“Message in a Bottle” serves as the driving lead single from The Police’s 1979 sophomore album, ‘Reggatta de Blanc’, earning the band their first of five UK number-one hits. While the song is famous for Sting’s story of a stranded castaway and Andy Summers’ iconic guitar riff, it is Stewart Copeland’s complex, reggae-influenced drumming that provides the track’s unique kinetic energy. Isolated drum tracks reveal Copeland’s masterclass in orchestration, featuring overdubbed ride cymbal bells on the backbeat and a signature snare sound that, despite its high-pitched “crack,” is actually tuned with a surprisingly musical mid-range overtone. One of the track’s most daring rhythmic choices occurs during the second verse, where Copeland completely drops the snare out without losing the momentum of the groove.
Travis Barker Breaks the Mold on Blink-182’s “Adam’s Song” With Nuanced, Emotion-Driven Drumming
“Adam’s Song” stands as a poignant departure from the high-octane pop-punk of Blink-182’s 1999 breakthrough album, ‘Enema of the State’. Musically, the track is a masterclass for drummer Travis Barker, whose performance blends Stewart Copeland-inspired embellishments with hip-hop grooves and marching band chops. Despite its slower tempo, the drum part remains intricate and busy, showcasing Barker’s technical versatility and his ability to add sophisticated rhythmic texture to the song’s heavy themes of depression and loneliness.
Neil Peart’s Isolated Drums Reveal the Precision and Power Behind Rush’s “La Villa Strangiato”
“La Villa Strangiato” stands as the definitive nine-minute instrumental finale of Rush’s 1978 album ‘Hemispheres’, inspired by the vivid dreams of guitarist Alex Lifeson. Subtitled “An Exercise in Self-Indulgence,” the track serves as an undeniable showcase for the late Neil Peart, whose performance here remains a holy grail for the global drumming community. From the stamina-sapping opening hi-hat and snare patterns to the complex ride and snare paradiddle combinations, Peart’s technical precision and “rare groove” funk sensibilities are on full display. The isolated tracks provide an intimate look at the Canadian prog-rock pioneer’s intricate world-building, proving why he is considered one of the most influential percussionists in history while offering a vocal-free gateway into the band’s virtuosic complexity.
Stevie Wonder’s Isolated Drums Reveal How He Built the Funk Groove of “Superstition”
“Superstition” remains the quintessential funk anthem, released in 1972 as the lead single from Stevie Wonder’s seminal 15th studio album, ‘Talking Book’. While famous for its Hohner Clavinet riff, the track is equally renowned for its iconic drum performance, played by Wonder himself. The drum tracks reveal a masterclass in syncopation, featuring a tricky, evolving one-handed hi-hat intro and hidden bass drum ghost notes that often get lost beneath the song’s driving bassline. Reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973, the song earned two Grammy Awards and has since been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest songs of all time, standing as a testament to Stevie’s singular genius as a multi-instrumentalist.
John Bonham’s Isolated Drums Reveal the Genius Behind Led Zeppelin’s “Fool In The Rain”
“Fool in the Rain” stands as a rhythmic cornerstone of the 1979 album ‘In Through the Out Door’, serving as the final single released by Led Zeppelin in the U.S. before their 1980 disbandment. The track is celebrated for John Bonham’s sophisticated half-time shuffle, a groove that cements his legacy alongside masters like Bernard Purdie and Jeff Porcaro. Inspired by the samba rhythms of the 1978 World Cup, the song famously transitions into a vibrant Latin breakdown complete with street whistles and Bonzo’s expertly placed timpani crashes. The isolated tracks reveal the sheer precision of the “hop-skip” riff and the legendary “ankle-killing” triplet bass drum notes that continue to define the pinnacle of rock drumming.
Chad Smith’s Isolated Drums Show How Red Hot Chili Peppers Changed Funk Rock Forever With “Give It Away”
“Give It Away” serves as the high-octane lead single from the 1991 masterpiece ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’, marking the start of Red Hot Chili Peppers’s iconic six-album partnership with producer Rick Rubin. Recorded at “The Mansion,” the track is famous for Chad Smith’s natural, punchy drum sound and the altruistic lyrical refrain inspired by Anthony Kiedis’s time with Nina Hagen. The song earned the band their first number-one single on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks and a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance, solidifying their status as global rock heavyweights.
