John Lennon, Kate Bush listed as best songwriters

[lampie1970]

Clearly, The Daily Telegraph continues to get mileage out of its "50 best" series, and today, they are doing the 50 Best British Songwriters. And, by Jove, I think they get it mostly right. Here are their top 10:

1. John Lennon
2. Kate Bush
3. Morrissey/Johnny Marr
4. Paul McCartney
5. Elton John/Bernie Taupin
6. Mick Jagger/Keith Richards
7. Noel Coward
8. Ian Curtis/New Order
9. Van Morrison
10. Joe Strummer/Mick Jones

OK, can you really argue with any of these? Lennon's a no-brainer. I find Kate Bush's No. 2 placement impressive and refreshing: the woman has one of the deepest, most varied catalogs out there, and I'm glad someone noticed, damn it.

Those looking for Bowie can find him at No. 11. Ray Davies, Elvis Costello, and Pete Townshend are Nos. 13, 14, and 15. Bee Gees, Pet Shop Boys, and Pink Floyd are Nos. 17, 18, and 19. All fab. Still, there are some appalling choices. Coldplay at No. 25, ahead of the likes of George Harrison, John Lydon, Richard Thompson, Robert Smith, Nick Drake, Amy Winehouse, Billy Bragg, and Joan Armatrading? Coldplay - let that sink in for a minute - Coldplay! Are y'all fer serious?

When you think of the great Manchester bands, you list The Smiths. New Order. The Stone Roses. Would you think of The Ting Tings? What the hell is a Ting Ting? Well, The Ting Tings currently have the No. 1 song in the UK with the hip-hop electro-punk stomp, "That's Not My Name." It's the kind of disposable pop song that will either have you clapping your hands and chanting along or ready to rip your hair out by the roots. Also: the video for Coldplay's "Violet Hill" is out, which you can watch below if you're into that sort of thing.

http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/23/anglophenia.jsp?bc_id=1079
 

[SavoyTruffle]

Those looking for Bowie can find him at No. 11. Ray Davies, Elvis Costello, and Pete Townshend are Nos. 13, 14, and 15. Bee Gees, Pet Shop Boys, and Pink Floyd are Nos. 17, 18, and 19. All fab. Still, there are some appalling choices. Coldplay at No. 25, ahead of the likes of George Harrison, John Lydon, Richard Thompson, Robert Smith, Nick Drake, Amy Winehouse, Billy Bragg, and Joan Armatrading? Coldplay - let that sink in for a minute - Coldplay! Are y'all fer serious?


 

Very, very interesting Lampie..thx for posting this. Seeing John at the top of the list was heartening, nevertheless, I have to say there were some palpable shocks here as well...Regretably, Kate Bush (who I do nonetheless find brilliant, with an almost other-worldly voice--almost as soothing as Sarah Brightman's) should never be ahead of a living legend such as Macca !!! ARE THEY INSANE? Huh?? I assure you, it's not a "sexist" thing, it's just that..Bush #2? .. Sir Paul number FOUR ??? an outrage !!! . I agree w/ your word "appalling" on some of the choices..I find it tantamount to a criminal act to place George Harrison so low on the list. And to see two of my personal heroes Ray Davies & Pete "the creator of Tommy" Townshend numbers #13 & 15 respectively, nearly gave me a stroke!!!   ...um...so much for meaningful "lists" *rolls eyes*

[lampie1970]

ST, i didnt write it! i wish i was that articulate! haha

I will try to make it more obvious when i am posting an article from somewhere else! Sorry for the confusion....

But while im here....Tiffany and i had a discussion regarding the "Are They Insane??" comment...and we both agree they are. I realize that different words affect people differently and maybe the list compiler feels more moved by kate's words...he wouldn't be the first one...haha...but, i think it is safe to say MORE people have been moved by Paul...but, just my opinion and I didnt create the list...hey maybe i should create a list of my own...haha

[SavoyTruffle]

ST, i didnt write it! i wish i was that articulate! haha

I will try to make it more obvious when i am posting an article from somewhere else! Sorry for the confusion....

no no ! I know you didnt, Lampie (or that u subscribe to the rankings of the list) I was just aghast at the ppl who DID compile it...those wankers !!!! 

it's all good lampie (I'd much rather see your list than the Daily Telegraph's anyday !!)
(hey, that's an idea guys!!!!!!!!!!! *hint* *hint* lol)

[lampie1970]

...those wankers !!!! 

my sentiments exactly..he he

[2 of 3]

Well, you could interchange any of the Top 10 and not many would be upset about it...well, not me anyway. The guy obviously has a dislike for Coldplay...which is fine....can't say I disagree either that they shouldn't be in the Top 50....but.....neither should his list....Any Winehouse? One album and she is a top song writer?...yeah ok.

[Lennon]

I don't put much into polls, people's opinions change so soon on things.  I will say  some people have a knack for being "poll winners"- it's this x factor quality that some have to always elicit votes from people and John has consistently been one of those and it's a very envious quality to have and it makes me happy that John has got it- whatever it is.