Is there room for a prog-lyricist category on the forum, or rock band with exceptionally good lyrics? I only ask this as there have been numerous posts both in the past and lately with regard to Bob Dylan, Dire Straits, Cream, XTC (I know, I said I'd give that up
), and many of other bands that musically almost seem to fit the mold but somehow fall a bit short. These bands generally have good musical chops and superior lyrics that elevate them above the usual commercial crap.
I'm thinking that much of the popularity of the above and other near misses is that the music is close but just no cigar, but that the lyrics are so far a step up above the normal pop crap that we are inclined to think of them as progressive.
Natch, lyricists are included here by virtue of the bands they wrote for (Pete Sinfield and Keith Reid come to mind). But just maybe there's a place for Dylan, Knopfler, Pete Brown, and Mr. Partridge. The music may not be where it needs to be in all cases, but you can't deny the lyrics for any of these.
Just sayin', and always welcome thoughts here, including the ones that say "just what we need, a new category!"