I share Brian's sentiment as well. Good songwriting (while still subjective)
is first and foremost
to me. I wouldn't mind listening to an artist that sounded just like the
Beatles if they had the songs
to boot. The problem with so many indie pop bands is (in my opinion)
uninspired songwriting...and music that is either forgettable or
predictiable after the opening chords. And there's nothing wrong with
wearing an influence on your sleeve...but there's a fine line between
sounding *exactly* like someone else vs. being influcenced by them.

my 2 cents,
Jeff

----- Original Message ----- 

> Subject: Re: Borack Thought
> Message-ID: <BD55971C.D4C%brioohs@sbcglobal.net>
>
> I have to side with David Bash on this one - the "D" word (derivative)
> doesn't come into play for me unless the songwriting simply isn't worthy.
> Everybody has their influences, some wear theirs plainly, others not - but
> if the song just plain sucks, I won't give a fig who they do or don't
sound
> similar to.  As Stewart said, there's only so much that can be composed
> within the wonderful 12-tone scale that we are slaves to - Harry Partch,
> indeed!  (I'm gonna build me an instrument and write music for IT!)
>
> That's not to say anything one way or the other about Eugene's music as I
> haven't heard any yet to make comment.
>
> Brioohs
>