Post by mightyjack on Apr 14, 2007 12:13:19 GMT -5
They can be those who are considered the best, or those who are your favorites and to hell with what the rest think. It's your band, make it so...
Lead Singer
John Lennon
I love the inflection of his voice, the haunted, longing quality of it when he's reflective (A Day In The Life), and the biting acidic quality when he's taking shots (How Do you Sleep)
There's a video bit with George Martin isolating his vocals on ADITL, and Martin is right, it simply puts chills down ones spin to hear it.
Others: Chris Cornell & James Keenan have classic, expressive rock voices that I never tire of. Kurt Cobain, it was rough around the edges but there was a lots of depth and gravity when he'd scream/cry out in song. Roy Orbison - love the clean vibrato. Freddie Mercury, the ultimate showman, people in the biz said he had perfect instincts behind the Mic and nobody double tracked as well
Lead Guitar
Jimi Hendrix
The man was pure magic and breathed life into every solo. I love watching him play because he's so fluid, so effortless with the ax.
Others: Mike Bloomfield, he took the traditional blues riffs and added his own twist. Brian May, aside from Mercury's vocals, his was the signature sound for Queen, might not be the fastest, but back in the day his sound was so unique that the band put disclaimers on their LPs saying that they didn't use synths (an acusation leveled by many a critic) - it was all May's harmonic arrangements.
Rhythm Guitar
Johnny Ramone
Fastest wrist in the west. I've tried to mimic him and after a while my wrist starts to ache. I'll never be as fast because I got too much arm action. This guy was a blast to watch live and while his style might not easily fit with this band, I have faith in him. He'll bring the rock!
Others: John Lennon, George Martin called him a natural... he did those strange, quick triple strums and could flow into quarter strums in mid tempo, and find his way back into the natural measure of the piece in ways that confound me when I try it.
Bass Guitar
John Entwistle
It's real tough not to pick McCartney, but John was so fun to watch. The Who were pretty colorful, that John always held my attention over all of them is a testament to his amazing finger style.
Others: McCartney and Cream's jack Bruce are both classics, either could have headlined my band easily. And I can't have this list without the funk-master himself.. Bootsy Collins
Drums
David Grohl
I love the pure, raw power in his playing. He carries thunder in each drum stick and he's distinct. Before I even knew it was him, I could tell he was the man behind the kit on certain songs by Tenacious D and Queens of the Stone Age.
Others: Mitch Mitchell of the Experience is right up there, neck and neck with Grohl. The man added classic jazz riffs to Jimi's psychedelic blues/rock guitar work. A match made in heaven
Keyboards
Brian Eno
The keys are not an instrument I'm well acquainted with, but Brian's an innovative, interesting artist. So I'll plug him in here.
Others: Mark Motherbaugh, Devolutionary!
Songwriters
Lennon and McCartney
When they were at the top of their game, working together, feeding each other even in the smallest ways, there has never been a greater songwriting team in rock history for me.
Others: Dylan, Elliott Smith, Andy Partridge (XTC)
Lead Singer
John Lennon
I love the inflection of his voice, the haunted, longing quality of it when he's reflective (A Day In The Life), and the biting acidic quality when he's taking shots (How Do you Sleep)
There's a video bit with George Martin isolating his vocals on ADITL, and Martin is right, it simply puts chills down ones spin to hear it.
Others: Chris Cornell & James Keenan have classic, expressive rock voices that I never tire of. Kurt Cobain, it was rough around the edges but there was a lots of depth and gravity when he'd scream/cry out in song. Roy Orbison - love the clean vibrato. Freddie Mercury, the ultimate showman, people in the biz said he had perfect instincts behind the Mic and nobody double tracked as well
Lead Guitar
Jimi Hendrix
The man was pure magic and breathed life into every solo. I love watching him play because he's so fluid, so effortless with the ax.
Others: Mike Bloomfield, he took the traditional blues riffs and added his own twist. Brian May, aside from Mercury's vocals, his was the signature sound for Queen, might not be the fastest, but back in the day his sound was so unique that the band put disclaimers on their LPs saying that they didn't use synths (an acusation leveled by many a critic) - it was all May's harmonic arrangements.
Rhythm Guitar
Johnny Ramone
Fastest wrist in the west. I've tried to mimic him and after a while my wrist starts to ache. I'll never be as fast because I got too much arm action. This guy was a blast to watch live and while his style might not easily fit with this band, I have faith in him. He'll bring the rock!
Others: John Lennon, George Martin called him a natural... he did those strange, quick triple strums and could flow into quarter strums in mid tempo, and find his way back into the natural measure of the piece in ways that confound me when I try it.
Bass Guitar
John Entwistle
It's real tough not to pick McCartney, but John was so fun to watch. The Who were pretty colorful, that John always held my attention over all of them is a testament to his amazing finger style.
Others: McCartney and Cream's jack Bruce are both classics, either could have headlined my band easily. And I can't have this list without the funk-master himself.. Bootsy Collins
Drums
David Grohl
I love the pure, raw power in his playing. He carries thunder in each drum stick and he's distinct. Before I even knew it was him, I could tell he was the man behind the kit on certain songs by Tenacious D and Queens of the Stone Age.
Others: Mitch Mitchell of the Experience is right up there, neck and neck with Grohl. The man added classic jazz riffs to Jimi's psychedelic blues/rock guitar work. A match made in heaven
Keyboards
Brian Eno
The keys are not an instrument I'm well acquainted with, but Brian's an innovative, interesting artist. So I'll plug him in here.
Others: Mark Motherbaugh, Devolutionary!
Songwriters
Lennon and McCartney
When they were at the top of their game, working together, feeding each other even in the smallest ways, there has never been a greater songwriting team in rock history for me.
Others: Dylan, Elliott Smith, Andy Partridge (XTC)
