The Presidents of the U.S.A.

[Whoopysnorp]

I'm aware that a lot of people (a lot of boring stuffed shirts, anyway) don't have much good to say about these guys, but I think they were great. I'm listening to their first album right now, and I'm amazed at how great the drums sound on certain cuts (Boll Weevil, for example). Up front, crisp, and tasty. I think I like the fact that it's not a typical big-budget glossy sound. What do you guys think, and how would you go about getting a similar sound?

[The Garage]

I know what you mean. I'm not a huge fan of their music as much as their sound. Very simple and straight forward. My feeling is the drum sound has just as much to do with the drummer as it did with the recording tech. Jason's got a really simple, tight style. The kit was also really simple. He used: 12" Hand Hammered Regular Hats, 16" Hand Hammered Heavy Ride, 12" AA Splash, 10" AA Splash, kik, snare, and only two toms -- one 12" and one 14". It doesn't sound like the drums (or any of the instruments for that matter) had much reverb on it. This would account for their very in-your-face sound. I'll try to find out more about the recording tech -- mics and all.
What do you think of the Pedro the Lion drum sound? It's a lot different in style and sound -- more open and natural. Still, their drum sounds (as well as the bands' overall sound) are similar in their overall simplicity.
-teddy

[Whoopysnorp]

Not familiar with them, actually. Maybe I'll try and find them on Audiogalaxy. Anyway, I think you're right about Jason's drum setup being integral to the sound. I didn't realize those were 12" hats. They sound pretty cool. I've never played 12s before. And I didn't even know they made 16" rides.

[rondo]

I think they are great too! Check out their live recordings on "Pure Frosting" ... has "Video Killed the Radio Star" and "Cleveland Rocks" on it. They are the masters of good, clean, fun rock. Stuff you can hear once and sing with them every time afterward. Plus it's really fun to play along too. Kinda like the Ramones.