Best Drum Track Of All Time

[Supersteve]

What in your mind is best drum track ever recorded in a song? And who was the drummer?

[Kenny Aldrich]

"best" is really subjective but I will say my favorite track is steve gadd on the title track of steely dan's album aja

[fat in the middle]

i don't think it has been recorded yet,,but if i had to choose just one,,to live with on an island,,ummm something by zigaboo,,jeez this is hard....cissy strut?? i could do my survival chores to that for sure..

[Shinx]

Its impossible to really determine a "best", its like picking the "best" drummer

I can't really even pick a favorite right now, a lot to choose from

[jim314]

Steve Gadd - Humpty Dumpty on the MadHatter Album - Chick Corea!!

[sshu]

Some tracks that first inspired me to learn a technique:
a) Neil Peart - Subdivisions (off of Signals album) => two surface riding
b) Dave Weckl - Tower of Inspiration (off of Master Plan album) => beat displacement
c) Rod Morgenstein - Assembly Line and Divided We Stand by the Dixie Dregs (can't remember which albums) => ghost notes and accents in some very unique progressive rock grooves in 4/4 and 12/8

Steve

[Almuric]

So many come to mind.

Highway Star - Ian Pace
What is Hip - David Garibaldi
Black Dog - Bonzo
Space Boogie - Simon Phillips
La Grange - Frank Beard
Etc...

Hard to choose.


Sorry

[nate]

Flash Gordon By queen Feat. Roger Taylor.

[jiltednut]

IMO Seasons In The Abyss by Slayer - Dave Lombardo

[gmrakich]

Moon...Won't get Fooled Again..studio cut
Ringo....Strawberry Fields Forever
Bonzo......Fool in the Rain
Phil Collins.....Los Endos
Peart.........War Paint (not what you would expect, ech?)
Harvey Mason....Funk in a Mason Jar
Buddy.....anything ever recorded
Krupa........Sing sing sing

[bonzolead]

"when the levee brakes" by Led Zeppelin.the song isn't. the hardest tune to play but it just starts out so damn cool and a drum tone to die for.not my favorite Zeppelin tune but it still sends a chill up my spine when I first hear it on the radio.Drum tone and just a cool drum beat.Bonham really creates the "less is more" factor.

Bonzolead

[Stu_Strib]

Rosanna, Jeff Porcaro

or

Late in the Evening by Steve Gadd

or

In Your Eyes, by Manu Katche Jr.

to name only three of about 100,000 "best" drum tracks of all time

[jonescrusher]

Fat Bottomed Girls beats Seven Days by a whisker

[nickg]

some great ones already mentioned here for sure.

i'd like to add:

Rain - The Beatles, Ringo

Some Like It Hot - The Power Station, Tony Thompson

Forget All About It
Not Wrong Long
Under The Ice -- all by Nazz (Todd Rundgren's first group), Thom Mooney

Free - Chicago, Danny Seraphine

and i'm sure there are MANY MANY more. this post could go on forever without a doubt!!

[Auger]

Well, I agree that I don't want to say "best" but here are some of my favorites -at least, this week.

Aretha Franklin's version of _Respect_ with Roger Hawkins on drums

Shelly Manne playing _on green dolphin street_ or _A gem from tiffany_ from 'live at the manne hole vol. 2'

Marvin Gaye's 'heard it through the grapvine' -not actually sure of the drummer on this tune off hand. The opening fill kills me very time, though. what a groove

Philly Joe on Kenny Dorham's _Philly Twist_

Meg White on 'denial Twist' ...no, seriously.

Jerome Deupree on the song _Buena_ by Morphine -taseful, tasty goodness.

Jimmy Chamberlin on _Tristessa_ and _snail_ from the smashing pumkin's album Gish.

Bill Wither's _Ain't no sunshine_ Again, I dunno who's drummin' on this one. I love this song, though -just so stunningly pretty and sad and such groovy-tastefull drumming at what, at least to me, is usually a pretty akward tempo.

-And I'll cut myself off there; just like all of us I'm sure, I could go all afternoon and I know I'm forgetting some big ones. It's funny, but I can't usually get into the drumming on a song unless I like the song itself. I don't really have any songs that I listen to 'for the drumming' per se.

[jamsjr44]

I wouldn't even know where to begin! There have been too many drum tracks recorded and none of us has heard them are.

[rendezvous_drummer]

My favorite is Chicken by Dave Weckl. But I also love the drum part for Sunday Bloody Sunday.

[jazzsnob]

Sorry to be cliche', but all of Elvin's playing on A Love Supreme.

Seriously, if aliens came to earth and asked ME personally to give them one piece of evidence as to why humans are worthwhile/should not be destroyed, I'd give them that.

[Nabster]

Musically, gotta go with Porcaro on ROseanna. Groove, dynamics, sound/tone, smooth. creative.
Puts a dance in my pants, Simon on Space Boogie with Beck. Also like his tracks on Give Blood Live" by Pete Townshend.
Groove marathon = BOnham, take yourt pick, but specifically on Levee and D'yer Mak'r, Black Dog, In my time of dying...
Jason Bonham on entrie album 'Paul Rogers Tribute to Muddy Waters" . Phenomenal drumming on simple blues.
oh i almost forgot...."Paul Liem on Amy Grant album "1974" killer drum tracks and musical licks on what otherwise was a pretty bland album. But his drum sounds and groove and licks are timeless. that cd rocks even today and it is 16-18 yrs old.
Nabster - just my 2 cents

[Stu_Strib]

Sorry to be cliche', but all of Elvin's playing on A Love Supreme.

Seriously, if aliens came to earth and asked ME personally to give them one piece of evidence as to why humans are worthwhile/should not be destroyed, I'd give them that.

You are apologizing for this, quite possibly the single best response ever on any forum anywhere?

[Ian Ballard]

One Word by Mahavishnu Orchestra... of course Mr. Billy Cobham is pounding on that track.

The whisper quiet press roll crescendo into the powerful open roll, into that mind-boggling groove... then the funk... then the solo and the outro.

That track changed my life.

[Breakaway Faction]

Joey Castillo - Little Sister

[KzSgDrummer]

Sorry nothing new to add here, but..

Steve Gadd - Humpty Dumpty on the MadHatter Album - Chick Corea!!

Yes!

What is Hip - David Garibaldi

Yes!

Ringo....Strawberry Fields Forever

Yes!

Rosanna, Jeff Porcaro

or

Late in the Evening by Steve Gadd

YES!

My favorite is Chicken by Dave Weckl. But I also love the drum part for Sunday Bloody Sunday.

Yes, and yes!

Sorry to be cliche', but all of Elvin's playing on A Love Supreme.

Seriously, if aliens came to earth and asked ME personally to give them one piece of evidence as to why humans are worthwhile/should not be destroyed, I'd give them that.

YES!

One Word by Mahavishnu Orchestra... That track changed my life.

OMG YES!

[Pywacket]

1 of 1000

Pick Up The Pieces by Average White Band with the late Robbie McIntosh on drums.
Makes you wonder "What if...............?"

[LiveGoat]

Well, I agree that I don't want to say "best" but here are some of my favorites -at least, this week.

Aretha Franklin's version of _Respect_ with Roger Hawkins on drums

Shelly Manne playing _on green dolphin street_ or _A gem from tiffany_ from 'live at the manne hole vol. 2'

Marvin Gaye's 'heard it through the grapvine' -not actually sure of the drummer on this tune off hand. The opening fill kills me very time, though. what a groove

Philly Joe on Kenny Dorham's _Philly Twist_

Meg White on 'denial Twist' ...no, seriously.

Jerome Deupree on the song _Buena_ by Morphine -taseful, tasty goodness.

Jimmy Chamberlin on _Tristessa_ and _snail_ from the smashing pumkin's album Gish.

