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MCMartyP
Advanced Contributer
762 Posts |
 Posted - 09/08/2012 : 15:30:20
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What tracks do you find most deceptively difficult to play? We've already established Superstition and I'll add Higher Ground to the list (perhaps I should add the whole of SW's back-catalogue to the list!).
What other commonly-played songs seem easy on the surface but when you get down to it, they're actually real so-and-sos to do properly (not necessarily just for the drummer!).
Off the top of my head:
- Are You Gonna Go My Way. Should be easy but every band seems to make a hash of it mostly because they play it too fast. Or the verse phrases throws everyone.
- Jump. Play it as per Alex Van Halen. I dare you!
- Valerie. Everyone plays it too fast and kills the feel. I've had argument upon argument about the tempo, even cracking open a metronome to be told 'it's too slow'.
- Footloose. I've always found this a pig to keep the tempo under control because it sits between comfortable 8ths and seemingly-slow quarters on the hi-hat.
That's all I can think of right now. |
Yamaha 9000, '64 L400/Yamaha 8000/Yamaha brass/Premier XPK/Pearl brass piccolo snares, Zildjian A and A Custom dustbin lids, Pearl Eliminator double pedal, Roc 'n' Soc stool and a total lack of practice. |
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metallicpearl
Advanced Contributer
1871 Posts |
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drumanorak
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
381 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 15:59:13
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Ive had the same problem this week with the Song Rehab, I count all my songs off to a click, Im told its a bit fast i said the BPM is taken fron the album, the singer says she cant fit the words in, so ive now had to drop it down 10!!
I agree stevie wonder has a great feel but strange fills!! |
Im not deaf..........pardon!!! |
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DyeHouseDrumWorks
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
185 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 16:04:03
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Tempo is SO important! ...especially the 'band going too fast scenario'.
I call it 'throwing the song away' and it's an horrible feeling if you're playing a song you know is way too fast, but you've just got to slog through it. Fine if it's your band and you can drag the time back if needs be, but for depping - what a nightmare that can be!
decepively tricky song feels - I would add 'Let's stick together' by Roxy Music, as the drummer has generally landed themselves the rather busy percussion job too. Straight ahead 2 and 4, plus perc part - busy and simple all at once...?! |
Dye House Drum Works. Find us on Facebook and at at: www.dyehousedrumworks.com |
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lee haydn
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2070 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 16:10:13
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| "When i Need You" by Leo Sayer, try holding that bugger back,, |
Ludwig Maple Classic (Green Sparkle) + LM400
Sabian HH and Paiste Stanbul vintage
Pro' Racket |
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Dan Bear Taylor
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
153 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 16:53:10
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quote:
Originally posted by lee haydn
"When i Need You" by Leo Sayer, try holding that bugger back,,
The same can also be said for Leo Sayer, apparently. |
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animal.22
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
187 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 17:07:15
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quote:
Originally posted by MCMartyP
- Footloose. I've always found this a pig to keep the tempo under control because it sits between comfortable 8ths and seemingly-slow quarters on the hi-hat.
Same problem (for me anyway)with Floral Dance believe it or not  |
hit it....good an hard |
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lee haydn
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2070 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 17:41:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Dan Bear Taylor
quote:
Originally posted by lee haydn
"When i Need You" by Leo Sayer, try holding that bugger back,,
The same can also be said for Leo Sayer, apparently.
Expand please?? |
Ludwig Maple Classic (Green Sparkle) + LM400
Sabian HH and Paiste Stanbul vintage
Pro' Racket |
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pure_rock_fury
Advanced Contributer
Republic of Korea
5589 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 18:30:27
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quote:
Originally posted by lee haydn
quote:
Originally posted by Dan Bear Taylor
quote:
Originally posted by lee haydn
"When i Need You" by Leo Sayer, try holding that bugger back,,
The same can also be said for Leo Sayer, apparently.
Expand please??
