...with the emphasis on songwriter. I'm going to nominate Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, Beth Orton.
Discuss. :)

Probably Morrissey although I have soft spots for a lot of friends who wrote songs for unknown and unrecognised bands

Lennon & Macca together & apart.George was ok too

Ian Curtis

Bob Dylan obviously.

I'm liking Johnny Cash and Rufus Wainwright at the mo ... both can make me laugh and bring me to tears, which has gotta be a skill!

Paul Simon, Buddy Holly, Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan

I'll nominate Richard Thompson (http://www.richardthompson-music.com/), who you can see at The Plug on 7th August (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=240230)

"Well my head was beating like a song by the Clash
It was writing cheques that my body couldn't cash
Got to my feet, I was reeling and dizzy
I went for the 'phone but the line was busy

Just when I thought that things would get better
Right through the door come a tear-stained letter"

"Red hair and black leather, my favourite colour scheme"

You can search his lyrics at the Song-o-matic (http://www.richardthompson-music.com/Song.asp).

Paul Weller

Although Paul Heaton, Kelly Jones, Lennon and McCartney need a mention too. Alex Turner shows great promise as well in the vein of Heaton.

Paul Weller

Although Paul Heaton, Kelly Jones, Lennon and McCartney need a mention too. Alex Turner shows great promise as well in the vein of Heaton.


Can definitely go for Paul Heaton

I'd say Peter Perrett of the Only Ones, both for his singing and for his wonderful talent as a writer of songs of mezmerising beauty.

High on my list also would be Jaime Harding of Marion, in very much a similar vein.

And as Edna so rightly suggests, Alex Turner is shaping up to be the greatest songwriter of his generation.

And Morrissey must receive a mention in any list of great songwriters.

StarSparkle

Bono, deffo for me

Colin Routh and Alan Barton. Sheer genious who gave us Agadoo.
Unfortunatley Alan Barton passed away in 1995:( and the world is a sadder place for it.








Well maybe not, at leat now theres no chance of a revival:hihi:

Todd Rundgren :) listen to the Healing Album :thumbsup:

John Lennon, Morrissey and Noel Gallagher

Ian Curtis (Joy Divison)

Bob Dylan

Robert Smith (The Cure)

Suzanne Vega. Peter Hammill. Nick Drake.

Thom Yorke

Matt Bellamy

Brian Molko (placebo)

Nick Drake

So...many...

Glenn Danzig
Johnny Cash
Joe Strummer
Greg Graffin (of Bad Religion) - because he writes punk lyrics that aren't dumbed down.
Jimmy Pop Ali - good for a laugh
Kut Cobain
Ray Lamontagne
(Smog)
Ryan Adams
Zoli Teglas (from Ignite) - (cracking voice and intelligent, politically charged lyrics in a criminally underrated band)

Bill Withers, Sam Cook, Smokey Robinson, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Gerry Goffin/Carole King, beatles, glimmer twins, Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor, Billy Bragg, Dylan, Elvis Costello,

Bob Dylan and Tom Waits.

Bruce Sprinsteen by a country mile!

mentions to Sting, Bob Dylan, Jarvis Cocker...Alex Turner looks promising...

I've been interested in George Harrison's songwriting since I got into the Beatles in 1982. Yes, we all know Lennon-McCartney were the Real Deal, but I liked the way George quietly went about his own songwriting until finally he came up with songs on a par with what John & Paul (usually separately) were writing.

George usually got two cuts per album and only around 1965 and Rubber Soul did he contribute something that made the listener sit up. If I Needed Someone would be a good pointer into what would be known as a real Harrisong. Suddenly, he was afforded an unprecedented three tracks on Revolver, giving us Taxman (with Lennon contributing), I Want To Tell You and the first Indian raga, Love You To. George was expanding as a songwriter and by Abbey Road, was writing what Frank Sinatra would go on and class as 'the best love song Lennon & McCartney ever wrote: Something', which of course was not the work of Paul or John, but George!