Bill Wither's _Ain't no sunshine_ Again, I dunno who's drummin' on this one. I love this song, though -just so stunningly pretty and sad and such groovy-tastefull drumming at what, at least to me, is usually a pretty akward tempo.

-And I'll cut myself off there; just like all of us I'm sure, I could go all afternoon and I know I'm forgetting some big ones. It's funny, but I can't usually get into the drumming on a song unless I like the song itself. I don't really have any songs that I listen to 'for the drumming' per se.

Nice list!

I'm gonna go with (and this usually changes with the weather):

The Beach Boys "Wouldn't It Be Nice" I love the drums on this track! I don't know for certain if it's Dennis Wilson playing the drums on that track, but if it is, good for him.

Wilco "Hotel Arizona" The sorely missed Ken Coomer shines on this track.

Morrisey "Suedehead" Beautiful, tasteful pop drumming here.

U2 "With or Without You" The perfect beat for one of the most perfect songs ever recorded.

Terrence Trent D'Arby "This Side of Love" I'm serious.

Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (3-way tie) "Afro", "Pant Leg", and "Backslider". Russell!!

The Clash "Crooked Beat"

Pink Floyd "Us and Them"

Bill Haley and the Comets "Rock Around the Clock"

Rolling Stones "Honkey Tonk Women"

ELO (tie) "Can't Get it Out of My Head", "Livin' Thing"


----LG

[jazzsnob]

Another album(I'm sorry I can't do one track, so I think albums count) is Steve Gadd's playing on Chick Corea's Three Quartets. This stuff is completely incredible. You guys should all go out and buy this album RIGHT NOW. I'm serious. I'll mail you ten bucks if you aren't satisfied*.





*plz don't make me i am trying to work as a musician and not exactly rollin' in dough



EDIT:I'm glad I have most of the songs you guys are posting and I'm just listening to all of them. Good call on One Word, Ian. Birds of Fire is a pretty incredible drumming album.

[Stu_Strib]

1 of 1000

Pick Up The Pieces by Average White Band with the late Robbie McIntosh on drums.
Makes you wonder "What if...............?"

Oh man, I always thought it was Steve Ferrone? Darn it...

[jazzsnob]

Oh man, I always thought it was Steve Ferrone? Darn it...


You're thinking the version from the Burning for Buddy album.

[fusssion]

way too many ....but Seven Days from Sting's Ten Summoners Tales by Vinnie Colaiuta is just sick! What is he doing anyway?! :)

[dib da drummer]

Anything by Buddy Rich or Neil Peart! Period!!

[Ian Ballard]

Another album(I'm sorry I can't do one track, so I think albums count) is Steve Gadd's playing on Chick Corea's Three Quartets. This stuff is completely incredible.

Man, he and Chick together just freak me out. Actually it's really hard to find a Gadd track that doesn't blow your mind. Hell, I saw him with Clapton, playing mostly just simple rock and blues stuff and I was floored by the depth of those grooves.

[Bttl]

I tend to steer away from mainstream music and give other drummers some credit where it is due. I would say my favourite drum tracks would be:

Through To The Surface - Drawn on Empty Faces - www.myspace.com/doef
Any Track by Delta Goodrem (Not sure who the drummer is) love the style.

The Drawn on Empty Faces drummer has some power and is amazing to watch live. I think that any drummer that can make themselves the focus of a band deserves respect.

[Auger]

Bill Haley and the Comets "Rock Around the Clock"
----LG


oh yeah -I love a lot of the old roots-rock as well as rockabilly stuff! I totally spaced and forgot to mention any of it. One of my favorite rockabilly tracks is be-bop-a-lula by Gene Vincent. Great drumming too -super-simple brush playing that just plain works.

[moe.ron]

anything by steve jordan with john mayer trio.
fool in the rain
soul vaccination, escape from oakland, what is hip
stay(wasting time), lie in our graves by dave mathews band
wooden jesus by temple of the dog

[Mr. Helm]

Peter Gabriel - Talk To Me (live) - Manu Katche
Jethro Tull - A Passion Play - Barriemore Barlow
Eric Clapton - See What Love Can Do - Jeff Porcaro
Warren Zevon - Nightime in the switiching yard - Jeff Porcaro
Tears For Fears - Woman In Chains - Phil Collins
Genesis - You Might Recall - Phil Collins
Yes - And You And I - Bill Bruford
Bill Bruford - The Sahara Of Snow

[Stu_Strib]

You're thinking the version from the Burning for Buddy album.

But Steve did play in AWB too!

[Class A Drummer]

i say that red baron by billy cobham is absolutley amazing. At a rock camp i did, i played that song. Lots of fun because i got a solo during it. Crowd went nuts when they realized it was red baron.

[stixman]

Chameleon by herbie hancock and the headhinters - Harvey Mason.
When the Levee Breaks- Bonzo
Walking on the moon-the police-Stuart Copeland (most of the Stuart's police stuff sends shivers down my spine)

[resqguy]

I think the list is fairly complete but let me add just a few. Ask me next week and I'll give you a different list.

Looooow Down (Boz Scaggs) - Jeff and Harvey together, fantastic.
Toad (Cream) - Ginger Baker, best drum solo of the 60s.
Give Blood - (Pete Townsend) - Simon Phillips

[bonham990]

Dazed and confused - the great bonzo himself

[syoshii]

I would say...

"Humpty Dumpty" from Chick Corea's Live from Blue Note Tokyo (Vinnie Colaiuta)
"Byrdlike" from Herbie Hancock's V.S.O.P.: The Quintet (Tony Williams)
"Big Nick" from The Tony Williams Lifetime's Turn It Over (Tony Williams)
"Gingerbread Boy" from Miles Davis's Miles Smiles (Tony Williams)
"Clay" from Yosuke Yamashita Trio's Clay (Takeo Moriyama)
"A Love Supreme" from Elvin Jones Special Quartet's Tribute to John Coltrane: A Love Supreme
“Octo-Opus” & “El Reverendo” from Horacio Hernandez's Live at the Modern Drummer Festival (Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez)

[Stitch Kaboodle]

Some good ones there.

Number 1: Tristessa by Jimmy Chamberlin and The Smashing Pumpkins

Followed by Love for Sale by Buddy Rich

[Spence]

Way too may. Can't list just one.

Some of my favs are:

Vinnie Colaiuta - Seven Days (already been mentioned but I love this track)

Billy Cobham - Stratus, Taurian Matador and Magic

Dave Weckl - Tower of Inspiration and MASTER PLAN - It's got Gadd on too. Need I say more.

Steve Gadd - Everything he has done with Chick Corea. Awesome!!!!

[Muckster]

"Imminence Front" Kenny Jones - The Who (this is the track i test stereo equipment with).

"Larger Than Life" - Peter Criss - Kiss (I've played this cover for years and the crowds always loved it).

"Spanish Moss" - Billy Cobham ( wonderful tune in 17/16).

"So What" - Jimmy Cobb - (that opening on Kind of Blue was so simple but so powerful).

"The Trans-Love Express" - Steve Smith - Jean-Luc Ponty ( when i first heard this i said to myself "i've got alot of work to do").

[rendezvous_drummer]

Dave Weckl - Tower of Inspiration and MASTER PLAN - It's got Gadd on too. Need I say more.

Yea, all you need to do now is add the skill of Meg White, THEN ye got some talent.

[trongate]

You're so vain (Carly Simon) - Jim Gordon

[jstorey4]

Steely Dan's Josie - Jim Keltner. It's very simple, but complements the song perfectly.

I also agree with Lowdown - Jeff Porcaro.

