Pitchfork

Miffed that that overrated hack Brian Wilson totally dissed your masterpiece last year? Hopeful that Tom Waits spent the past year getting a freaking clue about what it means to write good songs? Well, my friend, why not give the International Songwriting Competition another go?

Like last year's contest, this one invites aspiring songwriters to submit their best fare before a veritable Supreme Court of music legends, including Tom Waits, Ray Davies, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ornette Coleman, Loretta Lynn, Peter Hook, Robert Smith, Frank Black, and Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, as well as contemporary hitmakers like Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Nelly Furtado, Macy Gray, and Sean Paul. Also: Hinder.

What's more, "Weird Al" Yankovic, David Cross, and Cheech Marin (of Cheech and Chong fame) will judge the newly inaugurated Comedy/Novelty category, while a number of industry heavyweights will have their say as well. View the complete list of judges here.

The ISC aims to "provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena" and "nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels, and promote excellence in the art of songwriting." To those ends, the 2007 competition will award a $25,000 cash prize to the overall winner, plus some $20,000 in prizes. First, second, third, and "Peoples' Voice" victors also rake in some cash.

Entries may be submitted via mail or online-- check out the official entry form here. And make haste! All submissions must be postmarked by October 15, 2007 to be considered.