I have to disagree. I think you get a better judge of a bands talent by seeing them live, rather than on a CD. A good producer and Pro Tools can make just about any band sound great. I've seen them live with the new guitarist, not bad but not great either. I also read the article out of curiousity and I have to ask what in it makes you say he really knows his stuff?? I didn't read anything that made me say, "Wow! This guy is a genius". I'm sure a good musician and maybe does know alot, but was disappointed when it wasn't very informative (at least in the way you presented it).