By All Things Must Pass, it is hard to think that songs like the title-track, Wah, Wah and the beautiful Isn't It A Pity (my all time fave Harrisong) were dismissed as not good enough for a Beatles album. Paul meanwhile was getting away with Her Majesty and Maxwell's Silver Hammer. I think secretly, Paul was jealous. By now, John didn't care...,

George's solo catalogue contains some real gems (and admittedly, some stinkers). Written usually on the guitar, his chord choices give each song a flavouring that the works of Paul and John never quite achieved. Guitarists appreciate the way George wrote, rich in diminished chords and some great open chords. Lyrically he was very deep and early in his solo career his lyrics were religious - but they always had a humour. He never took himself seriously and when he was on stage with the likes of Clapton he was humble enough to tell reporters 'now here's a REAL guitarist.'

George's solo output has his own stamp on it, a quality hallmark. The Quiet One was a very good songwriter and an under-rated guitarist. Understated, writing songs that informed of his state of mind and his search for God, I just love the guy.

"Isn't it a pity, isn't it a shame - how we break each other's hearts and cause each other pain?
"How we take each other's love without thinking any more; forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity?"

Bob Dylan for me too.

Art Garfunkel

Art Garfunkel

Is that a joke?

john, paul and george.
bob, dylan and marley.
willy mason, seen him at leadmill and it was such an itimate gig!
lauryn hill, that woman has soul!

Stevie Wonder

Being fairly young I seem to have missed out on all the great singer/songwriters. Ryan Adams, Jack Johnson, Damien Rice & Jeff Buckley for me.

Being fairly young I seem to have missed out on all the great singer/songwriters. Ryan Adams, Jack Johnson, Damien Rice & Jeff Buckley for me.

ditto all of those but would also add Tom McRae

Jack White, nearly forgot him!

I've been interested in George Harrison's songwriting since I got into the Beatles in 1982. Yes, we all know Lennon-McCartney were the Real Deal, but I liked the way George quietly went about his own songwriting until finally he came up with songs on a par with what John & Paul (usually separately) were writing.

George usually got two cuts per album and only around 1965 and Rubber Soul did he contribute something that made the listener sit up. If I Needed Someone would be a good pointer into what would be known as a real Harrisong. Suddenly, he was afforded an unprecedented three tracks on Revolver, giving us Taxman (with Lennon contributing), I Want To Tell You and the first Indian raga, Love You To. George was expanding as a songwriter and by Abbey Road, was writing what Frank Sinatra would go on and class as 'the best love song Lennon & McCartney ever wrote: Something', which of course was not the work of Paul or John, but George!

By All Things Must Pass, it is hard to think that songs like the title-track, Wah, Wah and the beautiful Isn't It A Pity (my all time fave Harrisong) were dismissed as not good enough for a Beatles album. Paul meanwhile was getting away with Her Majesty and Maxwell's Silver Hammer. I think secretly, Paul was jealous. By now, John didn't care...,

George's solo catalogue contains some real gems (and admittedly, some stinkers). Written usually on the guitar, his chord choices give each song a flavouring that the works of Paul and John never quite achieved. Guitarists appreciate the way George wrote, rich in diminished chords and some great open chords. Lyrically he was very deep and early in his solo career his lyrics were religious - but they always had a humour. He never took himself seriously and when he was on stage with the likes of Clapton he was humble enough to tell reporters 'now here's a REAL guitarist.'

George's solo output has his own stamp on it, a quality hallmark. The Quiet One was a very good songwriter and an under-rated guitarist. Understated, writing songs that informed of his state of mind and his search for God, I just love the guy.

"Isn't it a pity, isn't it a shame - how we break each other's hearts and cause each other pain?
"How we take each other's love without thinking any more; forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity?"


Nice post,have you seen the George Harrison at the Royal Albert Hall anniversary of his death dvd ? Marvelous watching.