Ppplllleeeeeaaaaasssseeeee?????? |
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lee haydn
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2070 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 18:56:18
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quote:
Originally posted by pure_rock_fury
quote:
Originally posted by lee haydn
quote:
Originally posted by Dan Bear Taylor
quote:
Originally posted by lee haydn
"When i Need You" by Leo Sayer, try holding that bugger back,,
The same can also be said for Leo Sayer, apparently.
Expand please??
Ppplllleeeeeaaaaasssseeeee??????
Dumb ar*e tw*t,, |
Ludwig Maple Classic (Green Sparkle) + LM400
Sabian HH and Paiste Stanbul vintage
Pro' Racket |
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BoomBoomCha
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
616 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 19:24:53
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I am ashamed to confess that I've been struggling to nail a couple of Status Quo songs!
It's getting that swing into these deceptively simple songs that I'm trying to master.
Rest of the band think they sound great but I just think its missing something and for certain getting the right tempo is critical as is the bass and drums to lock in together.....will I be -ahem - drummed out of the forum for this confession? |
Tama Starclassic Birch Performer
Yamaha D20 Jazz kit
Roland TD6V
Premier APK
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jimfisher
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
572 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 19:41:23
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Ain't Nobody - Rufus & Chaka Khan - tough to play the groove!
Holding Out For a Hero - Bonnie Tyler - A real slog, with the relentless semi quavers, and all the fills. Just hard work!
JF |
www.sphere3.co.uk |
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DyeHouseDrumWorks
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
185 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 20:11:58
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Ain't Nobody - damn good call!
...and how about All Night Long by Lionel Ritchie - the off beat tom!
...and discovered a bizarrely tough track to play along to the recording of tonight - Mr. Blue Sky by ELO: all 1/4 notes in the strings and very little inbetween to reference tempo with - and quite pacey too... deceptive...! |
Dye House Drum Works. Find us on Facebook and at at: www.dyehousedrumworks.com |
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ian-40
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
6230 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 20:19:38
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quote:
Originally posted by DyeHouseDrumWorks
!
decepively tricky song feels - I would add 'Let's stick together' by Roxy Music, as the drummer has generally landed themselves the rather busy percussion job too. Straight ahead 2 and 4, plus perc part - busy and simple all at once...?!
absolutely.... i keep it simple on the 2 beat fills, try any harder and it can get messy |
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Sharklaar
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1884 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 20:28:01
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| Used to struggle with Don't Speak. Sounds well easy though... according to the banjo players none of the guitar parts are repeated at all throughout the song. |
http://www.blackhawkdown.org.uk |
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MCMartyP
Advanced Contributer
762 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 20:40:13
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Do not underestimate the Quo! Shuffles done right are a rarity in a pub band.
Funnily enough, another song regularly murdered by pub bands due to the shuffle is 'Can't Get Enough'. Me included.
You can probably add a fair chunk of AC/DC's back catalogue to the 'easy sounding, actually really hard to nail' category. I've also always found a lot of Queen's stuff hard to do right. |
Yamaha 9000, '64 L400/Yamaha 8000/Yamaha brass/Premier XPK/Pearl brass piccolo snares, Zildjian A and A Custom dustbin lids, Pearl Eliminator double pedal, Roc 'n' Soc stool and a total lack of practice. |
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Sharklaar
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1884 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 20:47:13
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quote:
Originally posted by MCMartyP
Do not underestimate the Quo! Shuffles done right are a rarity in a pub band.
Funnily enough, another song regularly murdered by pub bands due to the shuffle is 'Can't Get Enough'. Me included.
You can probably add a fair chunk of AC/DC's back catalogue to the 'easy sounding, actually really hard to nail' category. I've also always found a lot of Queen's stuff hard to do right.
We did Back in Black for a couple of gigs recently, I found that pretty easy. Singist on the other hand did not.... |
http://www.blackhawkdown.org.uk |
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GrethGBDrums
Very Active Contributer
United Kingdom
110 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 21:15:21
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| Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, the time changes from 4/4 to 6/8 can be a bit awkward! Although in a recent Rhythm magazine there was a full transcription of the song which was awesome! |
Gareth Burnett - www.garethdrums.com - Follow Gareth on Twitter: @GarethGBDrums |
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Andy P
Advanced Contributer
Botswana
1704 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 21:31:04
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| Don't Stop Believing, by Journey. Absolute bitch to play properly. |
If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving's not for you.
