With you on vibrato. If a singer can't hold a note without all that wavering around they should just not hold notes that long! I also hate what I call vocal pyrotechnics - the Jennifer Hudson crowd - where the melody is so messed with I can't even tell what they are saying. All the TV singing competitions are based in this style - and it sucks. Whitney Houston (sad lady!) knew when to turn that on AND when to turn it off and connect with a listener.

Be sure to get the live version of Roadrunning - much more rewarding than the studio album, although that ain't bad either. Of course the album that shines above everything else she's done is Emmylou's Wrecking Ball - produced by the amazing Daniel Lanois.

Paul Simon... he's like Buddy. He's a GREAT harmony singer, but so good, he just can't be completely in the background.

Anyway, what I truly love about Buddy'r harmony part is the notes he picks and the fact that he works under the lead. Lennon did this (and Paul Simon) and the result is more than harmony, it's actual melody.

One more thing about Buddy (and Simon and Dylan): no vibrato. I fucking hate vibrato and for my next EP will have none of it!

Will seek out the Knopfler/Lou disc you reference. Have not heard it.

I prefer the contrast between Emmylou's amazing voice and that of Mark Knopfler - specially on the live CD/DVD of All The Roadrunning. He offers a gruffer contrast to Emmylou - with no hint of country twang.

Highlight of my life was seeing Bob Dylan and Paul Simon perform Sounds Of Silence together - with Dylan rumbling around beneath Simon instead of Garfunkel (yes, that is how he spells his name) floating around above. It brought Madison Square Garden to its feet!