[throwaway8879]

Oh I agree. I think it's possible to dislike or even hate all the over-processed and over-produced commercial music that's been coming out for the last 2-3 decades while at the same time accepting that there are others out there who might genuinely like that kind of music.

I definitely understand your point about Hendrix, Knopfler and Slash. There's something beautiful about virtuoso playing that still sounds "raw", you know what I mean? I grew up obsessed with shred guitar, and there was a lot of that in the 80s/90s. There are younger guitar players on youtube these days who are miles ahead in terms of technical proficiency and production/effects but some of that authenticity is lost.

I recently saw a video of Ritchie Blackmore talking about Satriani's playing and how it's almost too technically perfect and loses some of the soul. I tend to agree. I have great respect for both of them though.

[nineteen999]

I've always felt that way about Satriani and Vai to a lesser degree too. It's funny how specific we can be about what we like and don't like. Here I am extolling the virtues of sloppy or "more natural" singing and playing, but I can't listen to 90% of punk music for more than a few minutes.

[throwaway8879]

I feel the same about Vai also! Now imagine a Bob Dylan with a technically-brilliant voice that's able to sing in tune. Would people feel differently about him? :)