12/582
www.andyperfect.com www.dantefox.com www.myspace.com/dantefox
HighWood and Premier drums, Paiste cymbals, DW 9000 pedals, Stagg chilli.
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mully
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
23933 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 21:51:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Andy P
Don't Stop Believing, by Journey. Absolute bitch to play properly.
Play the HH part with your left hand. Then the tom hits and cymbal dings are dead easy.
Stephen |
MD Fount of All Wisdom for Life and Extraordinary Amusement Officer of the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
"Jayz mully, you're like the Django of the internet!" - scottser on the Drumming Ireland forum |
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scaryhair
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2222 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 21:58:19
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I'm going to pick a song that probably only a few know.
'blood and flames' off of the Roadrunner United album. that bugger made me feel stupid and it sounds simple.
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'For a little bugger, you don't half hit 'em hard'
http://www.redskymassacre.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/redskymassacre
Mike Dolbear Forum plumbing and heating question answerer.
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lee haydn
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2070 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 23:17:16
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| "Easy" by Lionel Ritchie, very tricky, especially if playing just from memory,, |
Ludwig Maple Classic (Green Sparkle) + LM400
Sabian HH and Paiste Stanbul vintage
Pro' Racket |
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phillyrhythm
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
183 Posts |
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lee haydn
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2070 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 12:03:47
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| Thats the bit that caught me out at an audition,, i can see why they picked the damn number,, |
Ludwig Maple Classic (Green Sparkle) + LM400
Sabian HH and Paiste Stanbul vintage
Pro' Racket |
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pure_rock_fury
Advanced Contributer
Republic of Korea
5589 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 15:02:46
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quote:
Originally posted by lee haydn
quote:
Originally posted by pure_rock_fury
quote:
Originally posted by lee haydn
Expand please??
Ppplllleeeeeaaaaasssseeeee??????
Dumb ar*e tw*t,,
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premsthebiz
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2232 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 15:08:57
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Right now? Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen in Love? Too quick, too many fast fills, nasty off beat double tom stroke. So, I'm doing what their drummer did live - not playing it like the record haha.
Add to that, pretty much anything I try to play is beyond my ability to sound exactly like the record. I've contented myself with the fact that only knowing drummers in an audience would spot the difference! |
premsthebiz (oh, and highwood too) |
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Andy P
Advanced Contributer
Botswana
1704 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 15:17:17
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quote:
Originally posted by mully
quote:
Originally posted by Andy P
Don't Stop Believing, by Journey. Absolute bitch to play properly.
Play the HH part with your left hand. Then the tom hits and cymbal dings are dead easy.
Stephen
AH! |
If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving's not for you.
12/582
www.andyperfect.com www.dantefox.com www.myspace.com/dantefox
HighWood and Premier drums, Paiste cymbals, DW 9000 pedals, Stagg chilli.
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jamoca
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
12511 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 15:45:10
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quote:
Originally posted by mully
quote:
Originally posted by Andy P
Don't Stop Believing, by Journey. Absolute bitch to play properly.
Play the HH part with your left hand. Then the tom hits and cymbal dings are dead easy.
Stephen
Don't you do that all the time anyway?
Frikkin' lefty weirdo. |
Edible Goody Consumption Officer and Parallel Parking Specialist of the forum's Sonor Delite appreciation society
Personal roistering assistant to Mr Bob Dobalina and (nearly) undisputed Curry King |
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Muttzknuttz1
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1130 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 16:27:48
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| I Love rock and roll, has a nasty extra bit of timing in the chorus, took me ages to nail, seen many guys struggle with what sounds like the easiest song in the world! |
Drummer 1st, Wage slave 2nd!
www.themuttzknuttz.co.uk |
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jimfisher
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
572 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 20:21:11
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As a member of ReGenesis for a few years, I think the hardest tracks were the 9/8 ones, i.e. Apocalypse in 9/8, and Riding The Scree. Dancing With The Moonlit Knight is also tough. The Colony Of Slippermen had some tricky moments. Frankly, all of the early Genesis stuff is hard!
