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Rolling Stone top 100 Guitarists - Howe/Van Halen

OK, I just listened to The Yes Album for about the millionth time and I have one question; how on earth did the dudes at Rolling Stone put Steve Howe at number 69 on their list? I realize they tend to be a holier than thou (or smarter-than-thou) bunch, but come on. Didn't this guy win like every guitar award from musician magazines in the 70's? I was shocked as I read through the list and saw the names ahead of him. I just assumed he would be in the top 10 for unbelievable technical skill alone. The guy is simply amazing. I don't want to start a debate on some of the extremely questionable picks, especially in the top 10, but this guy is one of the all time greats.

To me it's like forgetting about Stan Musial because he played in St Louis instead of NY, LA or Chicago. Still one of the all time greats.

That brings me to the most amazing slight on that list: Eddie Van Halen at 70??? Didn't he basically invent speed metal? His tapping technic along with the rest of his unbelievable arsenal should put him in the top 10 if not the top 5, I mean come on. Because they didn't like Van Halen's pop/Rock they shun him down to 70?? I'm not a huge Van Halen fan but I think they had 2 great albums (Van Halen, 1984) and his playing on those alone should get him in the top 10.

I kept thinking that with the exceptions, IMO, of Jimmy Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Kirk Hammett no one else could play all the music of all the other guitarists as well as VH could. George Harrison, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton or The Edge getting through 'Eruption', 'Ain't Talkin' Bout Love' or 'Hot for Teacher'? I don't think so. I can't think of anything Van Halen couldn't play extremely well, both artistically and technically.

Most the "Greatest" lists are BS, but this instance seemed really egregious to me.
macdadtexas
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Reading Duane's response, I forgot that Gatemouth had been omitted from the list. You could argue that his early recordings on the Peacock label were the first "true" rock 'n' roll records. That miss is criminal.

Marty

PS I had the good fortune of seeing Gatemouth in concert on a few ocassions (including a dinner cruise! around Manhattan island) and he was tremendous. Also a hugely underrated fiddle player.

PPS Clapton may well be overrated by certain measures, but I don't get the continued bashing. Listen to the guy play - he's terrific. Innovation, exotic technique, and even a unique "voice" aren't the whole game. Clapton's playing (at its best) is simply more beautiful than most. Tastes vary - I get that - but if you love guitar, I don't understand how you just dismiss EC.

Also, he needn't worry about sending Freddie King a check - he'll be reimbursed by about a thousand others who'll owe him on the same basis (see Carlos Santana and Mark Knopfler, for starters). BTW, Freddie King will also owe Jimmy Rodgers a few bucks, too. And I'm sure that Jimmy Rodgers will owe...etc, etc.

Marty
martykl
3,578 posts
 
One more thought - slightly OT. I just picked up a Danny Gatton cd called "Live 9/9/94". He plays a double neck throughout (Tele w/Strat pickups on top, 6 string bass w/Strat pickups below). Bizarrely eclectic set list: Chuck Mangione, rockabilly, pop-flavored originals, surf rock medley, etc. Even though this was after his arm injury, the playing is still breathtaking. Weird enough that it won't be for every taste, but if you want to hear some virtuoso pop/rock/country/jazz guitar, it's hard to argue with this one.

Marty
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
There are many "lost" players that Rolling Stone would miss.

I think Skunk Baxter is very under-rated, especially his ground breaking work with Steely Dan. Amazing body of varied sounds and styles. Can't wait to hear his new solo album coming out.

I love David Lindley's slide guitar, especially on Jackson Browne's early work and with his solo band, El Rayo X.

How about the understated playing of J.J. Cale?

Lindsey Buckingham has a very unique style of playing without a pick.

Steve Earle and Lucinda William's guitarist completely define Americana that rocks.

Within Alternative music, I like both guitarists for Pearl Jam: they are wonderful--better live than on any studio work.

Les Paul was amazing in his NY club dates--a really gifted player, RIP.

Marc Ribot: one of the best of the new session cats: can turn circles over more acclaimed players. Too many great tracks, including his work with Tom Waits.

Rodrigo & Gabriela are incredible alternativo latin music players--amazing live.

Amadou and Tiraniwin define African music.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
hank marvin
crankshaft
27 posts
 
I don't remember which magazine it was, it was late 1990's.
One of these mags had Bevies & Butthead listed. They even had them listed above real guitarist ! I remember a friend of mine was all tore up because B&B was rated higher than Ted Nugent ! Come on now, all politics aside Bevies & Butthead out playing Uncle Ted !
Take these ratings with a grain of salt !
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