devo."

[MikeWaters]

"The River" and "Atlantic City" and "Born to Run" superior to anything by Mellencamp.

[RockyBalboa]

Johnny Cash

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by RockyBalboa

Johnny Cash

Yes, he has as strong a claim as anyone. Someone who really made a mark both early and late in his career.

[SteelBlue]

Originally Posted by RockyBalboa

Johnny Cash

Good one.

[SeattleUte]

Originally Posted by creekster

With all due respect, did you read the first part of the thread? Composer v. songwriter was discussed. Requiem settled on Copeland as composer, but the thread is about songwriter.

With all due respect, obviously not. But I would vote for Stravinsky.