> Well, no, that's not what it is. In the musical
> sandwich, the THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! is
> just the bread. No one will eat to it unless
> you put something else on it, something good.
> The purpose of the rhythm is to back up the
> melody.

I've heard it explained this way:

Melody should be the primary and most important part of any good music.

Harmony should take second place to the melody.

Rhythm is the third aspect of the musical trilogy. It is important, but it is the least vital of the three. When rhythm takes front seat, you end up with bad music. If you even deign to call it music...

Gri"musicology?"shny