Throw Me a Bone here

[ephlat66]

Hi all-I've read these forums enough to know that whining creates backlash, and that what I should be about is pitching songs rather than pitching a fit. However, to quote Def Leppard, "I got somethin' ta say!"Over the last week or two, I've asked for feedback on a number of tracks, and in a few cases asked if tracks were a match for specific listings. I wonder if you'd allow me to indulge in a couple of observations and questions in this regard.By way of introduction: I have been writing and recording for the last two or three years, and I am not entering this game early in life. I began this endevour knowing nothing about the music business, but with a strong desire and enough chutzpa to make the attempt in spite of the people who've told me my whole life that I'm crazy for even considering it. It is my fondest dream to become a master of this stuff, and I am well aware that though I have progressed a great deal to this point, there is a learning curve yet. And praise God that's true! If I reach a point where there's nothing more to learn, then it's time to find something else to do.So, having said all that:First observation: Of all the people who've given feedback, only two have ever had the balls to post a link and brace themselves for very tough (albeit very necessary) criticism. In looking up the posts for all the others, the only thing they've ever done is criticize. So c'mon guys! Nut up and put yourself out there!Second observation: I have discovered that even the folks on this forum who are veterans ask for feedback, and often with respect to what they are planning to submit for specific listings. I find this to be highly instructive as well as encouraging.Now, a question or two:Humminbird (whose beautiful music I LOVE!) commented that I should become familiar with the alas Rob Thomas, Kelly Clarkson). The song link is this: http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... &stream=1I thought I was quite familiar with these artists. Now, you may not personally like this song or the way it's recorded (i've been told by numerous people to record "drier" - i'm cool with that - one of the things I need to know) but my question is, how is this structurally and stylistically different from, say, Rob Thomas' "Ever The Same"? The lyrics are syncopated similarly. It's a VCVCBC structure. The beat itself (percussion track) is quite similar to my ear. Humminbird said it was Dylan-esque folk-rock. Huh? I'm not arguing with that, I just don't understand. (And I decided to be complimented by being compared to Dylan )I have only ever written one song which can remotely be called Country. It's this: http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... 7&stream=1. Again, I'm very familiar with all of today's country artists and the fact that the lines between country and rock continue to blur. One person commented that this song was too "rock" for a listing for country/rock for a singer with a "rocker's edge". I submitted it to a different listing, and the taxi screener called it "alt country" Again, huh? Not being familiar with "alt country" i listened to some, and can't find any similarity to my song. So maybe this ain't country. (although I this thread http://taxi.proboards27.com/index.cgi?b ... 1189431116 has 99 posts on the subject, with no clear agreement) But again, how is this song stylistically and structurally unlike Dierks Bently "Every Mile a Memory". If I added steel guitar, banjo or fiddle would that make it country? I don't know. I'm not suggesting that my songs are as strong as the ones I've alluded to. More compelling lyrics and melodies are a goal that we all share! But apparently there is something else I'm missing in addition to talent - just plain understanding of what makes the genre the genre. Thanks for reading this looong post. And thanks in advance for helping me on my way.(I will get this. As God is my witness I will. And turn some heads in the process. )Don GreenPS - Now, you lurkers out there... let's hear some of YOUR sh*t if you're so smart!