Music

Top 10 Air Drumming Anthems

by Barry Taylor

Say hello to the dog days of winter. The roads are bright white from too many saltings. There are fewer people on the sidewalks. And on street corners across the city, the homeless have been replaced by giant grey mounds of snow. This time of year can be depressing. The days are short, the weather is harsh, and the holiday debt still lingers. Most legit doctors will tell you that the best way to cure the winter blues is to air drum your way out of them.

Whether you’re stuck behind an office desk or sitting in traffic, there’s no better way to battle depression than a solid air drum session. Unless you have access to some illicit substances, that would be ideal. But failing that, air drumming is your best option. Here’s the top ten songs to rock out to:

#10  Supersonic by Oasis

Supersonic provides a perfectly simple, 4-4 time drum beat. There’s a double kick throughout the song to keep things interesting but it’s basic enough that you can pull it off while participating in a conversation and/or reviewing company memos.

#9  Things are Getting Better by N.E.R.D.

Not for the casual air-drummer. This song requires a loose wrist and a timing that’s usually reserved for professional bowlers. But what Fred Borden can’t teach you is the endurance that’s requiered to make it through the entire four minutes and sixteen seconds of this jam. That takes practice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wLll0PYKbs

#8  This Could Be Anywhere in the World by Alexisonfire

With all due respect to Jesse Ingelevics, Jordan Hastings was the missing piece Alexisonfire needed to get to the next level. His ability to switch up timings and create thunderous fills are one of the key ingredients to defining the bands unique sound.

#7  No One Knows by Queens of the Stone Age

No air drumming list would be complete without Dave Grohl. Smells Like Teen Spirit could have easily made this Top 10. One could argue that there’s even a place for Smells Like Nirvana. But for this list Grohl will be represented with No One Knows. A song that’s so good Weird Al wouldn’t go near it.

#6  This Respirator by the Flatliners

Anchorless Records recently announced that they’ll be releasing a new series of four way split 7”s this spring. The first one features Chris Creswell of the Flatliners along with Brendan Kelly of Lawrence Arms, Mike Hale of In the Red/Gunmoll and Jeff Rowe.

#5  How You Like Me Now by the Heavy

GREAT: The animation in this video.
GREATER: The beat in this song.
GREATEST: The pencil-thin mohawk on the lead singer’s head.

#4  Lust for Life by Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop will be lend his vocals to the next release from the experimental hard rock project Praxis. “Profanation: Preparation For A Coming Darkness” will also feature collaborations with Serj Tankian, Mike Patton and Wu Tang protégé Killah Priest. The album will hit store shelves February 8.

#3  Paradise City by Guns N’ Roses

To air drum this song properly you’ve got to nail the opening. Start off slow and nurse the high-hat. Then bring in the kick and snare at the twelve second mark with a little flare. Maybe you spin the make-believe stick in between each beat. Or maybe you keep one hand free for pointing at a pretty person across the room. Whatever you do, just be sure that once 1:22 rolls around you’re ready to unleash hell.

#2  I Can Feel it In the Air by Phil Collins

Mike Tyson.

#1  When the Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin

Here’s a weird sociological experiment: Go up to someone (preferably a friend but it’s your call) and say “Hey, did you know that a persons eyebrows and pubic hair are the exact same colour?” They’ll immediately look at your eyebrows. Guaranteed. It’s impossible not to, just like trying to not air drum when this song comes on.