Perry Farrell (Janes Addiction/Porno For Pyros)
Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree)
Morrissey
Lou Reed
John Frusciante
Jeff Buckley
Elliott Smith
Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals)
Rivers Cuomo (Weezer)
Inger Lorre (The Nymphs)
PJ Harvey
Jennifer Charles (Elysian Fields)

Otis Reading for me love him

Kristin Hersh
Prince
Lisa Germano

In no definitive order can I add

Billy Bragg
Smokey Robinson
Sam Cooke
Elvis Costello
Bob Marley
Prince
David Bowie
Mick Jones and Joe Strummer (Separately and together)
Evan Dando
Dave Gedge
Miles Hunt
Shane McGowan
Ted Hawkins
Badly Drawn Boy
Elliot Smith
PJ Harvey
Aretha Franklin
Neil Young
Johnny Cash


Some of the others mentioned have predominantly written with others so I’m not sure if they should count! But I’ll still give a thumb’s up to Heaton, Waits & Dylan (though he’s written a lot of bad stuff in the last 20 years!)

And if we’re ignoring the above rule I’ll have Paul Smith from Maximo Park too!

[QUOTE=Sheffnewb;2500240]In no definitive order can I add


Some of the others mentioned have predominantly written with others so I’m not sure if they should count! But I’ll still give a thumb’s up to Heaton, Waits & Dylan (though he’s written a lot of bad stuff in the last 20 years!)
QUOTE]


ooh you pedant you! :DOk Heaton AND Rotheray. You reminded me as well, Watt/Thorn have also written some beautiful songs.
And nowt to do with you but Tim Wheeler as well.

Alex Turner for his songs about the here and now
Cole Porter for great melodies and lyrics
Bob Dylan for making me think

Bono and George Michael;)

right:


neil young

ian curtis

bob dylan

bob marley

lennon and mcartney

loads more to mention but i'm at work so gotta wrap it up.

The arctics lad is ok but 'greatest songwriter of his generation'? Not a chance!! There are better songwriters in sheffield, let alone the whole country:)

ooh forgot about neil young, harvest is just a beautifull album...

and alex turner is not as good as people on this thread have made out!

ooh forgot about neil young, harvest is just a beautifull album...

and alex turner is not as good as people on this thread have made out!
:o go wash your mouth out young man! He's won enough awards to warrant good writing for me and he's got the respect of Weller/Gallagher/Hawley.

i just think the arctic monkeys are good but over rated. maybe its a sheffield thing where everybody practically mastibates over them because there hasnt been a decent sheffield band for a while!!!

He's won enough awards to warrant good writing

Smash Hits Poll Winners Party? NME Wella Shockwaves awards?

Smash Hits Poll Winners Party? NME Wella Shockwaves awards?

Mercury music prize 2006 and will probably get this years..

The Brit awards... ok I'll shut up now

Mercury music prize 2006 and will probably get this years..


as you can see there is a lot of well known artists in there!
dizzee rascal especially is a wordsmith of sheaksperian proportions...

list of past winners.
Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Basquiat Strings with Seb Rochford - Basquiat Strings
Bat For Lashes - Fur and Gold
Dizzee Rascal - Maths and English
Klaxons - Myths Of The Near Future
Maps - We Can Create
New Young Pony Club - Fantastic Playroom
Fionn Regan - The End of History

Mercury music prize 2006 and will probably get this years..



Didn't that wailing mess Anthony's johnson also win one of those. Coverted indeed.

Smash Hits Poll Winners Party? NME Wella Shockwaves awards?

any rock awards sponsored by a hair gel have no credibility and smash hits is for 12 year old girls :roll:

any rock awards sponsored by a hair gel have no credibility and smash hits is for 12 year old girls :roll:

As far as NME goes, PANTS.

The Smash Hits was a joke I'm afraid to say, although they probably did win it.

I like those that JLG1983 mentioned too, and also Dar Williams and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Cat Stevens for me. The missus would go for Elvis.

Michael Jackson.

Mark Knopfler.

Can't really say my alltime fave as I have a few but this woman comes close: Jill Scott: She is amazing!

