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Aphex Twin
I can't help about the shape I'm in, I can't sing I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to
Psyence Fiction gets forgotten about a bit as I guess it was under the UNKLE name, but it’s right up there, as you said.
I can't help about the shape I'm in, I can't sing I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to
Brian Eno (amazing at making so much from so little. gets the best out of everyone he works with. studio wizard)
Trent Reznor (Great producer)
Jimmy Page pre-77 (The archetypal rock musician)
Miles Davis (ok he had some amazing musicians accompanying him but he was still a monster trumpet/horn player with a great ear)
Hendrix (totally natural guitar player - not all flash as is portrayed but a great songwriter as well)
Mutt Lange
Jim Morrison
John WIlliams
Two of them based on obvious success and talent. OK, all three actually.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
My immediate thought for a musical genius would be Frank Zappa - as did a few others. He wrote, he composed, he played some corking guitar, he sang (sort of). And he constantly reinvented his band to perform some of the greatest rock/jazz music ever. Eclectic, and left-field, definitely. Conformist? Never. That he could merge so many styles and influences takes some beating. And one could credit his "talent scout" credentials for unearthing Steve Vai and allowing him to develop and shine and become the virtuoso many appreciate today. That all takes a certain amount of genius, surely?
Just being able to sing isn't genius (Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin). Just being able to compose isn't genius (Haydn, Elgar). Likewise being proficient at a particular instrument isn't genius (James Galway, Nigel Kennedy, Jacqueline du Pré). But you'd all agree that these are some very talented people. But genius? Maybe, maybe not. Any doubt, and I would say not a genius.
Should we have defined what is genius, as distinct from greatness, or talent, or skill?
Same could be said for Unkle - the last few albums have been week. War Stories is a solid classic thought. He's got a lot of talent too, James Lavelle.
His genius lay in bringing people together, acting as a creative spark and in marketing himself. That sounds snarky and it's not meant to be, I revere the man. His influence covers a far broader sphere than just music; he was force for creativity and change in wider society. Genius yes but maybe not a musical one.
ian dury fits the criteria, married jazz funk to punk with insanely clever sic lyrics.
Nile Rodgers
Rick Rubin