pynchon-l-digest V2 #1917

[MalignD at aol.com]

<< Okay, I'll amend that, because the secret of great rock is the rhythm 
section, from which all other things follow, and the drummer and bassist and 
rhythm guitar must have chops.  But they also have to have something usually 
called "soul" which can transcend technique (Pynchon understands this 
dynamic: check out the way the Bach he describes toward the end of Vineland 
is reproduced totally mechanically, and yet is a positive because it has 
soul). >>

>From someone who has, apparently, never spent a day in a rock band, whose 
days can usually be described as three guys searching for a workable drummer. 
 Most "good" rock drummers are competent at best and most rock guitarists and 
bassists are happy with that.

Also, the much over-used term "soul" is a worthless cliche.  "Soul" is 
technique and talent:  there is no way to incorporate "soul" into one's 
playing without a technique to deliver it.  "Soul" has no meaning independent 
of technique and talent (and "talent" is a pretty dicey term).