I think that the people who can actually write great songs through their life experiences and emotions just can not get into the record industry anymore. The record industry looks for easily marketable, ready made songs from well known writers, meaning everything ends up sounding the same (to an extent). I have heard some of the best tunes and lyrics from small completely unknown bands playing in local, small venues however it is such a big step to get your song out there and seen above all the pre-structured, impersonal rubbish that is out there. Try listening to local bands, I have no idea what they will be like in your area but the songs are usually original. the problem then occurs is that the instrumental skill and ability of sound technicians dont tend to be so good so the actual music quality doesnt usually match to the song writing ability. These kind of singer/songwriters seem to always want to be the ones on stage, I think more people should be encouraged to write their music and not worry so much about the patent protection etc, only alowing themselves to play their own songs. When the songwriting talent matches the performing talent is when songs go massive. most people I have seen perform cant do both well. Its one or the other and sadly most people will strive to be the one on stage even if it is not necessarily their forté. I will always listen to certain albums, to me I find it hard to think of anyone being able to write albums better than bob marley -Legend, Van Morrison – Moondance and Bonnie Raitt -Road tested. but maybe im wrong and just not listening out hard enough.