Just got out of an excruiciatingly bad session. This one was tragic. Three piece rock band--drums, guitar, bass. Guitarist and bassist sing. Both of the singers were FIRST RATE--total pro's that cut awesome vocals in a few takes that sound amazing. Guitarist was pretty good--definately above average. Bass player was solid as well with good chops and knowing when to keep it simple.
So what's the problem you ask?
WORST DRUMMER EVER.
This guy was in his late 40's and seemed like he'd done way too many drugs. He constantly forgot where he was in the song (even though the singers were giving him guide tracks including guitar and bass!!), he'd stop midway thru a beat and go "sorry, I forgot what I was supposed to play" when what he was supposed to play was more kick-snare-kick-snare 4/4 beats like he does thru each song. He had bad tempo and timing, hit the toms like a pansy, and had this lifeless feel to his drums.
The *worst* element was that every dozen or so hits of the high hat (8th notes) he'd somehow miss one, or forget it or something. It was *so* godawful.
I have no idea how such a talented guitarist and singer can tolerate this lunkhead's suck. I mean, these guys had good songs, cheesy but commercial lyrcis, good playing, great voices (harmonies and everything) all on top of a guy that sounds like a failing first year drum student.
Frighteningly the guy had an expensive beech Yamaha drum kit that was immense. It sounded great after I had tuned it... and then he stepped on the kit and it became obvious that someone put the "SUCK" knob on 11.
If there's any interest I'll post a link to the song when they finish up some of the parts. Thankfully I passed the mixing duties on to someone else. Tracking this was soooo annoying.
So what's the problem you ask?
WORST DRUMMER EVER.
This guy was in his late 40's and seemed like he'd done way too many drugs. He constantly forgot where he was in the song (even though the singers were giving him guide tracks including guitar and bass!!), he'd stop midway thru a beat and go "sorry, I forgot what I was supposed to play" when what he was supposed to play was more kick-snare-kick-snare 4/4 beats like he does thru each song. He had bad tempo and timing, hit the toms like a pansy, and had this lifeless feel to his drums.
The *worst* element was that every dozen or so hits of the high hat (8th notes) he'd somehow miss one, or forget it or something. It was *so* godawful.
I have no idea how such a talented guitarist and singer can tolerate this lunkhead's suck. I mean, these guys had good songs, cheesy but commercial lyrcis, good playing, great voices (harmonies and everything) all on top of a guy that sounds like a failing first year drum student.
Frighteningly the guy had an expensive beech Yamaha drum kit that was immense. It sounded great after I had tuned it... and then he stepped on the kit and it became obvious that someone put the "SUCK" knob on 11.
If there's any interest I'll post a link to the song when they finish up some of the parts. Thankfully I passed the mixing duties on to someone else. Tracking this was soooo annoying.