[caprisun3484]

Kashmir- Led Zeppelin
Spectrum- Tony Williams
Schism- Tool
and pretty much all of Filles de Kilimanjaro

[stasz]

Brent Black- moe.- Vinnie Amico. Headseed is pretty much good drums all over.
Wife Soup- Umphrey's McGee- Kris Meyers. Again, I'd have to say good drums throughout the whole album. Kris Meyers is my favorite drummer out there now.
Foam- Phish- Jon Fishman. I like the bassline, too.

I have to agree with anyone who said Fool in the Rain, and add Bonzo's work on No Quarter and the Rain Song.

Oh, and Ringo on Savoy Truffle and Twist and Shout.

[jonescrusher]

Chameleon - Headhunters

[BellsOfRhymney]

One of the best is:

Dallas Taylor ..Pre Road Downs

[spw]

Good thread...lots of music for me to check out.

Mahavishnu Orchestra.......first Album, but here is a little story behind it.
We were going to a concert to see Allmon Bros (very early 70's i think), anyway we get there and are told Allmon bros are not showing up, one of thier members was in an accident,we are given the option to leave with a replacement ticket.
We dediced to stay because one of my friends says he wants to see this guy he heard about, John Mclaughlin .
Anyway, the band starts playing, and I was completely BLOWN AWAY by what i am hearing and seeing, Billy doing magic.
I went out the next day and bought the album and played it as much as or more than any other for months on end.

Best single song that I like (that I'm thinking right now), NITE SPRITE, Steve Gadd.

The opening solo Tony Williams does on the 3rd song (i think) on his live in N.Y. dvd is awesome the way he use dynamics around the toms, they sort of sing to you.

[Chris the Drummer]

I don't know that's a tough one. I really liked "2112" by Rush, but thats only because I like Neil Peart. I mean he's a great drummer. All of his ongs are like just big exersises from like books. I mean that's what they sound like.

[ledzepjb]

"when the levee brakes" by Led Zeppelin.the song isn't. the hardest tune to play but it just starts out so damn cool and a drum tone to die for.not my favorite Zeppelin tune but it still sends a chill up my spine when I first hear it on the radio.Drum tone and just a cool drum beat.Bonham really creates the "less is more" factor.

Bonzolead

I was just about to post the same thing but then i noticed that it had already been done!anyways, i agree with bonzolead, when the levee breaks is very simple but the drums sound extremely powerful and good! even in a thousand years, no one will ever play it well as bonzo did.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Bill Bruford - The Sahara Of Snow

Great answer. Classic song.

I'm listening to a lot of programmed material at the moment, and the simplicity and straight-fowardness of a lot of the programmed Nine Inch Nails songs is really making me think.

[Chris the Drummer]

I was just about to post the same thing but then i noticed that it had already been done!anyways, i agree with bonzolead, when the levee breaks is very simple but the drums sound extremely powerful and good! even in a thousand years, no one will ever play it well as bonzo did.

Not only do I think that song emphasies the drums a lot, a lot of Zeppelin songs include a heavy drum part. Another good example wood be the song "Kashmir". Simple, but really big drum emphasis.

[MaynardLD50]

well i'm new to the boards so hopefully i dont get made fun of, but one of my favorite drum tracks that always amazes me is

Tool - Eulogy

[rockinrider]

Maybe not the best of all time, but I get excited and inspired each time I hear it:

Why Does Love Have To Be So Sad - Jim Gordon w/Derek and the Dominos

[cjl71178]

anything by steve jordan with john mayer trio.


word! i'm a big john mayer fan, especially with his last two albums...Try! and Continuum (which were both recorded with steve jordan). that cat can groove!

[jonescrusher]

Maybe not the best of all time, but I get excited and inspired each time I hear it:

Why Does Love Have To Be So Sad - Jim Gordon w/Derek and the Dominos



Haha, that surpised me. My Dead-Head/ Clapton fanatic guitarist demanded that we start playing this tune. I was sceptical as it seemed a bit too long and obscure, and the drum part scared me. His right hand work is so busy. We've actually managed to get it sounding pretty good. Good tune.

[cjl71178]

But Steve did play in AWB too!

yes, steve ferrone played in AWB, but robbie mcintosh was the drummer on the original version of "pick up the peices".

[Spreggy]

Well this thread certainly ruined any chance of me picking a fave. Every post is an "oh yeah!". Two more to add:

Bonham: Fool in the Rain

and, the drum solo to launch all self-indulgent drum solos:

drumroll please...../ \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ SPLASH!



Mr. Gene Krupa: Sing Sing Sing!

[zappafan]

My fave I'd say is 2112 by Neil and Rush. A classic tune and actually entire side of an album.

Peace.

[michael drums]

I'd say side 2 of "Hemispheres" deserves mentioning.

The entire "Moving Pictures" also deserves acclaim. One of THE best rock-drum albums OF ALL TIME!

Oh...did I mention "Exit - Stage Left"... Play On! ;-)

[juan2many]

Through It All There's You....Robert Palmer.

This is thee most beautiful piece when the drummer cuts loose.

I'd love to know who it is.....anyone know?

[Chris the Drummer]

Another good one I'd have to say is "Moby Dick" by the one and only Led Zeppelin. A 20 minute drum solo is always a fun thing and it takes some patience and some pretty good endurance to play a song like that.

[Pontiadict]

I'll throw in a couple more from Ringo, Tomorrow Never Knows and Yer Blues.

[Taterhead]

Okay...first off, let me start by saying I am not a drummer...I am simply using this forum to better understand the relationship between drums and other instruments.

Now to modify the category a bit...to me, you need at least two things to qualify for this list. One: Drummer doing what the music calls for and Two: A great recording of number one. To me that translates into "best drum album/s of all time". Granted...some tracks are going to be more of a drum showcase than others, but for the most part, if I like the drum track on one song, I like it on the rest of the album.

That being said, here's my list of albums in no particular order: (and a short explanation)

1. Kansas: Point Of No Return ( Phil Ehart may be the first drummer I said..."damn, he's good" )
2. King's X: Faith, Hope, Love: ( Killer Bass Drumming )
3. Rush: Moving Pictures ( Thank you captain obvious )
4. Dire Straits: Dire Straits ( It just swings )
5. Aerosmith: Toys In The Attic ( Perfect rock grooves )
6. Billy Joel: 52nd Street ( Liberty Devito is a monster and this album has maybe the best snare sound of all time, IMO )
7. Alan Parsons Project: Turn Of A Friendly Card ( I just always thought it had a great drum sound )
8. Paul Simon: Still Crazy After All These Years ( IMO, Contains perhaps the single best drum track ever )
9. Various Artists: The Secret Policemans Other Ball ( When Simon Phillips is your house drummer it's gotta be good )
10. Peter Gabriel: So ( Manu Katché and Stewart Copeland on one album )
11. Z.Z. Top: Tres Hombres ( much like Dire Straits and Aerosmith...not terribly difficult drum parts, they just fit the songs perfectly, and if La Grange don't make yer britches bounce...you're dead )
12. Steely Dan: Katy Lied or Aja ( can't go wrong with either )
13. Frank Zappa: Joe's Garage ( Vinnie Colaiuta...need I say more? )
14. Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit: Mirrors Of Embarrassment ( No Egos Underwater is worth the price of admission alone )
15. Led Zeppelin: Houses Of The Holy ( Bonzo recorded very, very well )
16. Christopher Cross: Christopher Cross ( Great recording...every aspect of it )

I could "Carry On My Wayward Son" for quite some time on this subject. This is a VERY short list that only includes popular music. Well, except for maybe King's X and The Aquarium Rescue Unit...and God only knows why they're not popular. And, even in the popular spectrum, there are many many more note worthy albums I'm leaving out.
I just thought I'd add my two cents worth.

[siva]

I would agree that there is NO best.