JF |
www.sphere3.co.uk |
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New Boy
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
5166 Posts |
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Pegdrummer
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
3217 Posts |
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PremierIT
New Contributer
Italy
16 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 22:14:05
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Why did you do it (Stretch)..for the two handle shuffle feel & hh sound
Can you do without (Meters)..for the bass drum pattern...and the overall feel of the song
Funky drummer (Clyde Stubblefield)...for the (fast!) one hand HH 16th...But I recently bought S.Moore's book Groove Alchemy and I was pleased to read that it took him (Stanton) years to master that groove...So I keep trying...
Mango Meat (Mandrill)..for the three HH opening followed by two fast BD 16th
Superstition...Yes I also find it difficult...Does anybody know if Stevie W played the HH with one or two hands?? |
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PremierIT
New Contributer
Italy
16 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 22:15:53
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[quote]Originally posted by PremierIT
Why did you do it (Stretch)..for the two HANDS shuffle
........sorry! |
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Tex
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1595 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2012 : 01:03:20
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| If you bury a cat on the 13th friday next by moonlight and make a crucifix out of a pair of Vater 5bs and set fire to it you'll be able to play Superstition the very next day just like your heroes. |
Sitting on top of the mountain isn't the most interesting bit of the climb. Sitting at the bottom aint much fun either. |
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PJRose
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1698 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2012 : 02:27:45
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quote:
Originally posted by MCMartyP
- Footloose. I've always found this a pig to keep the tempo under control because it sits between comfortable 8ths and seemingly-slow quarters on the hi-hat.
You know you're playing 'Footloose' right when the dance floor is stuffed solid with middle aged women!
Personally, I always had trouble with 'Take on Me' by A-Ha.  |
Yamaha Maple Custom 30th Anniversary http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/pjrose/Silver%20Yamaha/DSCF2165_zps94684026.jpg
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wibblylad
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1265 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2012 : 11:13:23
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quote:
Originally posted by jimfisher
Ain't Nobody - Rufus & Chaka Khan - tough to play the groove!
Holding Out For a Hero - Bonnie Tyler - A real slog, with the relentless semi quavers, and all the fills. Just hard work!
JF
Check out John Robinson's 'Star Licks' video where he plays that (and 'Higher Love' - Steve Winwood), unveiling that it's not actually that hard. If you're name's John Robinson..... |
Wanted:
Yamaha 9000RC 16" Floor Tom in 'Deep Aqua'
Here's Hoping..... |
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wibblylad
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1265 Posts |
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wibblylad
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1265 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2012 : 11:20:01
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One number I find difficult to play is 'Nutrocker' - B. Bumble and the Stingers.
Tasty playing on there.
Also, pretty much any of the old rock and roll stuff - 'Good Golly Miss Molly' for example. Yes, I can play it - but not like it sounds on the record.
I think most drummers murder tunes like 'Johnny B Goode', 'Roll Over Beethoven' etc.
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Wanted:
Yamaha 9000RC 16" Floor Tom in 'Deep Aqua'
Here's Hoping..... |
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DyeHouseDrumWorks
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
185 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2012 : 11:42:41
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^ totally agree about the R 'n' R stuff!
Problem is, that these songs are so well known in the public realm that musicians tend not to even reference the original recordings of the tracks - but they really should!
