Team Flowers vs. Team Crook

suzieq · 21 Jan 2011, 04:08

So, I had a moment to reminisce. I thought about the solos Randy (2 out of 3) and Paul (R&R Dreams) have on the HCTB tour. Each night they showcased their skills. One night, Meat playfully told Randy that Paul kicked his ass and basically issued a challenge to Randy. I think they've been having solo wars ever since. Clearly it is the fans that benefit. But I ask you (who have gone to a HCTB show), who is your preferred solo on this tour and which show was it?

TobyMichaels · 21 Jan 2011, 04:25

okay so rakes of folk will be like "oh you cant split them they are both awesome"

thats fine, and we all know how good they BOTH are.. but i will attempt to answer your question.

Personally its Paul Crook for me EVERY time. this is due to him being Metal Loaf and my love of metal. he also in my opinion has the best guitars out of the two of them and the best guitar tone.

this all showed for me on Bat Outta Hell, a solo which he played BEAUTIFULLY at Glasgow 16th December 2010 at the SECC. all his other solos where gorgeous too.

though i am sure many of my fellow glasgow gig attendees would agree the Duel Solo was incredible and the best solo of the night.

and for those who may not have noticed, it was the "freebird" solo they fit into the track and they nailed it NOTE for NOTE at the same time.(i was right at the barrier watching in awe.

so i have answered your question but then sidetracked back to exactly how i said people would reply by making sure everyone remembers how good they both are :P

suzieq · 21 Jan 2011, 05:35

Yes, I find myself waffling between the two continually. They compliment each other nicely, but the friendly competition was definitely entertaining.

LucyK! · 21 Jan 2011, 11:19

I love both these guys but if I had to choose then I'm team Randy all the way

Paul's an amazing guitarist and much more of a performer on stage, but I think Randy is technically much better than Paul. In terms of guitar playing, I think Randy would be the bigger loss if one were to go.

Evil One · 21 Jan 2011, 11:22

I disagree. I think Paul would be the bigger loss, due to the fact that the lead guitarist is more noticeable. Randy tends to fade into the background at times. I do think they're both incredibly talented; Paul is the best lead guitarist that Meat has ever had. Randy is probably the best at what his does, but I haven't really thought about it.

All that said, I think Paul's solos are better than Randy's. Although having not been to any shows from this tour I'm basing that off past performances.

*AndyK* · 21 Jan 2011, 11:39

In the current NLE lineup there isn't really a single Lead Guitarist as such (not in the way that Pat Thrall, or Bob Kulick were in tours gone by)

For me, the top man out of the two of them is Randy. No question.

Paul is brilliant, without a doubt a superb "metal" guitaist, yes he gets the big solos in Break It, AFL and Bat, he gets the recognisable intros to Pardise and Deadringer but to be honest those solos aren't really the most taxing or melodic ... given a load of disotortion, and overdrive pedal and a whammy bar even I could knock out a Bat Motorcycle solo. Paul gets to play the recognisable solos in the classic songs. Now before I get misquoted, I'm not saying it's easy, I'm not knocking Paul's talents nor am I diminishing his role in any way.

Randy on the other hand is the underrated guitar playing genius of the band. As T'Other half says, he is technically the better guitar player of the two, he relies less on the gizmo's of processing and relies more on his ability with the guitar, the way he switches from finger picking to flat picking so seemlessly is incredible.

The two differing styles of guitar playing are what contributes to the overall sound of the band, Paul and Randy are the NLE equivalent of Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood in the Stones, they interwaave the sound so well it is hard to spot who's paying what quite often.

CarylB · 21 Jan 2011, 12:26

Knowing very little about guitar playing as such I found Andy's post really interesting. From the very little I knew I'd have said that Randy is technically master of the guitar, and in any classical contest would probably win hands down. Paul on the other hand is incredibly creative and skilled at delivering those fast and complicated heavy guitar riffs which dazzle in a different way, and would be top in his field.

Ask me which is my preferred solo and I'd probably say Paul, because for me his playing is the essence of rock, but I am always hugely impressed by the technical virtuosity of Randy's playing. Like Andy I'll add that I'm not knocking (in this case Randy's) skill nor diminishing his contribution in any way, and together they provide a staggeringly impressive skillset in a truly remarkable band. It's tempting to say I'd miss Paul most because he's an amazing lead guitar, but I suspect each would be missed equally, because as Andy says their respective styles and playing are woven together so inextricably, and to me they form a whole that is even greater than the sum of its parts.

