lol! thats one of the funniest things ive seen on this board in a long time.
hehehe
good analogy.
I think what makes Edge great, but also underrated is his flexibility in the way he approaches the guitar. His use of effects, minimalistic style, and incorporation of rhythm and lead at the same time all create a unique style. sure, you can play a lot of his stuff, but can you really *sound* like the Edge? its harder than it looks.
the only time i think he's put in a solo for the sake of a solo is in Walk On....I've never been a big fan of that solo.
and i think that he actually has the ability to play a lot more than he shows. it just doesn't really fit into the U2 sound. look at his BTBS solo live...i think that solo ranks up there in terms of guitarists.
Edge understands how to convey a mood, to fit his playing to Larry and Adam. He doesn't overpower them, or Bono's singing. Too many times guitarists try and create these overpowering licks and solo's that actually detract from the song. And he doesn't have the need to fill his ego by being the star of the show, which makes his playing all the more genuine.
A lot of U2 detractors slagg off the band for the apparent lack of talent, often pointing to the Edge as a prime example. I think too many times people look to how fast or technical a guitarist is as proof of how good he is. I see these bands with guitarists who play these abnoxious licks running their fingers up and down the fretboard holding their guitar like it's an extension of their d**k. Makes me wanna puke. Anyone who puts in a few hours of practice can learn to play scales as fast as they want. And as far as simplicity, look at the blues. You can't get more simplistic than that. It's such a basic structure and concept.
I really don't care if people don't think Edge is a great guitarist. I'll take him anyday over anyone else.