Underrated Rock Bands for Their Pure Musicianship
The music industry is filled with diverse and talented artists, many of whom are criminally underrated for their exceptional musicianship. This article delves into some rock bands that are often overlooked, yet exhibit top-notch technical skills and artistry. Whether it's Dream Theater, UFO, or The Mothers of Invention, these bands showcase a level of musicianship that deserves far greater recognition.
Dream Theater
One of the most technically proficient bands in the rock genre is Dream Theater. Despite being one of my less preferred albums, Dream Theater is known for its complex and intricate compositions. Their music stands out with its deep layers and innovative structures. For instance, Dream Theater's guitarist John Petrucci is widely regarded as one of the finest guitarists of all time, and is especially overlooked due to the band's mainstream success.
Jordan Rudess, the keyboardist, and John Myung, the bassist, are all accomplished musicians with Berklee College of Music ties. The band's drummer Mike Portnoy is also a Berklee graduate. One of their most notable performances is their cover of Deep Purple's "Made in Japan," which showcases their technical prowess and musicianship. Dream Theater is a testament to the profound musicianship that is too often overlooked in the mainstream.
UFO
Mentioned without much explanation, UFO is a band with superb musicianship that is continually underrated. This group highlights the talents of its lead vocalist Glenn Hughes, whose powerful vocals match the technical proficiency of the band. Another often-overlooked band with tremendous musicianship is the Michael Stanley Band. It is baffling why these bands have not achieved the success they deserve, given their exceptional musicianship.
The Mothers of Invention
The Mothers of Invention, led by Frank Zappa, is an ensemble that deserves more praise for their musicianship. Zappa's bandmates were all highly skilled musicians, some even classically trained and former symphony players. While Zappa's fans acknowledge their talent, the broader public has often dismissed the band as mere funnymen. However, their technical proficiency and complex compositions cannot be underestimated. One of their tracks, "Acid Rain" from the Liquid Tension Experiment album, stands as a prime example of their underrated musicianship.
Listen to “Acid Rain”.
The Mothers of Invention's musicianship is often overshadowed by their controversial persona and unconventional sound, which was far ahead of its time. They experimented with various genres and pushed the boundaries of rock music. While iconic bands like The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and countless others are constantly mentioned in surveys, it's because they've achieved a level of popularity that makes them less underrated. In comparison, modern musicians in genres such as progressive metal may not find these classic bands as musically comparable, as the technical proficiency and complexity have evolved greatly in recent decades.
Conclusion
The music industry is rich with talented musicians, and it's disheartening to see some of the most technically proficient bands overlooked. Whether it's Dream Theater, UFO, or The Mothers of Invention, these bands showcase a level of musicianship that is unparalleled and deserves much more recognition. It's crucial to appreciate and highlight the skills of musicians who are too often underrated.