But the one I like the most is probably 'Bullet With Butterfly Wings' by Smashing Pumpkins(Jimmy Chamberlain), so amazing. But if you get a chance to see him play 'Thru The Eyes Of Ruby' live it blows it away! :0

[Pocketman]

As I'm sitting here with my morning coffee I just thought to post my favorite drumming albums. No particular order. With some it's hard to pick one record (i.e. Rush, Zeppelin) because everyone they put out influenced me but these are the ones that I keep coming back to for inspiration...

Tower Of Power - Back To Oakland (David Garibaldi)
Steely Dan - Aja (Various)
Rush - Moving Pictures (Neil Peart)
Deep Purple - Machine Head (Ian Paice)
Smashing Pumpkins - Gish (Jimmy Chamberlin)
John McLaughlin Trio - Live At the Royal Albert Hall (Trilock Gurtu)
Tony William Lifetime - Believe It
What If - The Dregs (Rod Morgenstein)
Herbie Hancock - Thrust (Mike Clark)
James Brown - Star Time (Various)
Frank Zappa - One Size Fits All (Chester Thompson)
Led Zeppelin - Debut Album (John Bonham)
Power Station - Debut Album (Tony Thompson)

[wormtownpaul]

Bernard Purdie, Memphis Soul Stew, on King Curtis' Live at the Filmore West.

[imispgh]

Edgar Winter's Frankenstein

Golden Earring - Radar Love

Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight

All air drum greats

[Erik Lund]

Another good one I'd have to say is "Moby Dick" by the one and only Led Zeppelin. A 20 minute drum solo is always a fun thing and it takes some patience and some pretty good endurance to play a song like that.


Takes some patience and endurance to listen to a 20 minute solo.


Art Blakey - Free For All

[michael drums]

Well...


this shouldn't come as much of a surprise but...

Rushs' Hemispheres - Side 2: Circumstances, The Trees, & La Villa Strangiato

or

" " Moving Pictures - Entire album

Drummer - Neil Peart....of course...Play On! ;-)

[Jon Cable]

The late, great Cozy Powell 'Dance With The Devil'......

[nebula821]

B.Y.O.B. by System of a Down - John Dolmayan

[bighaibigdrums]

Kashmir- Bonzo
Time Warp- Ben Sesar (Brad Paisley Band)

[Tomtom123]

Here's a few from 3 of my favorites of all time

"Aja", by Gadd with Steely Dan
"Since You Been Gone", by Clyde Stubblefield with James Brown
"Tomorrow Never Knows", by Ringo with The Beatles

[peterpaul]

who knows if there the best but some of my favorites are: CONUNDRUM,barrie barlow with tull live bursting out. YOUNG MAN BLUES,keith moon with the who live at leeds. NO TIME THIS TIME,stewart copeland with the police regatta de blanc. EVERY DAY I WRITE THE BOOK,pete thomas with elvis costello. BETTER THINGS,mick avory with the kinks.AENIMA,danny carey with tool. ROOM A THOUSAND YEARS WIDE, matt cameron with soundgarden on badmotorfinger. BELIEF,steve jordan with john mayer on continuum. i guess i cant pick just one.

[ironman]

So far the list is great and pretty comprehensive. I'm trying to think of what's left and all I come up with is:

"I'll Take You There" by The Staple Singers.

If pops doesn't get your spine and feet moving you have already assumed room temperature ! That little hat(s) trick he does is just so
"right". It's almost sinful that a family can be so sensuous and spiritual all in the same track. Can I get a witness ?

To all you "boomers" - ain't it funny what it took to impress you over the years ? For me, Ringo Star and Charlie Watts got me started.
I remember playing "Rain" and the intro to "Get Off My Cloud" over and over on my parents hi-fi. I couldn't wait for that magic moment when my dad hadn't got home from work yet and mom would announce "I'm running to the store, keep an eye on your brother & sister" - yeah, right ! Time to bring my 45's out and listen to them properly on the console stereo ! The Kinks "You Really Got Me/All Day and All of the Night". Dino Dinelli & Carmine Appice. Then Ginger Baker,Keith Moon,John Bonham - all in the span of 5 years ! They all have a special place in my heart - how to choose ? I will never forget the first time I heard Zeps "How Many More Times". Playing along, hands slapping my thighs and actually anticipating the tempo change, having never heard the song before and starting in right on cue with Bonham's para diddle thing - boom, boom boom bom boom, boom boom boom boom, BAH, "They call me the hunter..." YES !! Epiphany ! Like children, how do you pick the one you love the most ? Anybody remember a little ditty called "Keep On Dancing" ? I guess I'd have to say "Roseanna". When you buy a record from a genre you would never otherwise touch with a ten foot pole (In my later teens,I HATED anything "Top 10") or "(don't you) Forget About Me" - just for the drum track, I guess that means "man, I'm impressed !" and so should get the vote. Until I signed up on this site I never knew who Jeff Pocaro was and didn't realize I was listening to the same guy across so many bands/songs. I bought the Toto 45, ditto Simple Minds, Power Station etc., (still have 'em). There are bands that I LOVED on the car radio or on the juke box when I was out in the bars but never bought their albums - Chicago, Steely Dan etc., Guess I was a closet "Top 10"
lover. Always appreciated 2 mins. 30 secs. of perfection.In fact, I bought "Roseanna" and transferred it to cassette. Brought it out to my favorite haunt one night and asked the bartender to pop it in (on the house stereo). I said to the group of assembled pals of mine "just listen to this drummer...". 10 seconds into the song I was getting razzed.The bar tender, who had good taste and to his credit, immediately smiled when he heard what song it was - at least I had ONE person that understood me.
"No, no....listen to this guy...I'm freaking serious, shut up and listen".
Fell on deaf ears and probably explains why my band "never made it".
Since joining this site and now so many years later, I feel vindicated !
You're the man Jeff.
LOL !!! I guess a simple "Roseanna"/Pocaro would have sufficed huh ?

Oh... anybody ever heard "Chest Fever" live by The Band ?
Always thought it was pretty tasty drumming also ...alright, I'll stop.

[Derek]

Steve Gadd - Humpty Dumpty on the MadHatter Album - Chick Corea!!

I was beginning to wonder if anyone else remembered that one ! One of my all time favorites.
Dave Weckl claimed that Humpty Dumpty was a huge influence on him.
I have to say though , that picking only one favorite would be very tough for me to do.

[Deltadrummer]

Another good one I'd have to say is "Moby Dick" by the one and only Led Zeppelin. A 20 minute drum solo is always a fun thing and it takes some patience and some pretty good endurance to play a song like that.


I don't know if it is the best; but it is the only drum solo track you will ever hear on commercial radio.

I always loved Aja with Gadd or Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover.
Walking on the Moon Stewart Copeland is another good 'un
Heart of the Sunrise, Bill Bruford with Yes.

Since someone mentioned Ringo, I like "It won't Be Long."

[leftthebuilding]

Danny Carey - Ticks & Leeches

[crdirtRider856]

I like this thread because thanks to you guys, I now have a huge list of songs to track down and enjoy. IMO- The last few Tool or Porcupine Tree albums have just been endlessly challenging and never seem to lose their appeal. I could never pick a favorite though.

[jangus]

Don't know if it's been said, I haven't read all 3 pages, but I'd throw in Mr. Harvey Mason on Herbie Hancock's Headhunters' track "Watermelon Man."

[dcrigger]

I had a bit of a list, but after reviewing the thread two tracks just jump out at me for their absence thus far - and both from the same drummer on the same album

Mitch Mitchell - Fire

Mitch Mitchell - Manic Depression

[zzdrummer]

Cold Sweat- James Brown, not sure if its Jabo or Clyde
Nobody's Fault But Mine-LZ, Bonzo
Jazz Crimes-Joshua Redman Elastic Band-Brian Blade http://youtube.com/watch?v=1ICJUFOJa2g and solo- http://youtube.com/watch?v=8VdtC9WhnCg&feature=related
Steppin Out- Cream- Ginger Baker, great groove and solo

[Ian Williams]

Hi, Fellows.

