> Excellent example! I was thinking "early Rod Stewart", but he actually
wrote
> a few of the numbers on his classic-period albums. Three Dog Night is a
much
> better case study of a top-notch act that didn't write their own stuff yet
> were not someone else's puppets.

In 3DN's era, the move from cover ban to self-contained unit was just
beginning. Beatles, Stones, Kinks, all had to find their voice but crawled
from the wreckage as cover bands first. Different era and expectations
now...and it is two different animals...the band/artist that can write AND
perform well against the constructed machinery. Ironically I think in the
lab-created pop mania of today, the singer/front-person might be the most
disposable part.

I don't mind the fact that these lab creations exist - hell, I liked The
Monkees - but if you don't play an instrument and spend your time on stage
dancing in a flying wedge formation with a headset mike, you're not a BAND.
You're a GROUP. The word BAND implies musical ability (good or bad). Nothing
wrong with being a group - Motown anyone?

There, I feel better.

b