Hi Rand and fellow JPF'rs:

This really is a nice thread. Since I'm older than most of you by a factor of two or three, my influences (as far as music is concerned) are primarily from Hoagy Carmichael. If I could only take one song with me to a deserted island... "Stardust" would fill the bill. Obviously, there were at least a hundred more "old standards" that some would say are equal or better... it's all a matter of personal taste. My point is that I grew up in an era where sensationalism was not the purpose of the press and though we liked to talk the John Wayne talk, most of us were really softies at heart. (Rather be lovers than fighters... lol!)

Rand, I certainly appreciated your commentary about the Carpenters and their wonderful music... via Bacharach and his co-writers. "Close to You" really defines the musical "Renaissance"
that blossomed during that period of American Music History.

Thanks for bringing us this thread. Some very insightful comments have been posted.

Dave

http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/DaveRice