Some tracks & albums but not limited to:
The Mule and Speed King / Ian Paice.
Dance with the devil and back to the light (Brian May) / Cozy Powell.
War Pigs, Children of the Grave, Heaven and Hell / Bill Ward.
Quadrophenia / Keith Moon.
Sin After Sin / Simon Phillips.
Stained Class / Les Binks.
YYZ and Xanadu intro / Neil Peart.
Let's lynch the landlord / Darren 'DH' Pelligro.
Night Prowler and Dirty deeds done dirt cheap, Phil Rudd.

Thanks & Regards,

[kwolf68]

IMO Seasons In The Abyss by Slayer - Dave Lombardo

Great drummer and his drumming in that song was awesome, very busy without being out of control. That's what makes Dave so awesome, all the stuff he has going on yet it all makes perfect sense (even if I can't play it exactly like him).

I'm a big Lombardo fan myself.

[byronand]

That would be a tie: Bobby Darin's 1959 hits "Mack the Knife" and "Beyond the Sea" from the album "That's All."

The drummer was Stan Levey, who died April 2005, age 79. Levey also played drums for Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, The Stan Kenton Orchestra, among many others.

"Mack the Knife" YouTube Clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhwbt1FeMZg&feature=related

"Beyond the Sea" YouTube Clip (Check-out the fill at 1:58. It's a classic Bonham triplet fill... years before Bonzo!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8OlDPqYBLw

DrummerWorld Feature Page:
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Stan_Levey.html

[kgrubb]

2 of my favorite drum track are Dire Straits - Sultans of swing and Slayer - Skeletons of society. they may be two different styles but the drumming just fits both like a glove

[Tylerdrums109]

This is so cliche and expected... i can come up with others but Tom sawyer by Rush takes the cake for me

[kwolf68]

This is so cliche and expected... i can come up with others but Tom sawyer by Rush takes the cake for me


And why not? Tom Sawyer (and Mr. Peart) have EARNED their esteemed status. No one gave Rush (or Neal) the accolades, that band went out and got it done by being fabu-stupendous musicians that could deliver the goods in studio and live. One of the greatest rock n roll bands ever and rivals Cream for the greatest trio ever.

The fact they are not in the RnR Hall of Fame is a small travesty. And keep in mind I AM NOT a Rush "diehard" like many.

/rant

[Vintagedrummer]

I can not believe anyone hasn't mentioned "Sugar Sugar" by the Archies or "Daydream Believer" from the Monkee's. Two of the greatest drum tracks ever!

Seriously, I still listen to "Rat Bat Blue" from Deep Purple. Ian's drumming is superb! Plus it's a fun song to play.

Peace

[Banzai]

Illusions-Dave Weckl (?)

[ThisSpitefulSnake]

I don't think there can be a "best" drum track of "all time". All drum tracks are different styles and within time and the future better drummers will come and new techniques. I have too many drum tracks to name that I love.

[Nihil]

Geek U.S.A. - Smashing Pumpkins
Who are You - The Who
Rain - The Beatles

You could check Sivamani out too. He is an Indian drummer,plays with A.R. Rahman's troupe. Quite, quite good

[Guz2]

Iron Maiden-Where Eagles Dare
Nicko Mcbrain

[drummydude]

Vinnie Colaiuta - Artist: Sting, Album:"Ten Summoners Tales", Track: "Seven Days" or,

Manu Katche' - Artist: Peter Gabriel, Album "So", Track: "InYour Eyes" or,

John Bonham - Group: Led Zeppelin, Album "In Through The Outdoor", Track: "Fool In The Rain"

Love em all.

[Brundlefly]

well, of course there is no actual "best," but as long as we're recognizing great tracks...

Stewart Copeland: Guerrilla from the Klark Kent album (last song, hidden track). When I first heard this song my eyeballs nearly fell out their sockets. Grandelinquent from the same album is a close second. It is nearly criminal how totally overlooked this album is.

Runners up: Rubberneck Lions from the Oysterhead album and Biff Gets Stomped By Rusty James from Rumble Fish. I'll stop practicing the day my single strokes sound that strong.

-jl

[larryace]

Bill Bruford, Close to the Edge comes to mind.

[michael drums]

And why not? Tom Sawyer (and Mr. Peart) have EARNED their esteemed status. No one gave Rush (or Neal) the accolades, that band went out and got it done by being fabu-stupendous musicians that could deliver the goods in studio and live. One of the greatest rock n roll bands ever and rivals Cream for the greatest trio ever.

The fact they are not in the RnR Hall of Fame is a small travesty. And keep in mind I AM NOT a Rush "diehard" like many.

/rant

Well...

How can I argue with that? ;-)

'Cept that you're not a diehard Rusher! Hee...hee...


:-)

[Jagr]

The Dance of Eternity - Dream Theater - Mike Portnoy
Wax Simulacra - The Mars Volta - Thomas Pridgen
Cast Down The Heretic - Nile - George Kollias
Halo - Porcupine Tree - Gavin Harrison, Random but just really solid drumming.
Soul Vaccination - Tower of Power - David Garibaldi
Hooker with a Penis - Tool - Danny Carey, just a pure "chops" song

[DrummerDavid]

Achilles Last Stand-Led Zeppelin

[FunkyLover999]

Just to name the few ones that come to my mind right now:




Chick Corea - Ished (Gary Novak) - Intrincated stuff... try to transcribe that one.. ;)

Peter Erskine & the Lounge Art Ensemble - Cats and Kittens - Master phrasing, killer musicality.

Keith Jarrett - Standards 1 & 2 (Jack DeJohnette) - LOVE Jack´s playing in those albums.. a true masterpiece.

Dave Mathews Band - The Dreaming Tree (Carter Beauford) - Carter´s style at his best.

Sting - Saint Augustine in Hell (Vinnie Colaiuta) - Vinnie´s odd time pocket playing,

Prince - Dear mr. Man (John Blackwell) - DEEP groove.

Morphine - The saddest song (Jerome Deupree) - That´s tight and subtle.






-

[blasterbeat]

The Beginning and The End, Aaron Harris-ISIS
The Eye Of Every Storm, Jason Roeder-Neurosis

[billy ward]

this is always great educational stuff!

Here's a treat - free MD article - plus actual audio clips from interviews with well-known drummers. here:

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48164

[CavGator]

Just a few in mind...

The Barbarian - Emerson, Lake and Palmer (Carl Palmer)
Lila's Dance - Mahavishnu Orchestra (Michael Walden)
Anne of Cleves - Rick Wakeman solo (Alan White)
Hell's Bells - Bruford (Bill Bruford)
Starless - King Crimson (Bill Bruford)
My Generation - The Who Live at Leeds (Keith Moon)
Cinema Show - Genesis Seconds Out (Bill Bruford/Phil Collins dual)
Kashmir - Led Zeppelin (John Bonham)
Witch Hunt - Rush (Neil Peart)
Come Dancing - Jeff Beck (Michael Walden)
Message in a Bottle - Police (Stewart Copeland)


There are a hundred more, mostly in the progressive rock and jazz fusion genres. Not too many in rock, because I prefer effortless style and finesse to sheer power and histrionics.

[Strangelove]

OK, this will surprise some Peart fans probably. And I admit, I have quite a few favorites. But if I had to list one song that I listen to just for drums, it is Distant Early Warning off of Rush's "Show of Hands" Live CD. It doesn't have all the blinding complexity as Peart's solos, but man is it ever a pleasure to the ears! His composition and placement are perfect. His syncopations are perfectly placed. He goes to crashes exactly when he ought to, his ride patterns are awesome sounding, his fills are perfectly placed and sound wonderful, and most important - this is a live album and his timing is absolutely perfect.

