As I mentioned yesterday ‘pon The Twitters, I’ve been completely brain-fried from finishing up a freelance project, recuperating from PAX, and other assorted life-type stuff. As a result, I haven’t been posting a whole lot over the last few days — sorry about that.
Things are finally calming down, but they’re not quite there yet. So, today’s Open Thread will be a simple topic: Tell me something you think is underrated. Anything. Of course I’d love to hear about underrated bands or musicians or songs in Rock Band or Guitar Hero, but don’t feel constrained.
Here, I’ll start: Vito Bratta, guitarist (and, apparently, primary songwriter) for ’80s band White Lion. Dude had a crazily interesting style, serious chops, and an ear for a great hook — but you almost never hear anything about him.
What have you got?
Squarepusher isn’t on nearly enough people’s “Best Bassists Evar” lists.
Smashing Pumpkins’ drummer Jimmy Chamberlin is easily the most underrated drummer in the history of people rythmically banging on things. That guy’s beats are absolutely phenomenal, and the Pumpkins never would have got off the ground if he didn’t infuse so much life into Corgan’s songs with his incredibly unique interpretations of the songs rythyms. I’ve completely lost track of the number of times I’ve told people to re-listen to “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”, and specifically focus their ears on the drums, especially in the mid-song bridge. Every time, the response is “SWEET !$%@ HOW DID I NOT HEAR THAT BEFORE?!?!”
And really, that’s the sign of an insanely talented musician. If you’re so awesome in just the right way, the song gets the focus and not your individual contribution.
They have finally started recieving more recognition, but Halestorm is really underated. I seen this group back in 2006 opening for Evans Blue, Trapt, and Shinedown at a local festival and there were probably 6 total people watching them with me included. From the first “I Am In Love…” from Lzzy and i was hooked! They put on a pretty good stage show for a bunch of kids and when I got to see them again last year they totally had their stuff together. I also think southern rockers Black Stone Cherry are very underated as well.
I think Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains guitarist) is very underrated. I’ve seen him do things on guitar that others only dream of