Respect by Aretha Franklin - you'll rarely hear anyone play the kick part like the original, but it's SO good - and important. |
Dye House Drum Works. Find us on Facebook and at at: www.dyehousedrumworks.com |
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lee haydn
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2070 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2012 : 12:01:11
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| I think there is a perception from a lot of drummers that some early rock n roll is unworthy of their attention, this is where the modern drummer was being born,, |
Ludwig Maple Classic (Green Sparkle) + LM400
Sabian HH and Paiste Stanbul vintage
Pro' Racket |
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wibblylad
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1265 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2012 : 12:38:09
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| It was Mr DyeHouseDrumWorks that loaned me the Jeff Porcaro video way back when.... |
Wanted:
Yamaha 9000RC 16" Floor Tom in 'Deep Aqua'
Here's Hoping..... |
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mully
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
23933 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2012 : 12:40:39
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quote:
Originally posted by jamoca
quote:
Originally posted by mully
quote:
Originally posted by Andy P
Don't Stop Believing, by Journey. Absolute bitch to play properly.
Play the HH part with your left hand. Then the tom hits and cymbal dings are dead easy.
Stephen
Don't you do that all the time anyway?
Frikkin' lefty weirdo.
Not in that tune, you rightist hungry fecker.
Stephen |
MD Fount of All Wisdom for Life and Extraordinary Amusement Officer of the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
"Jayz mully, you're like the Django of the internet!" - scottser on the Drumming Ireland forum |
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Prog
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
21202 Posts |
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DyeHouseDrumWorks
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
185 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2012 : 13:44:54
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quote:
Originally posted by wibblylad
It was Mr DyeHouseDrumWorks that loaned me the Jeff Porcaro video way back when....
What a nice guy I once was!?
...you have me at a disadvantage wibblylad... Give me a clue...?! |
Dye House Drum Works. Find us on Facebook and at at: www.dyehousedrumworks.com |
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DyeHouseDrumWorks
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
185 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2012 : 13:47:15
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Aha! [quick profile looksee]
Got you M. McD!
:-) |
Dye House Drum Works. Find us on Facebook and at at: www.dyehousedrumworks.com |
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wibblylad
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1265 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2012 : 17:38:23
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| Wotcha Mr. A! How's things? |
Wanted:
Yamaha 9000RC 16" Floor Tom in 'Deep Aqua'
Here's Hoping..... |
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G Lo
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
423 Posts |
Posted - 13/08/2012 : 15:16:26
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| Bet you look good on the dancefloor - the tempo is a bugger to get right and it feels strange between the intro and verse..... |
Gretsch Black Widow mini-mod and a selection of Paiste 2002s
Playing some loud Britpop!!
http://s1135.photobucket.com/albums/m638/G_Lo12/ |
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MCMartyP
Advanced Contributer
762 Posts |
Posted - 13/08/2012 : 15:42:27
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Having spent a weekend rehearsing with a band I'm doing a one-off gig with, I'm going to add Hotel California and Freebird both as dogs to actually get feeling good (and stopping the band from trying to race away with the tempo - it was like herding cats at times!). Surprisingly difficult songs to nail.
From the same weekend, I'll also file 'Fight For Your Right' under 'easy song but a tempo toughie' - it needs to drive and push, yet be solid and it's all too easy to let the band run away with the tempo. |
Yamaha 9000, '64 L400/Yamaha 8000/Yamaha brass/Premier XPK/Pearl brass piccolo snares, Zildjian A and A Custom dustbin lids, Pearl Eliminator double pedal, Roc 'n' Soc stool and a total lack of practice. |
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Dan Bear Taylor
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
153 Posts |
Posted - 14/08/2012 : 03:25:41
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| Take on me is a killer, I struggle with the fills out of the time change. True by Spandau Ballett can cause several heart stopping moments. |
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JFK
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
554 Posts |
Posted - 14/08/2012 : 16:14:47
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quote:
Originally posted by MCMartyP
Do not underestimate the Quo! Shuffles done right are a rarity in a pub band.
Funnily enough, another song regularly murdered by pub bands due to the shuffle is 'Can't Get Enough'. Me included.
You can probably add a fair chunk of AC/DC's back catalogue to the 'easy sounding, actually really hard to nail' category. I've also always found a lot of Queen's stuff hard to do right.
Is that a shuffle? Doh! |
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