It might, possibly, perhaps get loud(ish)

Thursday, February 25th, 2010 | fliX, musiX

I recently watched Davis Guggenheim’s It Might Get Loud, the documentary that takes a gander at the electric guitar by way of the calloused fingers of David Evans, James Page and John Gillis. Yeah, I’ve never heard of ‘em, either.

And I really liked it (save for maybe the trio’s flimsy rendition of The Band’s “The Weight” at the end)—especially the backstories of Jimmy Page and The Edge (Page’s early days as a young virtuoso skiffle player, and The Edge barely knowing what to do with that old Explorer). Seeing/hearing that old footage again of U2 before the members had probably ever touched razors to their faces was fun. And the smile on the (then) 64-year-old Page’s face as he played air-guitar to a crackly 45 of Link Wray‘s “Rumble” was pure gold.

When I first heard about the film—and who was being featured—my immediate thought was, “Jack White?” Don’t get me wrong, I love White’s Detroit punk and R&B background (especially his love of Son House and cheap Montgomery Ward guitars), and I’m probably more in tune with his philosophy on music than I am his elders in the movie. BUT (there’s always a but) while Page and The Edge define styles that can’t be duplicated, White is more of an encyclopedia of blues licks with a stomp box.

That said, I found his thread in the movie the most interesting. He’s definitely the most charismatic of the three … I mean he had a younger version of himself following him around fer chrissakes. And in all honesty, when asked by Poor Old Dirt Farmer, I was unable to come up with another guitarist that could replace him (at least one that I could stomach).

Of course, it could also be argued that Page and The Edge could have been replaced—hell, it would probably be easier. Townshend? Clapton? Johnny Marr? Eddie Van Halen? So, let me ask you this: If you could remake It Might Get Loud, who would you feature in the film?

Post your ideas in the comments section, along with a full script (just kidding). Keep in mind this is about the electric guitar and that each guitarist represents a different era. This is not a test, although you will receive bonus points for not choosing Yngwie Malmsteen.

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9 Comments to It might, possibly, perhaps get loud(ish)

Bob
February 25, 2010

I double the Facebook suggestion of Robert Fripp.

Other ideas: Phil Manzanera, Maurice Deebank (Felt), Keith Levene, Robin Guthrie, Pete Townsend, Dave Davies, Brian May.

Captain Morgan
February 25, 2010

Kirk Hammett
Dino Cazeras (not that what he does is overly amazing, just the mere fact that he upgraded to a 7-string and created an entire movement in metal music–for better or worse)
Adam Jones (effects driven or not)

Mark
February 25, 2010

Fripp is a good one. I actually saw King Crimson open for Tool, though I couldn’t stop watching Tony Levin play bass. Brian May would’ve been a great choice.

Bob goes with the Euro-guitarists…I must say, not too familiar with Roxy Music, except for “More Than This.” But that doesn’t count.

I’ll throw another one out there: Lindsay Buckingham.

Greg
February 25, 2010

Since I didn’t pay attention to the bit about posting on the blog:

“First guitarist that came to mind was Robert Fripp. Maybe not as well-known, but definitely influential.”

Mark, I saw the Tool/King Crimson show in Berkeley. That was a great show (still proudly wearing the t-shirt) and the bass player was the most memorable. First time I’d ever seen a bassist doing a tapping solo.

Mark
February 25, 2010

That was the show I was at Greg… it was awesome! Maynard is(was) a freak. Now he just makes wine.

Greg
February 25, 2010

Not to hijack the thread, but Maynard was my answer to another one of your recent questions regarding artists we had seen the most. I think the count stands at Perfect Circle and Tool four times each. Maynard got too cocky and ruined his live shows for me though.
And now, to further contribute to the topic:
Mark Knopfler

Mark
February 25, 2010

Oh Knopfler…nice. I was recently listening to that first Dire Straits record…so good.

patrick s. rogers
March 13, 2010

I would like to see Fred Frith, Caspar Brotzman, and James Ulmer. I know these guys are way left field but that’s what I like and think would be real interesting to see together. I’m pretty sure these cats could keep up with anyone out there on sheer technical prowess, but their ears and ability to create interesting and provocative music is what sets them apart from the rest of the above.

Nathan Collins
March 24, 2010

Steve Cropper, I’d throw The Bands’ Robbie Robertson, and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy — all white guys reinventing the blues wheel.

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