Quote:
Originally Posted by OctaneHugo
Doing outstanding things or being a revolutionary. Sure it's a bit arbitrary, but it works.
Are you going to put Sting up there with Entwistle?
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I think Sting is much better than Entwhistle, but I will say thats my opinion. Heres how I'm making my formula.
To do an "outstanding" or "revolutionary" job implies you're not doing your job. It almost implicates that person in going above and beyond their job. Some call that great, some call it wankery in this case.
That being said, lets make it applicable to these two players. First I think its fair to say that they are doing very different things. Entwhistle is often playing lead bass. It certainly requires talent, but it offers no parameters. I can solo my ass off, and if thats my job I only really have to keep it in key. People aren't relying on me, they're supporting me.
What Sting is doing, as Boo Boo stated, is akin to Michael Anthony. Van Halens bassist is notorious for doing the least possible so EVH can throw fireworks. But Sting is doing far more than, for example, Running with the Devil's one-note fiasco is, he's out of the way, but in that realm, he's maximizing his potential.
Sting is operating with musical theory. He's very aware of how to push boundries from conventional western music. I don't think this matters in the scheme of things, but he's looking to work outside the realm of whats been done. When you see Sting play Bass, its a good reminder of what the instrument is supposed to do. Music, as with sports, is built upon field generals.
Sting's the guy on the field making sure theres a win, not making sure his contract doubles for next year. He fills in where its needed, he makes sure gaps are closed and sounds are filled out. Its almost insane to compare him to Entwhistle because while they both play Bass, the both don't do with the Bass what the other does.
I should point out that it would be a grave oversight to compare them and thusly disparidge Entwhistle because he doesn't deserve it. But if there was a way to play "fantasy rock band" like people play fantasy football, then I don't know what reason there would be to take Entwhistle over Sting unless your goal was to recreate The Who.