Just been watching a programme about Chuck Berry. He was singing Memphis Tennessee. A great song with fine lyrics. He wrote it in 1958 and it stands the test of time well. Same year my jukebox was made.

I know it's sad, but I listen to the 'box while I iron my shirts. My pressing of Memphis is coupled with No Particular Place To Go, written by Berry a year earlier in '57. It makes me smile.

There were some really fine songs written 60 or so years ago and I can't help thinking that very few of today's lyrics are as well crafted. As some of you know I'm a fan of Dylan who writes compelling material, but pop songs are different. Things like Save The Last Dance For Me, Halfway To Paradise, It Might As Well Rain Until September and It Doesn't Matter Anymore just scratch the surface of brilliant lyrics in what are effectively, short pop songs.

Adele writes well and we're eagerly waiting the release of her new album 30. Ed Sheeran is clever, but his words don't (to me anyway) convey the heartfelt emotion of words written all those years ago.

I expect there are opposing views to mine and it will be good to hear them. Hopefully though, some of you will agree with me.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.

great song in the charts at the moment Clash with STormy and Dave blabbering on about Jermey CorbynI think it will stand the test of time and in 40 odd years will be up there with the best songs of all time.

There will always be great songs. We just remember the highlight reel of the past, and to an extent as we age become cynical about the present. It has less to do with the current output, and more about us. That said, the music industry definitely churns out what sells and is formulaic and so countless quality songs fly under the radar. It becomes a bit of a treasure hunt.

Edited by BlueJay (11 Oct 2021 12.35am)

Have to disagree with you on this Cantrbury. I reckon they'll still be playing Chuck Berry well after Stormzy is long forgotten. Dreadful lyrics and no melody. Rap has it's place, but not in popular culture. Certainly won't stand the test of time. Just because he comes from Croydon doesn't mean we have to like him.

I do understand what BlueJay says about having rose tinted memories of a particular era. I try to keep abreast of today's music and there are some good songwriters around. It's just that in terms of the words and musical content I struggle to hear much that comes close to some of the stuff that was knocked out many years ago.

Let's face it, Glad All Over was written in 1964 (not that I think it was a fine song) I actually prefer Carl Perkins' version which he wrote in '57.

BTW, I agree about John Prine. He wrote some wonderful songs. Bob Dylan was a huge admirer. Says it all really.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.

Glen Campbell was a brilliant guitarist.

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I love to watch The Graduate every now and again just to hear their soundtrack. Mind you, S and G's Scarborough Fair is based on a song that originated in the 17th Century (they don't write songs like that anymore!). And you're right Dolphin, AG had a haunting quality to his voice.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.