[michael drums]

OK, this will surprise some Peart fans probably. And I admit, I have quite a few favorites. But if I had to list one song that I listen to just for drums, it is Distant Early Warning off of Rush's "Show of Hands" Live CD. It doesn't have all the blinding complexity as Peart's solos, but man is it ever a pleasure to the ears! His composition and placement are perfect. His syncopations are perfectly placed. He goes to crashes exactly when he ought to, his ride patterns are awesome sounding, his fills are perfectly placed and sound wonderful, and most important - this is a live album and his timing is absolutely perfect.

Yea...but someone will find something negative to say about this, westerner1.

I agree with this review of DEW. And I don't think I could have said it any better. I've always liked his drumming in this song. And his LIVE performance of it is quite close to perfection.

Though...I'm partial to La Villa Strangiato, The Weapon, Freewill, Limelight, Natural Science, and YYZ. ;-)

[A Super SpaceNinja]

Empty Legs by Thank you. Its a weird song, but cool drums. Alright so maybe its not the best, but its sure as hell good. Definitely worth listening to. The song is really bizarre and funny to listen to, but to make sure people dont think you're going crazy I recommend you listen to it with headphones or alone.

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#empty%20legs

Enjoy.
Also there are wistles!

[Strangelove]

Yea...but someone will find something negative to say about this, westerner1.

I agree with this review of DEW. And I don't think I could have said it any better. I've always liked his drumming in this song. And his LIVE performance of it is quite close to perfection.

Though...I'm partial to La Villa Strangiato, The Weapon, Freewill, Limelight, Natural Science, and YYZ. ;-)

You know, that's fine if others don't agree with this selection, we drummers are a fussy lot. But in my 35 year passion with drums and drumming, I find that song to be my favorite.

And another thing for young drummers out there - listen to the way Peart ties in with Geddy Lee on that song. They don't run over each other, they compliment each other, like a right hand and a left hand. Excellent drumming is not just about blinding chops.

[diosdude]

Nick Cannon and co-stars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4tL9O6CP8w

the final battle is siiiick. 4:30-5:00 holy schnikies.

[The Colonel]

Free For All - Art Blakey

I'd give it the Drummy Award (just made it up) for Best Drum Track and Best Studio Drum Track (the energy of an *amazing* live album - I'd put Elvin's playing on "Amen" right up there with it)

If I were to go with rock, I'd put one of Jon Theodore's Mars Volta tracks in there - maybe something off Frances the Mute...

[bobdadruma]

Here is my all time fav! We have all heard it a thousand times. I never get tired of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwDN9UMMi3c

[The Parasprinter]

If it hasn't been mentioned already:

The title track to "Lateralus" by Tool, particularly the softer middle section of the song.

I mean, come on, a 9-minute polyrhythmic rock song using the golden ratio and Fibonacci numbers? It's one giant nerd orgy in my ears! :-)

Best ever? Probably not, but my favorite.

[CavGator]

And why not? Tom Sawyer (and Mr. Peart) have EARNED their esteemed status. No one gave Rush (or Neal) the accolades, that band went out and got it done by being fabu-stupendous musicians that could deliver the goods in studio and live. One of the greatest rock n roll bands ever and rivals Cream for the greatest trio ever.

The fact they are not in the RnR Hall of Fame is a small travesty. And keep in mind I AM NOT a Rush "diehard" like many.



Could have fooled me. The biggest Rush fanboy on Earth couldn't have gushed more. Personally, I prefer Emerson, Lake and Palmer to either Cream or Rush as a trio, but to each his own...

[trkdrmr]

Could have fooled me. The biggest Rush fanboy on Earth couldn't have gushed more. Personally, I prefer Emerson, Lake and Palmer to either Cream or Rush as a trio, but to each his own...

While I deployed recently, I went to one of the local vendors who sell ...um... questionably copyrighted materials. I found a disk of mp3's sampled at 320k. It's the entire works of ELP. $6.00 I think it was.

I remember having the LP "Tarkus" and reading about what a fitness mavin Palmer was. 200 sit ups and a long run before every show.

ELP was a LOT bigger and more successful than I had remembered. One of my early drum mentors had two Gods: Palmer and Moon.

[White Rabbbit]

My "best" drum tracks are usually just the ones I have the most fun playing.

Train in Vain by the Clash is a fantastic one.

Anything by Zeppelin. Notables maybe being Whole Lotta Love, Achilles Last Stand, Dazed and Confused, Heartbreaker, the list could go on forever.

All Along the Watchtower - Hendrix

Rocks Off - The Rolling Stones

could go on forever really. I love playing the music I love.

[SGT_Drummer]

My vote goes to "A Little Piece of Heaven" by Avenged Sevenfold. It literally has everything. A great hard rock double bass section, a nice slow section, and then a very intricate and melodic (sort of) section. and to top it off, The Rev sings a couple parts in teh song while still playing. Very diverse, very good, possibly the best IMO.

[jon e rotten]

I didn't see this one mentioned. Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty cool.

Fat Man in the Bathtub - Little Feat, off Wating for Columbus by the under appreciated
Richie Hayword.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I didn't see this one mentioned. Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty cool.

Fat Man in the Bathtub - Little Feat, off Wating for Columbus by the under appreciated
Richie Hayword.

Great song. Hilarious subject matter. Nicely subversive.

[Jonesy]

If it hasn't been mentioned already:

The title track to "Lateralus" by Tool, particularly the softer middle section of the song.

I mean, come on, a 9-minute polyrhythmic rock song using the golden ratio and Fibonacci numbers? It's one giant nerd orgy in my ears! :-)

Best ever? Probably not, but my favorite.

Yup, I whole-heartedly agree with this!

[CavGator]

While I deployed recently, I went to one of the local vendors who sell ...um... questionably copyrighted materials. I found a disk of mp3's sampled at 320k. It's the entire works of ELP. $6.00 I think it was.

I remember having the LP "Tarkus" and reading about what a fitness mavin Palmer was. 200 sit ups and a long run before every show.

ELP was a LOT bigger and more successful than I had remembered. One of my early drum mentors had two Gods: Palmer and Moon.

I hear ya. ELP is not popular because they are the poster child for what the Powers That Be consider self-indulgent excess (i.e., they had loads of talent and loved to put on a show). All 1970s progressive rock seems to be tainted by those who think the Sex Pistols and the Clash were gods.

It seems that a lot of metal bands consider ELP and other progressive acts to be strong influences, but many say this furtively, because they aren't "cool." They were tremendous showmen, the best of their era, IMO, but their music, like most prog, was not about rebellion, angst and other bitterness-oriented agendas. It was aggressive music. if you are not familiar with 1970s prog, you owe yourself a listen.

Palmer also took a private karate trainer on tour with him. He has a 2d degree black belt in the discipline. I think Buddy clued him in to the benefits. There was a reason for the need to be physically fit. In their prime, their average concert was 3 hours, and that was three hours of incredibly energetic drumming.

Some folks jog or do the stairmaster for a cardiovascular workout. I play about 35 minutes of Karn Evil 9.

[drumac]

Edgar Winter's Frankenstein

Golden Earring - Radar Love

Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight

All air drum greats

Amen! I couldn't believe it took someone this long to put Phil Collins and his superlative fill choice on ITAT on! Nice!

[KONA]

CavGator
Yes - Karn Evil 9 - one of my favorites for sure. I saw that concert (Brain Salad Surgery) in 74. I watched Carl all night and that concert of all the ones I have been to over the years has stood out most in my memory.

I just took a read through this thread and there are some damn fine music referrenced here! A lot of it I'm very familiar with and a lot of it not. I will be checking a it out for sure.

Great thread...........brought back some good music memories too.

[LeeLovesSabian]

...And Justice for All. has to be one of the best tracks of all time.
The intro is amazing, and the fills are great.

