Interview: Creighton Barrett of Band of Horses
If I start this article by saying Band of Horses are singlehandedly saving music you might think I’m a paid spokesperson for the band. Aren’t we all so jaded. I guess I was pretty jaded until I fell in love with this band. Then again the world is filled with spokespersons for all kinds of crap. Creighton Barret is not. He’s a regular guy and a great drummer. And he’s in a great band. And he’s lucky and happy and he’s getting married. He kicks ass. If I told you he was a punk rock/metal guy, would you believe me? Check the video interview. Part 1 here. I usually get to ask my victims what qualities make the best drummer in the world. Instead I’m just going to justify my opening statement about Band of Horses. This will then prove once and for all that Creighton Barrett IS the best drummer in the world. Basically, I think the latest Band of Horses record Infinite Arms is a perfect record. THE perfect record (or fuckin download or whatever you refer to music formats as these days) I also notice that almost all “professional Media” guys talk about a band like its some kind of story. You may know that Band of Horses were on Sub Pop and their contract was up. They hadn’t decided who they wanted to put out their next record so they toured and put the money from touring back into funding the recording of their record themselves. So, since corporate rock is out this season, we have the fact that Infinite Arms was recorded without “The Man” breathing down their neck. Check. I wonder if it’s necessary to compare a band to another band in order to communicate what their music is like or swhat it does to you. I think the mass media and MTV have grooved this concept in so well that it happens on a subconscious level. Lady GaGa is somehow related to Amy Winehouse who was the 2006 version of the 2004 Britney Spears meltdown and it all melts together in a neverending stream of force fed crap. To say Infinite Arms is like a The Band record is not only bad grammar, it sells us all short by inviting the comparison of one piece of art to another. I told Creighton that the album is a religious experience. I’m serious. Here’s part...
Interview: Kurt Dahle of The New Pornographers
Is it just me, or do The New Pornographers set an impossible standard for anyone who aspires to be in a band? If I could list the elements which would comprise the ideal band it would include the following: 1. Top quality Beatlesque catchy pop songs you cant get out of your head. 2. Keith Moon is the drummer. 3. There is no 3 if the above 2 points exist. Thank god for The New Pornographers. And thank TheGhostOf DrumGodsPast for Kurt Dahle! Its one thing to have a band who wear its influences on its sleeve. Its quite another to have a drummer who can drop the most classic drum grooves of all time into the context of a perfectly crafted pop song. This skill is unique to Kurt Dahle. Recently TheBestDrummerInTheWorld.com sat down with Kurt Dahle while the New Pornographers were in Oakland touring behind their new album Together out on Matador Records. Here Kurt gives some insight into the writing process of the band and where to look for cool drum parts to...
Show Review:Tapes ‘N Tapes @ Lincoln Hall, 7/22/10
Tapes ‘N Tapes drummer Jeremy Hanson played an excellent set last week at Lincoln Hall. A lot of linear grooves, surprising odd-meters, and creative percussion. His kit sounded great. Best of all, he and the bass player were of one mind, locked-in. I get the vibe that these guys inspire each other. Like, they play just as hard when they’re jamming in the garage as when they’re playing to a packed theater. I’d heard their records, and enjoyed them well-enough. But seeing them live took my appreciation for them to the next level. The song I recorded, “Manitoba,” was towards the end of the set – I wish I would have caught some other ones, but the audio here is pretty good. It’s just a taste for you. Hope you enjoy it, and keep an eye out for them coming back through Chicago later in the...
Interview: Kelley Stoltz of Sonny and The Sunsets @ Pitchfork Music Festival
Sonny & the Sunsets had a fantastic vibe at Pitchfork. In fact, its hard to think of an adjective besides, “sunny.” Clever arrangements, and each person in the band had moments to shine during the set. Kelley Stoltz holds the drum chair for this group, as well as his own solo project, which he describes as “4/4 blues-based rock.” Kelley enlightened me with his non-nonsense approach, celebrating classic influences but with the benefit of a post-pop lens. TheBestDrummerInTheWorld interviews Kelley Stoltz of Sonny & The Sunsets at Pitchfork Music...
Interview: Anthony LaMarca of St. Vincent @ Pitchfork Music Festival
Anthony LaMarca played a dynamic set with St. Vincent at this year’s Pitchfork, running the gamut from laid-back Levon Helm-style pocket to rigid Kraftwerkian tick-tock, and then finally spreading his free-jazz wings and cutting loose with a chaotic accompaniment to a feedback coda. His performance was the practicing of what he preached in our interview: put the song first, keep it simple, but also embrace the new possibilities opened up by technology. You can see why he’s been called on, not just by Annie Clark (St. Vincent), but also dream-pop patriarch Dean Wareham (Galaxie 500) to be part of their supporting casts. You’ll be able to catch him again in a few months when Dean & Britta play at Lincoln Hall in December. The transcript is in the Description area of the video. –Paul...
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