He only really had one rhythm though
Sure, he could play fast and intricate stuff, but it only ever seemed to have been a variation on that thundering 4/4 beat he does over When the Levee Breaks.

Obviously it comes down to preference, but I have much more respect for jazz-trained rock drummers like Ginger Baker, John Densmore or Mitch Mitchell who could throw the rhythm around and do a lot more interesting stuff within the confines of 4/4.
(LongJohnBaldry, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 12:03, 2 replies)

Listen to the crunge
for very interesting timing.
(Obi wanker nobi Its not a bug, its an unexpected feature, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 12:11, closed)

Interesting timing, yes
He's playing a slightly awkward rhythm. But he's just playing one pattern, over and over again. It's too rigid, man. Too rigid!
(LongJohnBaldry, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 12:14, closed)

.
The Crunge, Black Dog, Nobodys Fault But Mine, Candy Store Rock? They mess around with the beat more than enough, nevermind the shuffle of Fool In the Rain.

Plenty of IMTOD is more complicated than it sounds. Granted, some of the songs are 4/4, but Zep's songs would sound gash if you messed up the driving feel that JPJ and Bonham made.

Plus for pure sound / energy, things like Wearing & Tearing dick on Cream, full stop. Keep your Toad, ill take Over The Top anyday!
(steh30, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 12:55, closed)

It's that drive I'm just a bit dubious about
I can see where that drive is and I can feel it in a lot of their songs. But this may just be down to the kind of music that really 'does it' for you: apart from that sort of 'classic' rock, I listen to a lot of jazz. I take your point about the energy in Black Dog, Rock and Roll, etc., but, once they get going, I actually feel far more drive in, say Grant Green's rendition of My Favourite Things or the Oscar Peterson Trio playing Sometimes I'm Happy.

Similarly, if I listen to a lot of Who or Hendrix and get into the feel of it, and I then put Zeppelin on, I find the Zeppelin stodgy by comparison and I think it's just down to the drumming styles; The Who and the Hendrix Experience followed the jazz tradition of having the beat anchored by the bassist and drummers who played around it, whereas Zeppelin probably did a lot for the modern rock approach of having the beat centred around the drummer. This element of it, I think, is just down to preferring one style or t'other, and that's probably why Bonham's playing leaves me cold.
(LongJohnBaldry, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 13:38, closed)

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Fair point!

Not listened to the Oscar Peterson Trio though!

I don't know if you listened to any of the live stuff, compared to the album versions, but Id recommend the DVD for a start. Both JPJ and bonham go off in diff places and make the songs miles better.

And, aside from Wont Get Fooled Again, Moon's drumming isn't that good. Id say I dont understand why everyone rates him so much, but like you say, preference.
(steh30, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 13:49, closed)