[markusjj]

Steely Dan - Aja

The drum fills in between those figures is amazing. Some of the beats can be simple but fit the song perfectly!

[michael drums]

Steely Dan - Aja

The drum fills in between those figures is amazing. Some of the beats can be simple but fit the song perfectly!

And that would be the magical Steve Gadd on that amazing song, if anyone was not aware of that. ;-)

[jdrummys]

Nice list!

I'm gonna go with (and this usually changes with the weather):

The Beach Boys "Wouldn't It Be Nice" I love the drums on this track! I don't know for certain if it's Dennis Wilson playing the drums on that track, but if it is, good for him.

Wilco "Hotel Arizona" The sorely missed Ken Coomer shines on this track.

Morrisey "Suedehead" Beautiful, tasteful pop drumming here.

U2 "With or Without You" The perfect beat for one of the most perfect songs ever recorded.

Terrence Trent D'Arby "This Side of Love" I'm serious.

Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (3-way tie) "Afro", "Pant Leg", and "Backslider". Russell!!

The Clash "Crooked Beat"

Pink Floyd "Us and Them"

Bill Haley and the Comets "Rock Around the Clock"

Rolling Stones "Honkey Tonk Women"

ELO (tie) "Can't Get it Out of My Head", "Livin' Thing"


----LG


You gotta be kidding with this list! You're obviosuly not a big fan of chops.

[jdrummys]

I'm gonna have to say "War Pigs"- Sabbath

[foursticks]

The whole Sun Ship album - Elvin Jones. Intensity at its best.
That album actually scares me sometimes..

[leviathan]

I guess I'll cover the extreme metal side of this for you guys.

Before the Aeons Came - Behemoth
The Chosen legacy - Dimmu Borgir
Bury The Living - Brain Drill
Ruin - Lamb Of God
Bleed - Meshuggah
Embedded - Job For A Cowboy
Entities - Job For A Cowboy
To Breathe In A Casket - Necrophagist
Leach - Cryptopsy

\m/><\m/

[Boberto]

I agree with many that already, but here are some of my favorites that haven't been mentioned.

Watermelon man - Herbie Hancock (Head Hunters) - Harvey Mason on drums

Just kissed my baby (Rejuvenation), Look-Ka Py Py (Look-Ka Py Py), Here Comes The Meterman (The Meters) <-- All by The Meters - Joseph 'Ziggaboo' Modeliste on drums

Roundabout (Fragile) - Yes - Bill Bruford

Superstition (Talking Book) - Stevie Wonder <- also the drummer

Transfixion and Vanished (Destroy Erase Improve) and Electric Red and Obzen (Obzen) - Meshuggah - Tomas Haake

Blue Matter (Blue Matter) - John Scofield - Dennis Chambers

[MykeyInChains]

A Perfect Circle - "Magdalena"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VdnEQVBPIw
Awesome example of the 'less is more' approach.

Alice In Chains - "No Excuses"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz8ctHV3nwA
Beautifully recorded drums.

Soundgarden - "Like Suicide"
Matt Cameron at his best.

[daustin627]

I'm surprised no one has put Cosmic Slop, by Parliament (Dennis Chambers?)

[yesric]

Gene Krupa Trio, Drum Boogie with Charlie Ventura and Teddy Wilson.Incredible song
for its time.

[scorch whammin]

Here are some of my favs.

Achilles Last Stand - Bonham
In My Time of Dying - Bonham
Good Times Bad Times - Bonham
Highway Star - Paice
Space Truckin' - Paice
Preach and Teach - Rich
Mr. Lucky - Rich
Caravan - Rich
Tiempo De Festival - Weckl

[smaolach]

i think it's worth it givin michael giles a try (partly king crimson, "the court of the crimson king" f.e.)

i also like morello's solo on "take five"

also "seven steps to heaven"

[drumgeek93]

Rosanna - Jeff Porcaro
Argentina - Harvey Mason

[TraxxFactor]

Smashing Pumpkins - Bullet With Butterfly Wings

Tool - The Pot

[Pollyanna]

I like these threads. You get reminded of all those great performances. Some others I like that I can't see on the thread:

Manic Depression and Little Wing - Mitch Mitchell

Frame By Frame and Thela Hun Ginjeet - Bill Bruford (almost everything he does on that album is amazing)

The End - John Densmore

A Day in the Life, Tomorrow Never knows, Come Together - Ringo

Instant Amnesia - Ringo (solo album)

Venus in Furs - Moe Tucker

In the Court of the Crimson King & Schizoid Man & Cat Food - Michael Giles

Power to Believe II and Elektrik (King Crimson) - Pat Mastellotto

Topaz (Journey) - Aynsley Dunbar

Time - Nick Mason

Meadows (Joe Walsh) - Joe Vitale

Post Toasties (Tommy Bolin solo) - Bobby Berge

Pimp (The Tubes) - Prairie Prince

Cat in Clark's Shoes (Gong) - Pierre Moerlen

Return to Forever (eponymous) - Airto

Babylon Sisters (Steelies) - Bernard Purdie

Peg (Steelies) - Rick Marotta

Grey Seal (Elton) - Nigel Olsen

My Sharona - Bruce Gary

East of Asteroid (801) - Simon Phillips

Driven to Tears - Stewart Copeland

I know it's a lot but I was controlling myself!

[bonzolead]

...And Justice for All. has to be one of the best tracks of all time.
The intro is amazing, and the fills are great.
The last great Metallica album IMO............I like the new album but "Kill em' all" to "And Justice" is when Metallica ruled the earth.

Dyer's Eve was a cool one off of And Justice

There probably already mentioned but.........

Burn-DP
Night Flight-LZ
La Villa-Rush
Frankenstein-EWG
Long Distance Runaround-Yes
Spanish Castle Magic-JH
Tommy the Cat-Primus
The Monster-Krupa vs. Rich

Bonzolead

[brownie1969]

Not the, "Best Of All TIme"...and in No Particular Order.....I just like the different styles in these songs....
Lowdown.....Boz Scaggs
Barracuda....Heart
Feels So Good.....Chuck Mangione
Fast As You Can....Fionna Apple...(Check it out....)
No Reply At All....Genesis
The Sweetest Taboo.....Sade
Saturday in the Park....Chicago

[aydee]

billie jean - ndugu chancellor

Josie - ( keltner or Marotta... cant remember..)

sister cheryl - tony williams

live at the lighthouse - elvin jones

babylon sisters - bernard purdie

avalon - billy higgins

highway star - ian paice

sex machine - clyde stubblefeld

[donv]

Like most, another list and this one is Classic Rock--not necessarily technical, complicated or difficult, although some is, but imo songs I can't imagine better drumming then what we got:

Watcher of the Skies--Genesis
Gallows Pole and Black Country Woman--Zepplin
Panic in Detroit--Bowie
Topaz and Kahoutek--Journey
Morning Dew--Jeff Beck, Can't use "Beck" alone anymore with the band Beck now!
A Day in a Life--Beatles
1984--Hendrix
Europa--Santana
Baby's on Fire--Brian Eno
Slaughter on 7th Avenue--Mick Ronson
Don't Play with That Axe Eugene--Floyd
Walk on the Wild Side--Lou Reed
I'd Love to Change the World--Ten Years After
The Loser in the End--Queen
Living Sin--ELP
What Do You Want From Life--Tubes

And not Classic, but I love the Drumming:
Winnona's Big Fat Beaver--Primus

I'm sure that like everyone's personal list, the more I think about it, the more I could add! Then there's Classical, Jazz, Funk\R&B\Motown, Soul\Gospel, Country, etc. etc. etc.

[donv]

""Quote:
Originally Posted by trkdrmr
While I deployed recently, I went to one of the local vendors who sell ...um... questionably copyrighted materials. I found a disk of mp3's sampled at 320k. It's the entire works of ELP. $6.00 I think it was.