'Who is Jill Scott' is one of the best albums of all time! :hihi:

1. Elvis Costello. No competition. For the beautiful simplicity of 'Alison', the pain of 'Riot Act' and the gorgeous love/lust of 'I'll Wear it Proudly' (amongst many others), I'll even forgive him working with Burt Bacharach and covering 'She'.

2. Ani DiFranco. A prolific and fantastic writer, musician and poet.

3. Tori Amos. Has lost the plot in recent years, but 'Little Earthquakes' is certainly in my list of top five albums. 'Tear in Your Hand' is sublime.

Tut. Forgot to mention Billy Bragg. I prefer his more personal stuff to some of his political diatribes though ('Brickbat', for example, in the former category).

Is that a joke?

Actually Art's done some classics over the years, Bright Eyes was my favourite song ever when I was 6, and is still rated highly on my top 20 greatest records to this day.

Luther Vandross
Stevie Wonder
Marvin Gaye
Ashford & Simpson

as you can see there is a lot of well known artists in there!
dizzee rascal especially is a wordsmith of sheaksperian proportions...

list of past winners.
Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Basquiat Strings with Seb Rochford - Basquiat Strings
Bat For Lashes - Fur and Gold
Dizzee Rascal - Maths and English
Klaxons - Myths Of The Near Future
Maps - We Can Create
New Young Pony Club - Fantastic Playroom
Fionn Regan - The End of History

You quoting this year's? Apart from Klaxons, it's a close call ain't it :roll:

Luther Vandross
Stevie Wonder
Marvin Gaye
Ashford & Simpson

Tsk and i thought you would put Limahl! :o







(did you see him on TV Heaven Telly hell on Monday? :hihi::D)

Tsk and i thought you would put Limahl! :o
(did you see him on TV Heaven Telly hell on Monday? :hihi::D)

No space for Limahl against those giants I chose, no didnt see him on TV.

Laura Nyro
Marvin Gaye
Smokey Robinson
Kate Bush
Joni Mitchell

as you can see there is a lot of well known artists in there!
dizzee rascal especially is a wordsmith of sheaksperian proportions...

list of past winners.
Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Basquiat Strings with Seb Rochford - Basquiat Strings
Bat For Lashes - Fur and Gold
Dizzee Rascal - Maths and English
Klaxons - Myths Of The Near Future
Maps - We Can Create
New Young Pony Club - Fantastic Playroom
Fionn Regan - The End of History
Err you've listed some of this years nominees none of those albums have won the prize (having come out in the last 12 months how could they?).

Prince - fantastic songs like Sign O The Times, Nothing Compares 2 U, Purple Rain

Todd Rundgren :) listen to the Healing Album :thumbsup:

I'll second that!

My favourite singer-songwriters would certainly include Kris Kristofferson, Van Morrison and Jacques Brel.
Peter

George Benson or Alexander O'Neall

Pete Waterman

"Cat Stevens for me. The missus would go for Elvis."

How many songs did Elvis write?

Elvis didn't write any songs. They were mostly covers of 'Black Blues' type muisc.

The Beetles..........Bob Marley...........FLowere Up.........North Side.........Nightmares on soulwax.........I dunno! It waaaaaaay to hard to choose just one! I love all the bands i listen to :)

Bruce Springsteen for me all the way!

Also a fan of:

Eric Clapton
The Eagles
Chicago
John Foggarty
Anastacia

Bob Marley

Lennon & McCartney
Jeff Lynne
David Bowie
Morrisey
Damon Albarn
Ben Folds
Jason Lytle (Grandaddy)

Mickey Newbury
Jackson Browne
Bob Seger
Kris Kristofferson
Stevie Wonder
Don Mclean
Emmylou Harris
Lyle Lovett
Cole Porter
Chuck Berry

Bob Dylan
Joan Baez
Stevie Nicks and Lyndsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac
Tracy Chapman
Kirsty Mcoll
Susan Vega
David Gray