Tricky Drumbeats for Double Friday

Double Song Friday! It's finally here! Huzzah! Time to let your hair down, or really, whatever you wish to do.

So, I really like to drive. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to drive, and drive fast. The best thing about driving, besides the speed, is doing so while cranking up the stereo. Some songs really just bring it out of you. You enter that special place where the music surrounds you, the car becomes you, and the world whips by.

Sometimes however, traffic happens. At that point, you are stuck in your tin can, and the music can become just annoying. You look over, and that lady has just picked her nose. That doesn't gross you out as much as the time she is taking to observe the gargantuan wonder the end of her finger.

Close your eyes, concentrate on tapping out the beat on your steering wheel. That's it. Let's play with these two songs, and the world can slip away.

In 1987, the Bangles covered Simon and Garfunkles' "Hazy Shade of Winter" for the movie Less than Zero. The tune is excellent, with this featuring the vocal harmonies of the complete band, layered with a really angry guitar. But really try to get down the drum beat (includuing the kick drum), which is loud, driving, and includes, awesomely so, a cowbell. It becomes an exercise in fun. If this song isn't on Rock Band or Guitar Hero World Tour, it would be a damn shame (it's not, which bites).

In 1981, Dire Straits released "Skateaway," from the album Making Moves. The corresponding video was done way back when bands actually made fun videos. Just about a girl with rollerskates and a walkman. It starts with the drumbeat, this time a little more complicated. Syncopated rhythm, 8th note beats on kickdrum, and the drummer actually used more of his skins and crash cymbals. For those of you who like to air-drum, this song has to be at the top of your list. The rest of the song is awesome and infectious. Keyboards, Rhythm and Bass Guitar... but this song is about the drums and that twangy lead guitar. Including the fade out. Awesome.


The Bangles -- "Hazy Shade of Winter"



Dire Straits -- Skateaway

Try it out. Give it a shot. What else are you going to do, watch her pick another winner?
-om