I remember having the LP "Tarkus" and reading about what a fitness mavin Palmer was. 200 sit ups and a long run before every show.

ELP was a LOT bigger and more successful than I had remembered. One of my early drum mentors had two Gods: Palmer and Moon.

I hear ya. ELP is not popular because they are the poster child for what the Powers That Be consider self-indulgent excess (i.e., they had loads of talent and loved to put on a show). All 1970s progressive rock seems to be tainted by those who think the Sex Pistols and the Clash were gods.

It seems that a lot of metal bands consider ELP and other progressive acts to be strong influences, but many say this furtively, because they aren't "cool." They were tremendous showmen, the best of their era, IMO, but their music, like most prog, was not about rebellion, angst and other bitterness-oriented agendas. It was aggressive music. if you are not familiar with 1970s prog, you owe yourself a listen.

Palmer also took a private karate trainer on tour with him. He has a 2d degree black belt in the discipline. I think Buddy clued him in to the benefits. There was a reason for the need to be physically fit. In their prime, their average concert was 3 hours, and that was three hours of incredibly energetic drumming.

Some folks jog or do the stairmaster for a cardiovascular workout. I play about 35 minutes of Karn Evil 9. ""Quote



I missed the Brain Salad Surgery tour, but I saw the Trilogy tour show twice. I was a kid at the time, and of all the Concerts I went to as a kid, none were more eye opening then ELP and Zappa. You just knew you were at and witnessing a rare event. While most were there enjoying good music, for me it was almost a religious experience.

Palmer was also an avid Rose gardener according to Cream or Rolling Stone.

To many music journalists ELP was both the first "real" arena group and the first "Super Group" because they had such a wide appeal and following. Lake's ballads, Lucky Man, From the Beginning, Still You Turn Me On, etc. made the group commercial and radio friendly, while their prog music gave them an appeal to not only rock fans, but also jazz and classical listeners. A barrier previous groups like King Crimson, Floyd and Genesis hadn't broken through yet.

Composser, Alberto Ginastera said of Tocatta which was Emerson's interpretation of his First Piano Concerto, 4th Movement, "That's incredible! You've captured the essence of my music, and nobody has ever done that before."

If you ever get the chance, read the entertaining liner essay inside of "The Very Best of Emerson, Lake and Palmer." It's a great insight into the work ethic of these guys and their typical or stereotypical British personalities.

[scorch whammin]

Almost forgot this one....a really good drum/song tribute from Roger Daltrey for Keith Moon

Under a Raging Moon

[marco]

There are too many. Currently my favorites are Bonzo's halftime shuffle of fool in the rain, and "I can't quit you Baby" off of the Coda album the solo is prime Bonham.
Also:

Rosetta Stoned-Tool. The bridge/guitar solo has one of the coolest feels, a swiss triplet across four toms with a 5/8 pattern on the bass drum.

Recycled Percussion. if you still don't know who these guys are look them up. I've seen them about five times and their show nevers ceases to amaze me, very energetic playing+homemade kits.

The Grudge-Tool. This is and always be one of my favorite drum songs. Not the hardest song to play compared to Danny's others but very unique drumming. Incredible flow on the toms. Also my all time favorite ending to any song.

Emmanuelle Caplette <3

there are more but it's late and i can't think of them. the above mentioned are my current obsessions which will surely change as time goes on.

[MisterZero]

Give Blood- Pete Townshend - Simon Phillips
La Villa Strangiato - Rush - You know who
Hot for Teacher - Van Halen - Alex Van Halen
50 ways- Paul SImon - The Steve Gadd
Freedom Overspill - Steve Winwood - J.R. Robinson

It appears I need to hit i-tunes soon, I havent heard of half the stuff you guys mentioned, but I will.

[MattJ]

So many good ones here, couldn't possibly pick just one........

Buddy Rich - "West Side Story" from "Rich at the top".

Neil Peart - "La Villa Strangiato" (live) from "Exit Stage Left"

Bill Bruford - "Indiscipline" (live) from "Deja Vroom" DVD King Crimson

John Bonham - "Trampled Under Foot" from Physical Graffiti

Chris Cutler - "Living in the Heart of the Beast" from "In Praise of Learning" Henry Cow

Ronald Shannon Jackson - "Elders" from "Red Warrior"

Phil Collins - "Cinema Show" from "Selling England by the Pound" Genesis

Keith Moon - "Sea and Sand" from "Quadrophenia"

Igor Cavalera - "Territory" from "Chaos AD" Sepultura

[jazzmessenger8]

Nefertiti- Tony Williams

[General Sherman]

I Can't Quit You Baby- Bonzo

Achilles Last Stand- Bonzo

Tank- Carl Palmer

Scatterbrain- Richard Bailey (Jeff Beck)

21st Century Schizoid Man- Michael Giles

and on, and on, and on...

[Loseless]

Highwat Star - Purple
When the Levee Breaks - Led Zep
Rossana - Toto
Tom Sawyer - Rush
Supper's Ready - Collins
Chick Corea Elektric Band - Got a Match?
Liquid Tension Experiment - Paradigm Shift (I foresee the hate coming...)


Any of those might be a good candidate (I'm sure I'm forgetting about 100 more songs)

[JERK]

by Far Tom Sawyer by RUSH(Neil Peart)

[Fishbones]

Nefertiti- Tony Williams

Yesyesyesyesyes. Tony Williams was a god among men.

[inneedofgrace]

I can't believe no one has mentioned I'm Too Sexy by Right Said Fred, or Funky Cold Medina by Ton Loc.

:)

[Pachikara-Tharakan]

Dark Star- CSN-- Joe Vitale on skins, classic!!

[HCT]

Not really a track but one of the most awesome things I've seen... And heard.

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=AU#/watch?v=Ln6b_nBM-V8

[wsabol]

Steely Dan - Aja

The drum fills in between those figures is amazing. Some of the beats can be simple but fit the song perfectly!

YES

Edgar Winter's Frankenstein



AND YES!

When I need inspiration, I listen to these songs.

[Scopata]

Would have to be Fool In The Rain by Bonzo and the great Led Zep

[Hellwyck]

Funky Cold Medina by Ton Loc.

:)
you'd have to mention Honky Tonk Woman by the Rolling Stones then.

[Ian Williams]

- When The Levee Breaks...The Bonzo Feel is amazing!

http://www.drummerworld.com/Drumclinic/johnbonhamwhentheleveebreaks.html

[Hellwyck]

Led Zeppelin - Black Dog
Whitesnake - Still Of The Night
Joe Walsh - Life's Been Good
James Gang - Walk Away

[Cyannetica]

I have to say the most inspirational songs for me as a creative drummer would be Lataralus by Tool. That song fills me with shivers every time. I could name 2/3rds of Tool's songs in my list of favorites.

Wish I could perform a ritual utilizing the unicursal hexagram to summon a daemon to help me drum even half as creatively as Danny. But alas, I don't do any drugs...

[The Colonel]

Free For All - Art Blakey



I still stand by this. For those who haven't heard it: Pick it up - LISTEN - and tell me that's not an *amazing* STUDIO drum track, from a jazz album in '64.

Oh Em Gee

[wy yung]

To all those who have registered opinions on this thread. Thanks for the laughs. This thread is hilarious!

Keep going. I'm crying with laughter.

[Pollyanna]

I don't see too many opinions, just people sharing drum tracks they enjoy. Seems like a good idea to me.

Back to the thread, this Narada clip has some super hot, soulful drumming: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quhbvB_5JyM

[ddrumman2004]

May as well chime in here and give wy yung a chance to laugh some more:

Sandy Nelson-Let There Be Drums
Dave Clark-Do You Love Me
Ringo Starr-Long Tall Sally
The Strangeloves-I Want Candy; Cara-Lin

Yes, showing my age....laugh it up wy yung!!