Apple Logic Pro /LogicExpress Discussion

Problem:
I have 20 years as a song writer and indie producer. I always worked 
on the edge of the mainstream - groups like Soul coughing, talking 
Head, the Cure etc. In my earlier days I was very experimental - 
david Torn, Laurie Andersen, david Sylvian.

Now I write more conscise songs. my somgs are better lyrically and 
musically, but the I lost much of the adventure is sound design in 
my production.

Here is my work flow:

acoustic guitar and a notebook in a cafe - basic song structure

create a simple drum template and bass line in logic

add scratch vocal

this is where it goes wrong.

I am relying on my laurals. guitar melodies and textures, keyboard 
parts sound too reminiscent of my highschool days
think new wave

I try dropping drum loops

it sounds forced

what are you guys doing that I might find helpful?

Joe B