Michael Giles is on record as saying he was never happy with the drum sound achieved at Wessex Studios on the first album. Yet for a generation of listeners, this strange almost papery sound was one of the defining features of that debut. As the title states, what we have hear is a drum check as Michael plays around the kit enabling engineer Robin Thompson to get the levels set. I don't know about you but 41 years on it sounds pretty darned good to these ears.
This track is available as part of Mr Stormy's next bumper collection. His Fourth year of treasures from the murky, cavernous DGM archives, torch in hand, fedora upon his head is already available for download.
This track was one of Stormy's Monday selections. It is currently available as part of his next bumper collection. His Fourth year of treasures from the murky, cavernous DGM archives, torch in hand, fedora upon his head is already available for download.
Michael Giles is on record as saying he was never happy with the drum sound achieved at Wess...
Regardless of what he thinks (most musicians are never happy with thier sound, anyway), Giles had the best sounding snare drum ever recorded, hands down. What a great find! Thanks, Stormy...
Written by Jack Floyd
Giles may never have been happy with the sound of his drums, but I just find it extremely beautiful.Thanks for another gem, Stormy!
Written by ALLAN G OKADA
Unmistakable
One of the most distinctive drums sound ever put to tape. I can tell it’s Mike Giles’ kit from a million miles away. As instantly recognizable as Fripp’s guitar from this time... classic...especially the toms...beautiful !
Written by Dan Buxbaum
setting drum levels can equal music!
Ah, the glory days of late-1960’s/early-1970’s English prog-rock drumming (and drumming in general)! Back from a time when young adventurous drummers were influenced by jazz and possessed some swing and finesse to their playing. Unlike more recent years when young drummers are more influenced by sheer technique (hand/foot speed to the detriment of an overall musicality) and rigid time-keeping (the results of the prevalence of the click-track, unwavering 4/4 dance music and Pro Tools uniformi...
Ah, the glory days of late-1960’s/early-1970’s English prog-rock drumming (and drumming in general)! Back from a time when young adventurous drummers were influenced by jazz and possessed some swing and finesse to their playing. Unlike more recent years when young drummers are more influenced by sheer technique (hand/foot speed to the detriment of an overall musicality) and rigid time-keeping (the results of the prevalence of the click-track, unwavering 4/4 dance music and Pro Tools uniformity). Here you can hear Michael Giles’ excellent drumming skills (impressive double bass drum work!?) but at the same time his deft ride cymbal sticking and crisp snare accenting maintains a flowing feel--something which so many of today’s heavy-handed, pounding drummers noticeably lack!