Hail to the Tweak..I also have friends that went to music school but couldnt write a decent pop song to save their life...there is something to be said for the "less is more vision"...I would rather hear something simple and well done....over a complex, pretentious failure...I also am a huge fan of the many bands you listed...great singles bands who made great albums...also add Dave Clark FIve(great production) and the Rascals.....
Guilty Pleasures: Throwaway Pop
Time to get off our "high horses" and to admit to cheap thrills in our collections...stuff that is instantly disposable...but never sounded so good...I vote the Sweet,the Babys,the Romantics,the Knack, and the Cars...hopefully I havent tarnished my impeccable music reputation(ha!)...add Cheap Trick....