10 July 2013: it's... 1973

[Lightnin' Rod]

BOS, Carly.  An overproduced wonder.

[RGMike]

BOS, Carly.  An overproduced wonder.

Robert Christgau "the dean of American rock critics" (as he loves to call himself) had a theory that "any fool can make one great pop 45" -- and he often cited "You're So Vain" as Exhibit A.  I don't think Carly is a fool but you can see his point.

[RGMike]

071013 -- 1973

1. Elton John - Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
2. Stevie Wonder - Living For The City
3. David Bowie - Panic In Detroit
4. Carly Simon - You're So Vain
(TV: The Electric Co. Hey, YOU GUUUYYYYYYYYS)
5. Bruce Springsteen - Growin Up
6. Jackson Browne - Redneck Friend
7. The Who - Love Reign O'er Me
(Radio: The National Lampoon Radio Hour)
8. Golden Earring - Radar Love
9. The O'Jays - Love Train
10. Led Zeppelin - House Of The Holy

[dischead]

BOS, Carly.  An overproduced wonder.

Robert Christgau "the dean of American rock critics" (as he loves to call himself) had a theory that "any fool can make one great pop 45" -- and he often cited "You're So Vain" as Exhibit A.  I don't think Carly is a fool but you can see his point.

There may be some truth to that, and more recent examples would include Kesha, Rebecca Black,
and Psy.  But I don't think it's who, but when, that matters.  Perhaps "any fool" can make
a great pop 45, but they can't necessarily do it at will.  If that were so, then anybody and
everybody would be turning out hit singles whenever they wanted, and raking in the cash.
There's simply no telling when lightning will strike and the public's fancy gets caught in a big way.

[dischead]

BOS, Carly.  An overproduced wonder.

Overproduced?  Compare with "That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be."