Caryl

**allrevvedup** · 21 Jan 2011, 13:28

Randy Flowers by a mile for me...Mr Crook looks good racing around the stage but in the recent tour the whole rock n roll dreams acoustic delay pedal solo thing was really annoying

I think as Andy says Randy is technically a better guitarist

Sarge · 21 Jan 2011, 13:45

They both have their own individual styles of playing which complement each other very well. It's cool to watch Paul when it comes the the show aspect

but when I just want to observe how something is being played, I prefer looking at Randy.

duke knooby · 21 Jan 2011, 14:02

but which is the better plucker???

i'd need to see them do a banjo solo each before deciding

though thats not really comparing apples with pears

Netty · 21 Jan 2011, 14:46

well i'm not a guitar expert, so my point of view is about what i like or not like

i like both guy's playing, Paul's metal solos are as amazing as Randy's classic guitar solos but if i have to choose..... without thinking i'd say Paul but if i take some minutes to think about it than i'd say i like more Randy's style.....on the other hand they are 2 different styles and both great at what he does

in Birmingham Paul blew me away with the Bat and Song of madness solo and i loved Randy's 2 out of 3 and Boneyard intro, at the freebird jam both were out of this world

just a side note about Paul's R&RD intro that it was great and i liked it so much but it was pretty strange to see him behind a classic guitar

Wario · 21 Jan 2011, 14:49

Im going for neither. both are horrible.

glamourgirl · 21 Jan 2011, 15:26

It's impossible for me to choose because they are both awesome players. They have very different styles that still compliment each other very well.

TobyMichaels · 21 Jan 2011, 16:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Netty

just a side note about Paul's R&RD intro that it was great and i liked it so much but it was pretty strange to see him behind a classic guitar

it was awesome your are right to point that out. :)

and though i see everybodies points about randy and his playing, he is not a classical player, he too is rock, just a different brand of rock at times to Paul.

i think we can all agree WarioLoaf is wrong though :P

**allrevvedup** · 21 Jan 2011, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge

I prefer looking at Randy.

a lot of women on this site have said that before...

Sarge · 21 Jan 2011, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by allrevvedup

a lot of women on this site have said that before...

I'm primarily interested in their guitar playing, really...

**allrevvedup** · 21 Jan 2011, 18:03

as it should be

Vickip · 21 Jan 2011, 18:38

I think they're both amazing, and just can't choose

Vickip · 21 Jan 2011, 18:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge

I'm primarily interested in their guitar playing, really...

Sure you are

**The Flying Mouse** · 21 Jan 2011, 18:40

I'd say I enjoyed Paul's performance more because it was so unexpected, but they are both amazingly talented dudes

BostonAngel · 21 Jan 2011, 20:36

Like several others, I can't make a choice because they both have such different styles. Paul is such a showman - the way he runs around the stage and everything. Randy is more of a technician as someone else said. Just can't decide. Love listening to both of them play and watching both of them too.

A Slice Of English · 21 Jan 2011, 21:15

I like the way they compliment each other on stage and seem to fit nicely. Like Randy is the Ying to Paul's Yang. Together, they kick ass, though both are capable of awesome solos :)

Smithie · 21 Jan 2011, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Slice Of English

I like the way they compliment each other on stage and seem to fit nicely. Like Randy is the Ying to Paul's Yang. Together, they kick ass, though both are capable of awesome solos :)

I agree with that.

Vickip · 21 Jan 2011, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Slice Of English

I like the way they compliment each other on stage and seem to fit nicely. Like Randy is the Ying to Paul's Yang. Together, they kick ass, though both are capable of awesome solos :)

I absolutely agree

glamourgirl · 11 Mar 2011, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Slice Of English

I like the way they compliment each other on stage and seem to fit nicely. Like Randy is the Ying to Paul's Yang. Together, they kick ass, though both are capable of awesome solos :)

This sums it up perfectly. I love they way complimented each other on the Freebird medley.

