Jeff - that's interesting about the "stunt" playing. I never thought of it that way. Personally I get bored doing technical stuff too much.

Slipin - one thing other guys do is really simple backing music, which is okay but I prefer strong riffs with melody that I want people to hear, too, as the leads go with them melodically, but it presents a big challenge getting all of it to be heard. I've mixed up instrumentation more in more recent tunes to avoid that wall of sound you mentioned. That's partly from my background in metal where two double-tracked riffs are always there. I've tried to switch it up more.

Interesting points guys. Thanks!

I don't think lack of melody is my issue based on the comments I usually get (from strangers, not dear old mom), though everyone's got an opinion. I didn't like that Satch song at all, for example.