I love Billy Preston, but it did seem his influence became a little too prominent around the BAB era. I didn't like Melody very much when it came out, thinking a duet with Preston was kind of over the top. It was pointed out by someone here that he might have filled the musical gap left by Taylor's departure. I remember an interview with Keith circa '77 where he basically said he put his foot down regarding Billy's influence, feeling that it had gone too far, and put an end to it. You can almost feel the lightness of the band (in a positive sense) on Some Girls (though Billy DID contribute the bass part to Miss You). Anyone else recall these statements by Keith?