Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Dennis Davis




This video blew my little mind. As much as I love David Bowie, I only just like "Look Back In Anger" from the "Lodger" album. The reason I only just like it and not love it, is because I never cared for the erratic drumming on the track. More is too much for these three minutes, or at least this is how I thought I felt since 1978. And then I saw this clip. Tony Visconti isolates Dennis Davis' drums and holy hi-hats Batman! For 40 years, I had been hearing something else.

Now, I love "Look Back In Anger!"

11 comments:

mauijim said...

Sal,

Felt the same about song. Thought it was an odd choice to open 83 tour with it. Listening and watching this, it is impressive.
But does it serve the song? Still think not. Its not gonna make me add song to any David playlist i make nor run to pull out Lodger
But thanks for sharing and spotlighting.

Muzz said...

Astonishing. What an eye-opener. Thanks for sharing.

Mr. Baez said...

So cool. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.

Shriner said...

Really? I always thought the agressive drums drove that song. I would have thought you loved it from the beginning. Shows what I know...

Sal Nunziato said...

I don't typically like overplaying, unless it is someone like Bill Bruford or Neal Peart, where the music calls for it. I always felt like the drumming clashed with everything else, but seeing Davis actually do it, is a whole other ballgame.

Rocket said...

First off, I Agree with Shriner & Sal's Comments Above...
Way too Many Drummers try to over play (Show Off?) when there's no need to Within the Context of the song They are Playing!
I Know, Because I am a Drummer...
Unless it's a Drum Solo - Then Job #1 is to Keep Time for the rest of the musicians!
Everything else You do extends out from there to create the Feeling (or Groove or Whatever-You-Wanna-Call-It) the Singer/Band is trying to Achieve Musically!

Bombshelter Slim said...

Ideally, drums shouldn't act merely as a timekeeper, but should propel the music. This isn't overplaying by any means. Thanks, Sal, for sharing this clip. Pretty amazing...

Sal Nunziato said...

@Bombshelter
As a drummer of 50 years, it's nice to see someone NOT think a drummer is overplaying. But as a drummer of 50 years, I think Dennis Davis is overplaying. Brilliant overplaying! But, wrong for the song.

A walk in the woods said...

At the end of a too-long work day, this slayed me! Thanks for sharing this gem.

buzzbabyjesus said...

I'm sure, after hearing that, "Lodger" is better than I remember.

I think that rhythm section with Carlos, and George were a great band within the band.

I don't think he's overplaying, the drums are exciting, and I can't imagine something sparer serving the song any better. Dave liked it enough.

Dr Wu said...

Absolutely agree with your comments. The D.A.M. Trio!