Duets are supposed to showcase the contrast between artists' voices, creating harmony and beauty in song. But lately lots of duets are kind of pointless as folks who sound exactly alike sing together just to make a buck from having two big names one the label.

Tom Petty and Bob Dylan, for example. Talented and gifted minstrels with uncanny lyrical abilities up on stage mumbling in unison -- do we really need this?

And, of course, the Three Musketeers -- Bryan Adams, Rod Stweart and Sting -- together for that wonderful little ditty "All For Love." Except for Sting's ability to hit those really high notes, the only difference between these three blondies are their hairstyles -- 90210-esque, spikey and receeding.

Blame it on the Bee Gees, but how can a Disney movie theme song compare to those great pairings of yesteryear -- Simon & Garfunkel, Sonny & Cher, Loggins & Messina. . .

But breaking the mold a little more than it should have been broken are Elton John and Frank Sinatra, seasoned veterans of vocal excursions, putting their reputations on the line and matching their larynxes with the likes of Ru Paul and Bono.

Like plaids and paisley, the sunglassed one and ol' blue eyes have bravely let their styles clash with the best of them in the name of art -- not to mention a hefty recording contract. Kudos, gentleman, may Peabo Bryson keep the dream alive and do soundtracks until he keels over.