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Overshadowed by bandmates

I was listening to "Real Time" a live CD by Richard LLoyd, the "other" guitarist to Tom Verlaine in Television. It occurred to me that, while I like Verlaine's style, I ultimately prefer Lloyd's playing. I just didn't really appreciate it till he left the band and crawled out from Verlaine's shadow. This got me thinking. Until he left to start World Party, Karl Wallinger was obscured by Mike Scott while they were bandmates in The Waterboys. Now, I'll take Wallinger over Scott.

Some would say George Harrison suffered this fate, too. I think he was overshadowed by Lennon/Macca for many fans until "All Things Must Pass" and "Bangladesh". Any others come to mind?
martykl
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timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I agree with the Copeland assertion. I don't listen to the Police as I did during the 80s but when I do I can't help but notice the percussion work going on.
slothman
311 posts
 
Copeland did a lot of soundtracks - he's got some recognition in that vein. Summers has quite a range outside of the Police as well - his 'Geeen Chimneys' is an interesting listen among others. I've always liked the Police, Sting by default - however Summers and Copleand deserve a lot of credit. Got me through college with a bag of green and a tasty malt anyways. By the way, Roxy Music is a great band - Eno got more credit than Manzanera (he was a roadie at one time) - still great a great group. Good thread to reflect on (under) appreciated talent anyways.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>05-18-09: Gawdbless
My simple point (seems to have also missed by some) is every band depends on its drummer to keep an accurate (as humanly possible) beat<<

Well then you should have stated that more succinctly as your original quote is "A band is only as good as its drummer".

Your simple point (as you state) and the original quote address separate issues.

Don't blame the readership for your own inconsistencies.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,270 posts
 
My comments about less than stellar rhythm sections was in response to Shadrone's earlier post.
Drummers and bass players are most often overlooked - to me they form the foundation for much of modern music. IMHO, a good drummer and bass player can carry the whole band with a solid foundation of great grooves even if the antics of lead guitar and vocalist typically get all the spotlight attention.
I agree that Charlie Watts or Ringo Starr may not have been the most talented members of their respective bands. Or to put it another way, we would have heard of Lennon/McCartney Jagger/Richards even if there were no Watts or Starr. That said, the internal dynamics of bands are both mysterious and volatile. It's an unprovable point, but there is no guarantee that a Watt-less Rolling Stones would have achieved greatness. We just don't know. I believe it was McCartney who said that Ringo wasn't a better drummer than Pete Best, but he was a far better Beatle. Being a bandmate can trump the musicianship/talent thing.
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