Rock and Roll History

[Gary Weinrib]

Cool site, eh!

Along with peoples' favorite bands, perhaps a discussion of the best musician on each instrument? Or what instrument is each person's favorite in a rock band?

My favorite instrument is bass. Percussive enough to be a whole rhythm section but guitar enough to be the rest of the band. I think a good bass player makes the band, even more so than guitarists. There are some great guitarists out there, but most are prima donnas who just do fast and inarticulate stuff as if they're being paid by the note, and the fans just eat it up.

My second favorite is the lead singer's voice. A great vocalist can carry an otherwise mediocre band. Although great singers tend to be magnets for great instrumentalists. Queen's deceased vocalist was a great one and was surrounded by two very talented and one mediocre musician. In his case, the two geniuses beside him were hardly noticed because he was so brilliant.

Then you've got bands like the Eagles. Full of great vocalists who are also great instrumentalists.