But the synth itself was huge. It unleashed creativity without the need for virtuosity. And of course there’s hip-hop which began in the 70s but really took off in the 80s. Again, I’m pretty neutral about a lot of it, especially hip-hop. I do have a soft spot for a lot of new wave bands, probably influenced by older siblings. The 80s were full of excesses too. I hate most of the art, film, architecture from the decade. But there was a lot of great music IMHO.
I think record sampling is inherently backward looking, but its making something new out of yesterday's trash, there is a sort of duality to it. I think the 80s is what it was because the late 60s and 1970s produced so much music on an industrial level (and it was probably the first decade with rock "oldies"), there was a lot to rebel against, repurpose or to rediscover, depending on your mentality. I do think a lot about the 80s is underrated, as most people who came of age in the 90s dismissed the 80s as trivial and cheesy, but there was a lot of interesting stuff below the surface and even above it.
Of course all those hair bands look super lame now, but I’ll say this. Vito Bratta was a bad ass guitar player. And Vai is Vai.
My top 10 guitarists: Eddie Van Halen Carlos Santana Eric Clapton Jimi Hendrix Jimmy Paige Joe Perry Mike Campbell BB King Randy Rhodes Angus Young honorable mention: Prince (no doubt brilliant, but light on volume).
Another think the 80s revived/repurposed: 70s glam. I think of the 80s as reactionary (thanks to Reaganism and all), but I cant imagine the discourse today if the most "macho" bands all wore makeup, tight leather and big, teased hair.
Ah, Santana is a good shout (I'll pretend the Rob Thomas colab never happened). I knew I was gonna leave someone off that bothered me.
Yeah, surprised Santana and Slowhand hadn't been mentioned. Especially the latter in a Beatles thread, since the Beatkes twice recruited him.
Part of the problem back then was once a template was set, they all had to follow it or had no chance at a record deal or MTV time. So whether you were playing pop, rock, thrash, punk, you had to have the hair, makeup and leather. Up until about 91, when the record labels and MTV decided to throw away the makeup and leather, and welcome the flannel shirts. All of sudden ‘metal’ bands like Alice In Chains a d Soundgarden became grunge bands. Fortunately, you can now make a record on your Mac and stream it, so record, radio and TV execs don’t hold all the keys.
Say what??? How? Dude's core is the blues. Cut an album w BB King. I never caught any racist vibe with him. What are you talking about?
I almost would have made that list. I wanted to take guitar lessons in the worst way when I was in the 8th grade. After two months the instructor we were paying told my Mom to save her money. At least I got the "worst way" part down.
Ok...not a flattering look. But I'm not going to judge a lifetime's body of work on a drunken rant. I'm also very lenient in measuring artists against politics, and it appears to have been during covid, when half thee world was losing its shit. TBL though, his work on the guitar secures him a spot in my humble list.
I havent thrown out my Cream records and he wrote one of the best songs ever about wanting to screw your friend's wife, but I can leave him off my own list of anything
1) Jimi Hendrix 2) Duane Allman 3) Pat Metheny 4) Prince 5) Keith Richards 6) David Gilmour 7) Django Reinhardt 8) Stevie Ray Vahn 9) Robert Johnson 10) Richie Havens/Mark Knopfler/Joni Mitchell ** ** Shared because THIS LIST IS IMPOSSIBLE. I tried to make it a reasonable combination of what I truly love and listen to frequently, while trying to figure in overall ability and influence on music, in general. It’s impossible for a top 10 on guitar. Too many brilliant players out there imo. Edit: The only position on my list I’m resolute about is #1.
I wanted to put Django on, but if I had to factor in jazz, that opened a can of worms, because Charlie Christian, Grant Green and Les Paul existed. Robert Johnson too, for the same reasons but with straight blues.
Glad to see Mike Campbell finally mentioned. Incredible guitar player. Angus is another great pick. His brother is pretty good too.
Yep. I could put Django, Les Paul, Chet Atkins, or Pat Metheny on, and just let it play in the background of my day. There’s just an overall sense of elegance that is conveyed. Same with Joni Mitchell.
