Sunday, January 22, 2012

Robert Smith, guitarist

"Interesting article (English translation) about Robert and how he hasn't been recognized as a major guitar player."
(Thanks chachachadc)

14 comments:

  1. If I spoke Spanish I would have something spectacular to say, as Robert obviously did.....

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  2. What makes this extra special is the fact that the writer is Joselo, guitarist of one of the biggest and most respected bands in Latin America "Cafe Tacuba". Rolling Stone 100 guitarist or what ever, keeps forgetting Robert, he did things first than most the alternative guitarist in that list, even way before Johnny Marr.

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  3. That is SOOOOOOO true sometimes we all get so caught up in the amazing lyrics we forget that Robert is truly an outstanding guitartist. Great article really - thanks so much for sharing...

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  4. Yes, he is truly underrated. I hate it when everyone says that Johnny Marr is a better guitarist than him. While I think that The Cure was one of the pioneers of alternative rock. They were already there even during the birth of punk rock music (late 70's), even earlier than R.E.M. and Sonic Youth. The influence that they have in today's music is so evident. I think Radiohead just don't want to admit that they were influenced by The Cure. It's so prevalent in their music especially if you listen religiously to The Bends and OK Computer (Climbing Up The Walls for instance) and even Kid A which I think, it's a bit patterned after Faith album.

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  5. Robert Smith should have a signature Jazzmaster, i mean, what nineteen-twenty year old customizes his guitar for his first album? clearly a guy that knows what he wants. The rhythm guitar in boys don't cry, jumping someone else's train, it's way ahead of it's time, M, a forest, primary, killing an arab, running town, mr. pink eyes, etc...

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  6. @salvador - I agree with you, but when he used Jazzmaster for many years it wasn;t time for signature models then. Now he is endorsed to Schecter, so don't think Fender will ever release his signature guitar (which is a real shame btw).
    I think Robert is a great player (and many people I know and they are good musician say the same!). He sees everything a bit wider than just guitar solos or a super fast technique. He doesn't really care what the guitarist charts say I think. He knows he is good and the most important for him is to move The Cure forward, not just being in the guitar magazine cover.
    Just my thoughts

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  7. Robert is def a GREAT guitarrist! I love his endless solo, they are magical!

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  8. I remember that Tom Yorke said he was into Cure music but it's a long long time ago. And I don't think that Robert is aware being a good guitarist but he knows and pushes his ability of playing his own style. The most intersting thing is that Cure instruments often sound like if they weren't what they are... totally amazing for me.

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  9. Have a look on the internet and you'll find Thom Yorke's portraits which refer to his interest for Elvis Costello, REM, The Smiths and The Cure.

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  10. Robert Smith is by no means a great technical guitarist, which is great as there is no emotion behind that, he plays to his strengths and pulls as much feeling out of a guitar as anyone can, which is way better than playing the fastest solo ever. Robert Smith does not play the "right" way if you watch the concert vids, but he plays his way. Rolling Stone nor any other publication will never acknowledge this in his lifetime.

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  11. @ENTREAT- I do think he can be very technical and fast but he choose to create something totally different.

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  12. Read this article. Robert Smith's Critical Guide to Robert Smith
    The Hit
    September 21, 1985

    http://www.musicfanclubs.org/cure/press/I13.html

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