> > i think a band that doesn't need a solo is that much greater a band.
the
> > connells are one of the best bands of all time - that's just it - they
are a
> > band.  they sound beatiful as a band - they don't need the cruch that
so
> > many bands use.  i'd be hard pressed to find a band that has better
"leads"
> > - with those leads, who needs long, drawn out solos?
>
> I love the Connells, and don't think they need solos.  But when I think
> of great bands like Pink Floyd, I think that guitar solos can add some-
> thing positive to the music without being a crutch.  A band can have
> great leads and great solos.
 
What exactly are we defining as a solo here?  There isn't any Connells song
that I can think of that doesn't have some type of solo instrumental part
in it.  If the criteria we are using is that any REAL solo has to be REALLY
long, the point is stupid.  The style of music the Connells play is more
about the song and it's lyrics, not about flashy overindulgent playing of
the sort you see by the bands on those "Time-Life Guitar Rock Collection"
TV commercials.
 
If anyone has any doubt about musicianship within the Connells, let me
share my opinions about the band:
 
Peele is one of the best drummers I have ever heard.  His playing is
absolutely solid and he plays exactly what the song calls for, but never
over the top.  Listen to 'I Suppose' on Boylan Heights if you need
convincing.
 
David Connell - listen to his bass lines closely, you will be impressed.
My guess is that his melodic style has something to do with Paul McCartney,
but I could be wrong.
 
Mike Connell is the foundation of the Connells sound on which everything
else rests upon.  Without him, the songs would sound very, very empty.  The
only solo that I can think of that he does is in Stone Cold Yesterday, but
at least it's a good one.
 
Steve's keyboards add an extra texture to the music that supports and fills
out the newer material, though sometimes I think it's a little too buried
in the mix on the albums.
 
I must confess that George is one of my guitar idols.  The first time I saw
the Connells, I was absolutely amazed how much his parts added to the songs
and that he was creative enough to think of them.  I think his solo in
'Find Out' on Ring was the first big departure from the trademark Connells
lead guitar sound, but I still like it.
 
So what's my point after all that - the Connells are not a jam oriented
band, so don't expect long solos.  At the same time, don't insult their
music and plying ability by saying they don't do solos, open your ears and
listen for them - you know, those guitar lines usually over the cool chord
changes in the bridge...
 
John Haramis