whoa! when did i ever say different chord progressions, voicings, and rhythmic devices, dynamic elements, melodic themes, were better than solos? a good Chord progression beats a ****y but fast solo any day.

1. Not everybody we play for are guitarists.

Of course not but as a guitarist you should try to explore your instrument.

2. The last thing I'd describe a band like Nirvana as is "un-passionate."

Your right they are passionate. I was talking about not bothering to go on beyond a couple chords. Like you said, they could at least play around with voicings, rythmic devices and so on.

So, is he a bad musician or is his taste in music bad because Steve Vai bores him?

If Vai bores him that opinion, but I doubt that anyone like your brother would be bored. Vai's got some crazy chord progessions, changes and rythms. If hes bored by the amount soloing (which is way too much IMO) thats different.

BTW, whats Mr. Bungle like, music-wise?