The word "sentimental" gets thrown around a lot when discussing poetry and song lyrics. I'm not sure that it's always used correctly. For me, the best way of understanding the term (in its derisive sense) is when an artist says nothing new about a subject, or worse, something everyone already agrees with, and the listener is not provided anything fresh or useful. There's nothing to learn, nothing to think about. For example, understanding the true nature of the rock and roll experience is a complex task - an artist that can help in that regard is rare. Not to put too fine a point on it, but most songs written about rock and roll are dumb, dishonest or both.
This brings us to today's subject: Ian Hunter and Mott the Hoople. Mott the Hoople was one of those bands that did not achieve great popular success during their time, but made huge contributions to the field itself. Groups as divergent as Queen and The Clash would agree on their importance and influence. Ian Hunter, the group's singer and primary songwriter has had a career (with, and for the most part, without Mott) that has spanned six decades. He recently turned 71 (!) and continues to record and tour. (Incidentally, Mott the Hoople recently reunited for a series of London concerts in October, 2009 and got big reviews for them.) And the main reason for his longevity and influence is that his songs are honest. Two albums contain all the supporting evidence this statement needs: Mott (1973) and All-American Alien Boy (1976). Robert Frost once said something along the lines of "90% of writing is having something to say". Tomorrow, I'll try to convince you that Ian Hunter did and does.