Mike Anthony’s Favorite Drummers, Carter Beauford

Drumming is so fun.  I get a kick out of watching videos on YouTube and even Instagram of relatively unknown drummers, pounding away, making cool rhythms and sounds!  But I look up to some of my drumming heroes with such awe.  Today I wanted to focus on who I think is another drumming great.  It's Mike Anthony's Favorite drummer, Carter Beauford.

Carter Beauford of the Dave Matthews Band has an instantly recognizable sound.  He is known for syncopated rhythms on the hi-hats which sound like he’s almost stuttering or stopping.  And he’s got an in-the-pocket laid-back approach which is so intense it just bounces with the song.  When I first heard him I was amazed at his style.  I think the only thing that bugged me was that he is left-handed and it makes it hard to watch him figure things out.  Nonetheless, I’ve spent hours in my room playing along to some of his beats, trying to execute them in the smooth manner that he does.

This isn’t drumming-related, but any interview I’ve seen with him makes him appear to be super humble and I love that.  Heck, you can catch him playing while smiling this million-dollar smile and chewing bubblegum.  It’s like he’s a kid in awe of the drums, despite being a master of them.  He’s got some really intricate fills and even double bass work especially when the band performs live.  But if you just listen to the records, what he really does is set the tone for the song.

Simply, holding that back beat so tight, yet so relaxed.  The song has a deeper groove because of him.  Some people say he’s too busy in certain parts, but I just think that’s his flare.  He sounds killer on both the studio and live recordings and I can listen to him all day.

Here's one of my favorite tracks with some great hi-hat work.  Let me know what you think!

I’ve recently done a bunch of lyrical themes as the topic for my Question of the Day. It’s been interesting to see what songs listeners think of when I mention, rock N roll, drinking……and love! I always love reading through listener responses to see what the most popular songs or bands are. Listener responses are much more intriguing than my own lol! I wanted to take a look at the Top 5 Love-Themed Rock Songs According To New Jersey Music Fans.

Each weekday I have a feature called First Call Last, where I play a themed block of music based on listener responses to the Question of The Day posted on the DHA Facebook page. As I said, it’s a ton of fun, because I get to go through listener comments and read their answer and they always have some really good ones!

The other day I chose my lyrical theme to be LOVE. It went over really well. There were a number of responses that were really cool. It was interesting to see if people went with over-the-top cheesed-out love anthems or maybe songs of heartbreak or rejection. There are all different types and so many are done really well.

Some listeners find the lovey-dovey ones a little too cheese-filled for their liking, while others enjoy the happiness and romantic lyrics often contained in those power ballads. I love both – Heartbreak anthems and confessions of love. I don’t think you can go wrong either way. It might depend on mood, your relationship status, or just the day…..but there’s a time and a place for each type of song about love.

And boy are there a ton of them too! That’s one of the most popular themes, not only in rock, but all genres. It’s pretty amazing. Let’s take a look at the Top 5 Love-Themed Rock Songs According to NJ Music Fans.

Definitely a different vibe than when DLR was fronting the band. But this one is so good and features some great playing.

Yep - Cheesy.  But catchy and short and sweet.  A great tune from a  legend.

Kind of singing about both sides of love, including the pain you can experience.  Def Leppard at their finest!

A bit of a different spin.  Looking back on your life, ho will you answer when asked "How Did you love?" Shinedown brings it like always.

Being deeply in love and trying to get that person back or keep them in your life.  It's a pretty emotional tune!