I've never had a problem with the use of drum loops or artificial drums. A lot of the music I enjoy use "fake" drums and it doesn't matter in the least to me. I like a beat, that's it. I don't care too much about flashy musicianship - solos or otherwise - from any instrument, since I've always been too interested in the song itself, or the atmosphere and emotion created by music. I've always viewed solos as an artist just trying to outperform others like this is some sort of organized sport. It's great that some artists become skilled at their instruments to the point that they can outperform others, but that sort of thing is never memorable. It's always that simple, catchy melody that you remember, not the million-note solo in the middle.
Please support and buy When Bitter Spring Sleeps - STAR-THROWN album at these links:
--Digipak CD
--Digital Download