21 Jan 2011, 04:08	#1
suzieq Mega Loafer Join Date: 26.10.2008 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 2,319	Team Flowers vs. Team Crook So, I had a moment to reminisce. I thought about the solos Randy (2 out of 3) and Paul (R&R Dreams) have on the HCTB tour. Each night they showcased their skills. One night, Meat playfully told Randy that Paul kicked his ass and basically issued a challenge to Randy. I think they've been having solo wars ever since. Clearly it is the fans that benefit. But I ask you (who have gone to a HCTB show), who is your preferred solo on this tour and which show was it?

21 Jan 2011, 14:46	#11
Netty Super Loafer Join Date: 27.02.2010 Location: Dunaújváros, Hungary Posts: 264	well i'm not a guitar expert, so my point of view is about what i like or not like i like both guy's playing, Paul's metal solos are as amazing as Randy's classic guitar solos but if i have to choose..... without thinking i'd say Paul but if i take some minutes to think about it than i'd say i like more Randy's style.....on the other hand they are 2 different styles and both great at what he does in Birmingham Paul blew me away with the Bat and Song of madness solo and i loved Randy's 2 out of 3 and Boneyard intro, at the freebird jam both were out of this world just a side note about Paul's R&RD intro that it was great and i liked it so much but it was pretty strange to see him behind a classic guitar Last edited by Netty; 21 Jan 2011 at 14:52.

21 Jan 2011, 04:25	#2
TobyMichaels Rookie Join Date: 22.07.2010 Posts: 21	okay so rakes of folk will be like "oh you cant split them they are both awesome" thats fine, and we all know how good they BOTH are.. but i will attempt to answer your question. Personally its Paul Crook for me EVERY time. this is due to him being Metal Loaf and my love of metal. he also in my opinion has the best guitars out of the two of them and the best guitar tone. this all showed for me on Bat Outta Hell, a solo which he played BEAUTIFULLY at Glasgow 16th December 2010 at the SECC. all his other solos where gorgeous too. though i am sure many of my fellow glasgow gig attendees would agree the Duel Solo was incredible and the best solo of the night. and for those who may not have noticed, it was the "freebird" solo they fit into the track and they nailed it NOTE for NOTE at the same time.(i was right at the barrier watching in awe. so i have answered your question but then sidetracked back to exactly how i said people would reply by making sure everyone remembers how good they both are :P

21 Jan 2011, 05:35	#3
suzieq Mega Loafer Join Date: 26.10.2008 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 2,319	Yes, I find myself waffling between the two continually. They compliment each other nicely, but the friendly competition was definitely entertaining.

21 Jan 2011, 11:19	#4
LucyK! The Monster Is Luce Join Date: 14.04.2002 Location: Posts: 7,547	I love both these guys but if I had to choose then I'm team Randy all the way Paul's an amazing guitarist and much more of a performer on stage, but I think Randy is technically much better than Paul. In terms of guitar playing, I think Randy would be the bigger loss if one were to go.

21 Jan 2011, 11:22	#5
Evil One Mega Loafer Join Date: 15.01.2007 Posts: 5,192	I disagree. I think Paul would be the bigger loss, due to the fact that the lead guitarist is more noticeable. Randy tends to fade into the background at times. I do think they're both incredibly talented; Paul is the best lead guitarist that Meat has ever had. Randy is probably the best at what his does, but I haven't really thought about it. All that said, I think Paul's solos are better than Randy's. Although having not been to any shows from this tour I'm basing that off past performances.

21 Jan 2011, 11:39	#6
AndyK Relentless Join Date: 21.11.2003 Location: Over the top..... seeing what's on the other side Posts: 18,694	In the current NLE lineup there isn't really a single Lead Guitarist as such (not in the way that Pat Thrall, or Bob Kulick were in tours gone by) For me, the top man out of the two of them is Randy. No question. Paul is brilliant, without a doubt a superb "metal" guitaist, yes he gets the big solos in Break It, AFL and Bat, he gets the recognisable intros to Pardise and Deadringer but to be honest those solos aren't really the most taxing or melodic ... given a load of disotortion, and overdrive pedal and a whammy bar even I could knock out a Bat Motorcycle solo. Paul gets to play the recognisable solos in the classic songs. Now before I get misquoted, I'm not saying it's easy, I'm not knocking Paul's talents nor am I diminishing his role in any way. Randy on the other hand is the underrated guitar playing genius of the band. As T'Other half says, he is technically the better guitar player of the two, he relies less on the gizmo's of processing and relies more on his ability with the guitar, the way he switches from finger picking to flat picking so seemlessly is incredible. The two differing styles of guitar playing are what contributes to the overall sound of the band, Paul and Randy are the NLE equivalent of Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood in the Stones, they interwaave the sound so well it is hard to spot who's paying what quite often.

