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So, I've been listening to music recently from a totally new angle - percussion. My own musical foray mostly includes guitar, so it's given me a new appreciation for certain songs when I've started to notice the guys in the back of the band who keep the rhythm going, the drummers. Without giving it too much thought or going into too much detail, here's a few of my current favorite drum songs and I invite you to share your own:

Geek U.S.A. - Jimmy Chamberlin: the drum fills in this song are amazing! So varied and intense. The drumming really drives the song and perfectly complements Billy Corgan's blistering guitar and voice. My favorite part is at 4:15 when he comes in right after the bass part changes the tempo. A foremost example of why Chamberlin is one of my favorite modern rock drummers.

Crash Into Me - Carter Beauford: this is not a song that's going to appear on any top 10 lists, or even any top 100 lists, but it's a personal favorite of mine. Few people probably listen to this song for the drums, but I love the marching rhythm of the snare during the verses, contrasted with the booming fills and cymbals of the bridge and outro.

In Bloom - David Grohl: this is just a POWERFUL drum performance. Dave Grohl's performance on Nevermind is one of the reasons the album stands out so much, in my opinion, and he really pounds the freaking drums on this one while keeping the rhythm.

Moby Dick - John Bonham: Best.Drum.Solo.EVER! 'Nuff said.

lots and lots of muse songs. the drum tracks on Assassin, Falling Away With You, Citizen Erased, Dark Shines, Osaka Jam and Helsinki Jam are quite amazing.

also, the drum tracks of Arctic Monkeys songs are very good as well

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Aujourdhui a commence avec toi.

There was an experimental jazzy duo I used to like called Lightning Bolt that was just a bassist and a drummer. Both were tremendous musicians and the drummer in particular could really beat the hell out of his kit, they had a song called 'Fleeing the Valley of Whirling Knives' that was monstrous. The Mars Volta had a section of one of their songs that played in the time signature of 29/16, which I can't even visualize, even when I'm listening to it. And like you said, Morph, Geek USA is incredible, I remember Butch Vig saying something like it was the best drum track he had ever recorded.

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"If art doesn't risk upsetting expectations and challenging its audience, it can only stagnate."

If you want a great tune with wicked drum fills, I would suggest anything by Buddy Rich, specifically Channel One Suite.

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"My name is Atma...I am a power both ancient and unrivaled... I do not bleed, for I am but strength given form...Feeble creatures of flesh...Your time is nigh!"

Awesome topic. My dad's a drummer, and we always look around for great drummers. Me and him both consider Steve Smith to be the best drummer we've ever heard. He was the drummer for Journey, and also a session player for just about everyone. Here's another one.

Favorite drum song? How can I not choose In the Air Tonight? That explosive drum burst is like nothing else. I can't think of anything else right now, except Santana. They always had great percussion.

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Praise Be To Helix!

This song exemplifies my favorite use of percussion (as well as my basic taste in music):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pelzrd1wWIA

Another thought: there's a band called Earthless that does improvisational hard rock stuff, a la Hendrix or early Santana you may want to check out. All three members are incredibly talented at their instrument, the drummer is possibly the best drummer I've heard in years. Try their song 'Godspeed', the first 2:30 or so is atmospheric intro but after that it gets beastly good.

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"If art doesn't risk upsetting expectations and challenging its audience, it can only stagnate."

I can't think of drummers and not instantly think of Neil Pert, who I consider the quintessential drummer. Pretty much any of his body of work could be cited here, because literally everything he does is brilliant.

I'd also submit essentially any work done by Tool, but especially on the Lateralus album, because Danny Carey is, despite his many eccentricities, a drumming legend.

But, as you asked for individual songs:

Baboon, by This Town Needs Guns is a particularly fluid, though mellow track that is fueled entirely by series of insane drum lines and fills. You can check that out here.

In an example of 'less is more', I have to submit the drum intro the the Deftones track "Around the Fur", because it is downright sexy. While not impressive from a technical drumming ability standpoint, I just love the minimalistic yet powerful beat. See for yourself.

If you're into metal at all, I submit Blake Richardson from Between the Buried and Me. Particularly on songs like Obfuscation, Selkies: The Endless Obsession or Prequel to the Sequel

I'll add more as I think of them.

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Okay, but there was a goat!

Ticks & Leeches.
That is all.

Btw, this is the greatest drum solo ever.

This post has been edited by Sherick on 13th October 2010 17:09

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I fear my heart and fear my soul
Life goes on, it surely will,
Without me and I wonder:
Will I ever see light again?

Life goes on...

Always liked the drums in Muse's Map of the Problematique.

Oh and before I forget: Hatredcopter.

This post has been edited by Narratorway on 14th October 2010 04:11

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Arts

Farts

Twarts

I thought I'd post this. This is Tony Royster Jr. when he was 12.... 12!

Keep that in mind, and listen to his volume control. Many pro drummers can't do that that well after years of practice. Anyways, he still drums, not sure who for.

This post has been edited by BlitzSage on 14th October 2010 04:51

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Praise Be To Helix!

Right now he's playing with Jay-Z...yeah. But he does his own stuff too. Damn good I must say
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VRhCenWgDo&feature=fvst

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I fear my heart and fear my soul
Life goes on, it surely will,
Without me and I wonder:
Will I ever see light again?

Life goes on...

Quote (Sherick @ 14th October 2010 16:15)

Right now he's playing with Jay-Z...yeah. But he does his own stuff too. Damn good I must say
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VRhCenWgDo&feature=fvst

Definitely, he was a prodigy, and now he's just one of the best.

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Praise Be To Helix!