[misterj]

We post a lot, about who we think are the greatest, guitarists, drummers, vocalists, bass players,etc, but when push comes to shove, does it realy matter how good they are, if they haven't got the ability, to come up with even half decent material. Take Joe Satriani for example. He's arguably the finest exponent of guitar playing, of all time, but what good songs has he come up with, over the years? Just the one, and we all know what that is. But does this matter. would you be content to listen to his technical ability and speed whatever he played? On the other hand, you have inept artists who come up with [IMO] great songs. For example, Louie Louie, by the Kingsman, the band are described like this, by the music teacher, in the film "Mister Hollands Opus""They can't sing, have no sence of harmonics, and repeat the same three chords over and over again...........but Ilove it." I can listen to weaker songs by my favorite artists, because I like their overall sound, but with other artists its got to be a good song, or I'm not going to bother with them, no matter how fantasticly they play their instruments. Whats your opinion?

[Forgone Conclusion]

Well since I'm a fan of indie music, I'm obviously not that hung up on technical difficulty, although I do enjoy a good solo every now and then. Personally, I think the quality of the writing is more important, as if you look at all the GREAT bands, their success is generally brought about by brilliant writing, not amazingly complicated stuff (look at Brian may from queen for example)

[Droogie]

you need both.

[Killergold]

i think that if a band comes up with good material that they are already talented... and i dont mind if its complicated... i like Tom Petty, hes anti-complicated.... but just as long as it sounds good... ill listen

[Helen SD]

Musical skill IMO is the ability to create the sound and atmosphere and make the most of the talent they have. I tend to go for good ideas and expression rather than twiddly guitar solos.

some of my favourite guitarists arent very technical at all... Stephen O'Malley for example, theres rarely more than a few chords in Sunn O))) songs, but the way in which theyre played is amazing.

its not about being 'great' for me, its about doing something interesting. some talented musicians just dont use their talent to its potential and end up doing the same thing over and over. id rather listen to an experimental novice than someone like that.

technicality is something i enjoy in music, but not in the form of guitar solos... and its only one (and probably the least important) of four main factors i look for.

[H.A.G]

Bruce Springsteen sounds like a diahrrea generator with a trained monkey playing guitar



But he's famous

[hammerhead]

i think you need both but then if he can sing good it doesn't matter.