21 Jan 2011, 12:26	#7
CarylB Mega Loafer Join Date: 16.04.2003 Location: Sheffield UK Posts: 5,910	Knowing very little about guitar playing as such I found Andy's post really interesting. From the very little I knew I'd have said that Randy is technically master of the guitar, and in any classical contest would probably win hands down. Paul on the other hand is incredibly creative and skilled at delivering those fast and complicated heavy guitar riffs which dazzle in a different way, and would be top in his field. Ask me which is my preferred solo and I'd probably say Paul, because for me his playing is the essence of rock, but I am always hugely impressed by the technical virtuosity of Randy's playing. Like Andy I'll add that I'm not knocking (in this case Randy's) skill nor diminishing his contribution in any way, and together they provide a staggeringly impressive skillset in a truly remarkable band. It's tempting to say I'd miss Paul most because he's an amazing lead guitar, but I suspect each would be missed equally, because as Andy says their respective styles and playing are woven together so inextricably, and to me they form a whole that is even greater than the sum of its parts. Caryl

21 Jan 2011, 13:28	#8
allrevvedup "Most things that i worry about, never happen anyway" Join Date: 29.11.2003 Location: Liverpool Posts: 5,349	Randy Flowers by a mile for me...Mr Crook looks good racing around the stage but in the recent tour the whole rock n roll dreams acoustic delay pedal solo thing was really annoying I think as Andy says Randy is technically a better guitarist

21 Jan 2011, 13:45	#9
Sarge Mega Loafer Join Date: 08.05.2008 Posts: 3,562	They both have their own individual styles of playing which complement each other very well. It's cool to watch Paul when it comes the the show aspect but when I just want to observe how something is being played, I prefer looking at Randy.

21 Jan 2011, 14:02	#10
duke knooby Mega Loafer Join Date: 24.06.2005 Location: belfast Posts: 17,871	but which is the better plucker??? i'd need to see them do a banjo solo each before deciding though thats not really comparing apples with pears

21 Jan 2011, 14:49	#12
Wario Monstro helps me spell things... Join Date: 05.01.2007 Location: Masculine, Pennsylvania Posts: 9,105	Im going for neither. both are horrible.

21 Jan 2011, 15:26	#13
glamourgirl Super Loafer Join Date: 15.09.2009 Posts: 642	It's impossible for me to choose because they are both awesome players. They have very different styles that still compliment each other very well.

21 Jan 2011, 18:03	#17
allrevvedup "Most things that i worry about, never happen anyway" Join Date: 29.11.2003 Location: Liverpool Posts: 5,349	as it should be

21 Jan 2011, 18:38	#18
Vickip Mega Loafer Join Date: 07.02.2003 Location: Posts: 8,101	I think they're both amazing, and just can't choose

21 Jan 2011, 18:40	#20
The Flying Mouse Armed ba$tard and Jo's other half. Join Date: 06.08.2002 Location: In the middle of nowhere near the end of the line. Posts: 16,104	I'd say I enjoyed Paul's performance more because it was so unexpected, but they are both amazingly talented dudes

21 Jan 2011, 20:36	#21
BostonAngel Super Loafer Join Date: 03.02.2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 822	Like several others, I can't make a choice because they both have such different styles. Paul is such a showman - the way he runs around the stage and everything. Randy is more of a technician as someone else said. Just can't decide. Love listening to both of them play and watching both of them too.

21 Jan 2011, 21:15	#22
A Slice Of English Guest Join Date: 10.11.2003 Posts: 1,258	I like the way they compliment each other on stage and seem to fit nicely. Like Randy is the Ying to Paul's Yang. Together, they kick ass, though both are capable of awesome solos :)