Re: Where has the melody gone

[Jim Topp <jtopp@indiana.edu>]

>To put it simply, I think Townshend and Entwistle have lost their 
>ability to create and write songs.

Toby,

I'm not saying you're completely wrong with this thesis. But I do 
want to disagree with some of your evidence.

Psychoderelict (esp. the Music Only version) has plenty of great 
songs: "Early Morning Dreams," "English Boy," "Fake It," "Don't Try 
To Make Me Real," "Uneasy Street" (out-take on Coolwalking...), even 
"Flame" (which doesn't really count in this context, since PT didn't 
right it). Sure, songs like "Let's Get Pretentious" and "Predictable" 
don't necessarily have great melodies, but I'm not sure that 
completely invalidates their quality. If you're listening only to the 
original, "radio play" version of PD, then it's easier to dismiss 
these songs (so get the Music Only version!).

Regarding Van-Pires, I'll say what I've said before: It's better than 
The Rock. As far as further defense of Van-Pires, I'll leave that to 
keets.

I do agree with your disappointment with Iron Man and The Rock. I 
also agree that the amount of time since the better work of PT and JE 
is not encouraging. Your theory about RD emerging as song-writing 
force or catalyst is interesting.

Jim, proud Bush voter