Dallas Observer's Darryl Smyers reports:

JOE SATRIANI is considered by many to be one of the best guitar players in the world. Although excluded from Rolling Stone's list of the top 100 guitar players of all time, Satriani has taught such legendary string benders as STEVE VAI and METALLICA's Kirk Hammett.

And, besides doing the solo thing, Satriani has also found time to play with MICK JAGGER, DEEP PURPLE and the SAMMY HAGAR-led supergroup CHICKENFOOT.

Though known primarily for his super-speedy technique, Satriani is actually a skilled composer who brings a lot more to his music than just shredding.

In advance of his performance at the Granada Theater tonight, Satriani was gracious enough to recently give DC9 a little time to chat with him during a tour stop in Canada. After the jump, he shares with us his thoughts on teaching guitar, playing with Jagger and why Rolling Stone sucks.

The following is an excerpt from the interview:

Q: When Rolling Stone published its list of the best 100 guitar players of all time, your name was seen by many as one of the major omissions. Have you ever wondered why you were not on that list?

A: "Everyone knows that Rolling Stone is shit. That list was made to be provocative, to get attention. And to Rolling Stone's credit, the list has gotten that attention."

Q: Where were you when you heard the COLDPLAY song 'Viva La Vida'? Did you immediately think they ripped off your 'If I Could Fly' song?

A: "I think I heard it in the mall. But I can't talk about that. There are legal issues that still have to be worked out. I really can't talk about that."

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