Mary wants to join a band episode 5: Don't make a Superband

 

Hi Natty!  Do you like the flowers?  Those are henna flowers.  The pods you see grow to be fruit that the ancients use to crush and make dye, not just for clothes but also for hair and temporary tattoos.  A very fragrant flower.  How are you feeling, my love?  How is the Public Eye treating you?  You seem a bit nervous.  Try to relax and enjoy the process.  Have fun with it.  At the same time, be focused and don't allow others to sway you off topic with their own agendas.  Don't worry Honey, you're going to do absolutely great!  I don't really pay much mind to the Public Eye.  It hasn't really given much of a shit about me, and the feeling is mutual.  I don't even shower for the Public Eye anymore.  I only shower for my wife, dammit!  Well also for my mother, and I always shower before Mary Unknown7 shows up for her voice session.  People try to influence me on how to conduct Mary's business.  Take for example Covet: the Public Eye seems to be of the opinion that Mohini Dey would be the best bass player for the band:

It's a sound concept.  Mohini would definitely be able to tackle math rock, and her Hindi style would bring huge dimension to the music.  But let's face it folks, Covet is Yvette Young's band.  Yvette is the star of that band.  If she accepts Mary Unknown7 in her band, then Mary would just be there to sing lead, then dance and look pretty during the instrumentals.  Having Mohini as the bass player would turn Covet into a superband, but is that right?  Would Van Halen sound like Van Halen with Victor Wooten on bass?  Would Metallica sound like Metallica with Les Claypool on bass?  And what would be Mohini's motivation to stick with the band?  I get the feeling she would probably be like Bill Bruford looking for a better Yes.  What Yvette really needs is help with songwriting and lyrics, to create a huge catalog of songs before that hit comes.  Because when that hit does come, then the band is going to need all those songs and they better be good.  This is the typical pressure on the star, you can see it in bands like Nirvana and early Pink Floyd.  Being a superband doesn't mean good songs.  "Sunshine of your love" by Cream is probably the tackiest and gayest song I have ever heard in my life.  Anyway, I would recommend sticking with loyalty.  A bass player who loves Yvette for her music, and would put heart and soul into the band.  Someone who doesn't blow off rehearsals and gigs.  If Mohini could do that, then that would still be up to Yvette.

Here's another nice snapshot from the How does your avatar look today ? thread: