10-21-2005, 03:18 PM
Gotta jump in here, 'cause this discussion is right down my alley, and I have opinions that I've wanted to express regarding this very topic for quite some time.
First, I agree that "rock song" format has changed over the years, and so has the Hip and their own brand of music. I don't think any of us would have it any other way. But let's face it - the Hip have ALWAYS been a little stingy with Baker Solo Time, and quite frankly, that is one area where I wish things would have been a little different in their overall motif.
TTH is definitely my second-favorite band of all time, right up there behind Led Zeppelin, so it goes without saying that I do not require a specific "song structure" to take a shine to a cohesive rock band - these bands' music, from a conceptual standpoint, and specifically from a "lead guitar" standpoint, are not very similar as far as the rock and roll genre goes. Yet I love them both. And for me, it IS all about the music, not the lyrics (good rock lyrics are merely a 'bonus'). And simply put, a well conceived and masterfully executed solo or lead can do nothing but improve a rock song of any ilk.
The fact is that one of Baker's strengths is his ability to crank out a strong, clear, bright solo, with melodies that enrich the song, and with power that pushes the composition to a higher ground, and it almost chaps me that there isn't more in their catalogue. Look at Fight, for an example. One of my favorite leads EVER - and without it, this song would only be worse. Same thing with Pigeon Camera. That stuff is as about as good as any rock guitarist ever will do. But there is many opportunities for these leads in many other songs, but it either is written out, neglected, cut in production or faded-out in an outtro. A frickin shame.
I love the Hip, but believe me, I've taken note of how the little bit of Baker soloing we used to get has been even further diminished of late, and I'm of the mind that this development certainly isn't helping their musical efforts. Baker's solos are bona fide enhancements - regardless of the "current state and format" of rock 'n' roll". Why pass on an opportunity to accessorize a couple songs per album for the better?
First, I agree that "rock song" format has changed over the years, and so has the Hip and their own brand of music. I don't think any of us would have it any other way. But let's face it - the Hip have ALWAYS been a little stingy with Baker Solo Time, and quite frankly, that is one area where I wish things would have been a little different in their overall motif.
TTH is definitely my second-favorite band of all time, right up there behind Led Zeppelin, so it goes without saying that I do not require a specific "song structure" to take a shine to a cohesive rock band - these bands' music, from a conceptual standpoint, and specifically from a "lead guitar" standpoint, are not very similar as far as the rock and roll genre goes. Yet I love them both. And for me, it IS all about the music, not the lyrics (good rock lyrics are merely a 'bonus'). And simply put, a well conceived and masterfully executed solo or lead can do nothing but improve a rock song of any ilk.
The fact is that one of Baker's strengths is his ability to crank out a strong, clear, bright solo, with melodies that enrich the song, and with power that pushes the composition to a higher ground, and it almost chaps me that there isn't more in their catalogue. Look at Fight, for an example. One of my favorite leads EVER - and without it, this song would only be worse. Same thing with Pigeon Camera. That stuff is as about as good as any rock guitarist ever will do. But there is many opportunities for these leads in many other songs, but it either is written out, neglected, cut in production or faded-out in an outtro. A frickin shame.
I love the Hip, but believe me, I've taken note of how the little bit of Baker soloing we used to get has been even further diminished of late, and I'm of the mind that this development certainly isn't helping their musical efforts. Baker's solos are bona fide enhancements - regardless of the "current state and format" of rock 'n' roll". Why pass on an opportunity to accessorize a couple songs per album for the better?