So many indie bands play Fender offsets, a lot of times strumming them and sing-songing along. It's easy to discount them and unfair too.
While Cobain has a lot to do with making them popular, we have to remember players like Johnny Marr. I love The Smiths but admit that when they were in their heyday, I was listening mostly to jazz and classical and didn't know who they were.
Marr is influential to younger musicians. And he's precise, fluid. I haven't appreciated him enough, but I've heard younger guitarists who cite him and who are excellent players.
Thought you all might enjoy this: