25 Great Moments in Rock Drumming – Day 17: Keith Moon, “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” from Who’s Next by The Who
Keith Moon’s drumming is best described as “barely controlled mania.” Moon is probably the most democratic of drummers, playing all over the kit as if afraid to leave any drum or cymbal out. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is Moon at his best, playing like a storm, full of thunder and lightning.
25 Great Moments in Rock Drumming – Day 16: Steve Gadd, “Aja,” from Aja by Steely Dan
Steely Dan’s Aja was well represented on the airwaves, including the title track, notable for its extended drum breaks. Throughout, Steve Gadd plays like an impressionist painter, applying a splash of this and a dab off that to bring the whole picture together, though it’s never quite finished. This is drumming taken to an incredible level, displaying the highest caliber of musicianship.
25 Great Moments in Rock Drumming – Day 15: Jeff Porcaro, “Rosanna,” from Toto IV A Stage by Toto
Cynics might say Toto were little more than slick packaging, but behind the polish lurked the monster chops of drummer Jeff Porcaro. He pushes the beat of “Rosanna” with such a light and nimble touch that it seems effortless. Porcaro plays off the hi-hat and snare drum like a tap dancer with attitude.
25 Great Moments in Rock Drumming – Day 14: Neil Peart, “Working Man,” from All The World’s A Stage by Rush
When Neil Peart joined Rush, they were a meat-and-potatoes rock and roll trio. Peart soon took over almost all lyric writing duties and pushed the band into new territory. His high points could fill a book, but I’ll defer to his first recorded drum solo during “Working Man” from All The World’s A Stage. When he flies down the toms and Geddy Lee announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, the professor on the drum kit,” it’s the beginning of a new era in rock drumming.
Rock and roll music has an incredibly rich catalog of artists’ first recordings that not only showcase formidable talent but, sometimes, become career-defining moments. Call it beginner’s luck, call it the result for hard dues paid, here are 10 of the greatest rock debut albums. Stay tuned for more great debuts…
25 Great Moments in Rock Drumming – Day 13: Nick Mason, “Time,” from Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd
“Time” features an extended intro of tape effects and Nick Mason’s percussion. Mason pounds out a series of evolving patterns against Rick Wright’s dream-like keyboards, establishing a dark, brooding table for David Gilmour and Roger Waters to finally set. Beyond the classic introduction, Mason plays it by the book, leaving plenty of room for Gilmour’s soaring guitar passages. Ticking away, the moments that make up a great tune!
Posted in Top 10s 
Tags: dark side of the moon, david gilmour, keyboards, nick mason, pink floyd, rick wright, roger waters
25 Great Moments in Rock Drumming – Day 12: John Densmore, “Touch Me,” from Soft Parade by The Doors
“Touch Me” was one of The Doors’ greatest arrangements and experiments with orchestration. The result was something akin to rock filtered through a jazz and mariachi prism. The song begins with John Densmore pounding out an insistent, primal beat before Jim Morrison vocals enter with a lion-like roar. “Touch Me” is full of Densmore’s tasteful drumming, alternately rocking, jazzing and bopping.
25 Great Moments in Rock Drumming – Day 11: Ginger Baker, “White Room,” from Wheels Of Fire by Cream
Technically, Ginger Baker was probably the equal of any rock drummer of his day and, for many, he set the benchmark for heavy drumming with Cream. Baker also had jazz chops and musicality to match the prodigious talents of Cream band mates Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. “White Room” is classic Baker, full of his powerful, muscular style – replete with thumping intro, big booming sound and bigger fills.
25 Great Moments in Rock Drumming – Day 10: Ringo Starr, “A Day In The Life,” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles
It’s easy to overlook a drummer like Ringo Starr, particularly in a band where the music’s melodies and harmonies figure so heavily. Starr rarely plays anything flashy, but he just gets it right. “A Day In The Life” is full of understated drumming, as Starr plays a series of creative fills, imparting slight variations over each lyric. The effect is subtle and transient, like the song itself.
25 Great Moments in Rock Drumming – Day 9: Barriemore Barlow, “Thick As A Brick,” from Thick As A Brick by Jethro Tull
During Jethro Tull’s halcyon days (1972-78), Barriemore Barlow was the man behind the Tull traps, keeping time with Ian Anderson’s idiosyncratic musical visions. Barlow’s facility for playing hard rock, jazz, folk and orchestral percussion is not hyperbole but truth as evidenced on the album-length “Thick As A Brick.” This is a marathon effort from a largely forgotten talent.
Posted in Top 10s Tags: Barriemore Barlow, hard rock, Ian Anderson, jazz folk, jethro tull, orchestral percussion, thick as a brick
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