Everybody talks about what a brilliant guitar player Jimi Hendrix was. Of course, everybody is right.

But nobody talks about his songwriting.

The guy was an amazing songwriter, as well. Just one example of an artist being so brilliant in one aspect, that another one of his/her talents is just about completely overlooked.

"Little Wing"
"The Wind Cries Mary"
"Manic Depression"
"May This Be Love?"
"Wait Until Tomorrow"
"Castles Made Of Sand"
etc.
etc.

He could write rockers and songs that would bring a tear to your eye. Easily one of the top 10 songwriters of his time, IMO... a time when there was no shortage of great songwriters.

Totally agreed about Hendrix.

Can't really think of my own example right cos me stay up too late.

There was this dude I liked. He was really good. But I can't remember his name.

Kylie Minogue:

Singer
Ass
ACTOR!

Mark Knopfler is a guitar virtuoso, but his vocals are superb.

David Bazan is a fantastic lyricist whose instrument of choice is the guitar, but he SLAYS on drums whenever he gets the urge to pound the skins.

And though Van Halen is not really an Obner staple, it's worth mentioning that without the backing vocal harmonies of bassist Michael Anthony, they would have been just another flashy guitar band.

And their rock-solid songwriting.
The Kinks were an obvious influence... they did cover two of their tunes.
But that was obviously a DLR influence, as they started sucking about the time he left the band, and I think Diamond Dave covered another Davies song or two after the schism.

But the songs were solid. And yeah, Mike lays down some sweet harmonies

First one that leaps to mind is Springsteen. He's a great songwriter and frontman, but he's also pretty impressive on the gee-tar.

Dolly Parton's talent is overwhelmed by her breastices.

J Mascis is probably a better drummer than guitarist.

The only songwriter I'd put above Curtis Mayfield is Bob Dylan but people only think of his production and not about what a great lyricist he was.

Wow, don't agree with this at all. Dylan is widely acknowledged as the finest lyricist of his generation, perhaps in rock history. I would agree that dumbassess overlook his lyrics because they're put off by his voice.

steveie wonder is known for being at awesome at tons of things, but his harmonica playing is insane. No one on the planet sounds anything like him on the harp. You know it's him in two notes.

I think Bill was talking about Mayfield's lyrics not Dylan's. It's not clear because of the way he wrote it.

I think Billy was referring to Curtis Mayfield. Yup. Pretty sure.


Edit: fack.

Yeah I thought it would be pretty clear that I was talking about Curtis Mayfield. What I was trying to say is he's in my view the second best songwriter of the last 40 years but is never acknowledged for his songwriting only his impact on soul production. That was unclear?

1) Agree

2) Strongly Disagree - his drumming has ruined more than a few Pedro the Lion songs (even albums) for me

I saw PTL open for someone a few years back (Jay Bennett maybe?) Whoever it was, Bazan played drums for. He did indeed slay. I've never noticed the drums much in any PTL songs though.

I thought of anyone. Not many people know that Bobby Womack is a fantastic guitarist.

Except Toots Thielemans--they both play the chromatic harmonica.

Prince is not so much known for his guitar.

While I would have agreed a year ago, I really think Hendrix got his due here.

Get those last little drops out?
Okay, my parade is now officially pissed on.



I thought I may have done something on this before.

Agreed.
Completely.

Both are fantastic, though.

The thread topics, they are a shallow pool unstocked with fish.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally retract my post. I would also like to issue an apology to Billy. Was it clear - yes. Am I dumb - could be.

of toots and they maytals?
if not, who and tell me more.

Toots Thielmans is a jazz harmonica player. He's the guy on the Sesame Street theme. He's a goddamn virtuoso and probably a big influence on Stevie's playing.

Here is his AllMusic entry:
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=am ... 5h8qbbbtx4