Hmm, I don't buy it.

Though I have been guilty of feeling this way in the past, I eschew the 'what have they done for me lately' line with the new & improved, 'live and let produce crappy things.'

So Mel Brooks may want to recycle his old films to make a few bucks -- I say, go ahead! The Who wants to make a new album? OK by me. And if George Lucas want to make another Star Wars series, I say, do so, with my blessings! Indeed, I may even go see them! (Though probably not.)

And what of the Beatles? Is the Love project or 'Free as a Bird' really such a bad thing? Who does it harm? I happen to be a big fan of both. And if 'Real Love' isn't a great pop song, then I do not know what is.

Paul McCartney once told a story about working with Brian Wilson. Brian said (and I am paraphrasing) that he could never make another record like Pet Sounds because he is no longer that same person, in that same place and time.

So does that mean he should pack it all in? Or, Heaven forbid, die early?

I submit the answer is, no.

So sayeth me.

Can I get a witness?

ALW could have exited somewhere between Evita and Cats and my CD collection wouldn't know the difference.

I would have written off Bowie in the early '80s, but every few albums he's produced a lesser gem. I actually still listen to Earthling and Heathen every once in a while. Tough call on that one.

I have all of Bowie's catalog on my iPod and, when a "newer" song plays it is good, but then an older song plays and I remember why he's my absolute favorite artist. If the earlier stuff wasn't so frickin good, the newer stuff would look better.

As much as I miss them, I'm glad Oingo Boingo called it quits (with a set of KICKASS shows and live album/video).

My favorite band besides Boingo, Aerosmith could have called it quits from an album standpoint years ago, but they keep getting better live (even with Steven Tyler being held together with bolts now)

I second that motion.

THIRDED.

Recycle his old films? Much as I love him, he's never stopped writing vaudeville shtick for Sid Caesar.

I say nay. I love banging away at Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar on the piano (or in the shower). Most everything since I can do without, including Sarah Brightman.

Anne Rice after Interview with a Vampire - or maybe I'd have let her finish the triology, but not much further than that...

And don't forget the final studio album, which equally kicked ass.