Re: Share your unpopular DMB opinions.
The at least annual "Fonz ain't so great (or even good)" discussion reminds me of Kim Thayil's statement before Soundgarden went on hiatus...
"I'm better than 95% of the guitarists playing...it's just that the other 5% are professional musicians."
That said, Fonz is a far better bassist than Kim is a guitarists...BUT I love Kim.
As to comparisons, if folks want to be fair in comparisons, Fonz shouldn't be compared to true jazz players and sidemen. They are often jacks of all trades and/or have to do what's expected of/dictated to them. Fonz, like Flea, JPJ, Mike, Phil, Les, and countless others are integral parts of longterm creative units that write, arrange, and play new/original music. They've got no one's shoes to fill, are either given a blank canvas upon which to create or they're also a writer that provides the foundation upon which the rest of he song is built.
Some of best musicians in every genre are the players that you take for granted, the ones that don't take over a song or part of song. That said, I remember the first time heard Warehouse, it made me feel like I wasted years learning to play the guitar to a competent level. It made me wish had switched to bass. That line is absolutely killing and is a massive feature of that tune. And it's only one among many in the catalog. Captain is another where the bass is a right out front, so present. Dreaming Tree is another obvious one.
Many folks do not fully understand how essential the bass is to bridging the rhythm from drums/percussion to the harmony of the song. Sure a band can live without a bassists, but you hear AND feel its absence. This band is not the one you love/loved without Fonz. If you think they could/would be, you definitely underrate him.
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