Jeff Porcaro’s Isolated Drum Track From Toto’s “Rosanna” Remains the Gold Standard of the Half-Time Shuffle
“Rosanna” stands as the definitive opening track of the 1982 masterpiece ‘Toto IV’, winning Record of the Year at the 1983 Grammys for its peerless production and technical brilliance. The song is world-renowned for the “Rosanna shuffle,” a complex half-time groove developed by legendary studio ace Jeff Porcaro that fused the Bernard Purdie shuffle with the “Fool in the Rain” beat. Reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100, this premium slice of jazz-rock remains a staple of musical education and a testament to the band’s sophisticated songwriting and rhythmic mastery.
Frontiers Music Srl Releases Timeless Jimi Jamison Collection ‘1998 Live Hits’
Frontiers Music Srl is celebrating the legacy of one of melodic rock’s most iconic voices with the release of the Jimi Jamison collection, ‘1998 Live Hits’. This powerful time capsule captures Jamison at a pivotal point in his post-Survivor career, pulling recordings from three vibrant shows in Little Rock, Nashville, and Bettendorf. The album serves as a masterclass in live performance, featuring electrifying renditions of Survivor staples like “Burning Heart” and “High on You” alongside deep cuts and Jamison’s own solo work, including the legendary Baywatch theme “I’m Always Here.” To mark the arrival of this collection, a live version of the anthem “I Can’t Hold Back” has been released with an official visualizer, offering a glimpse into the raw “Memphis soul” and undeniable vocal prowess that Jamison brought to every stage he graced.
The ensemble backing Jamison on these recordings highlights a deep musical camaraderie, with several members’ roots stretching back to his 1970s band, Target. Longtime collaborators Jeff Adams and Hal Butler provide a rock-solid foundation on bass and keyboards, while guitarists Chris Adamson and Wes Henley deliver the textured, melodic interplay essential to the Peterik and Sullivan songbook. Henley, who also supervised the recordings, brings an intimate touch to the production that reflects the “family” dynamic of the band. From a haunting cover of The Doors’ “Riders on the Storm” to the high-octane energy of “Eye of the Tiger,” ‘1998 Live Hits’ stands as a definitive tribute to an era and a spirit that continues to resonate with fans globally.
Track Listing – ‘1998 Live Hits’:
- Burning Heart
- High On You
- Rebel Son
- I’m Always Here
- I See You In Everyone
- Rock Hard
- Oceans
- The Search Is Over
- Is This Love
- I Can’t Hold Back
- Riders On The Storm
- Too Hot To Sleep
- Eye Of The Tiger
David Lee Roth Set To Headline Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff 2026
The “Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling” is gearing up for a high-octane start as the legendary David Lee Roth has been confirmed to headline the Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff on August 7, 2026. Performing at the Buffalo Chip for the first time in over two decades, Diamond Dave is set to storm the Wolfman Jack Main Stage with a setlist comprised entirely of the Van Halen mega-hits that defined an era. Fans can expect a relentless barrage of classics, including “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot For Teacher,” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” ensuring the rally opens with the signature energy only Roth can provide. Buffalo Chip CEO Rod Woodruff noted that Roth’s mission of “selling smiles” perfectly aligns with the festival’s spirit, making this a long-awaited homecoming for one of rock’s most iconic showmen.
The kickoff festivities on Friday will serve as the powder keg for the 85th Sturgis Rally, featuring a packed schedule that includes the High Octane Bike Show, a Support Bikers Moto Meetup, and a grand parade leading into the amphitheater for the traditional “Rally Roar.” David Lee Roth joins an already powerhouse 2026 lineup that includes country superstar Lainey Wilson, Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd, and a highly anticipated Buffalo Chip debut from Megadeth. Running from August 7 through August 16, the ten-day festival continues to serve as the global epicenter for music and motorcycle culture, blending world-class stunts and racing with a soundtrack of rock ‘n’ roll history. Passes are currently available for those looking to secure their spot at what is shaping up to be a historic celebration of the riff.
The Fake Friends Spark Dance-Punk Tension on ‘A Sucker Born Every Minute’
Montreal’s The Fake Friends are officially kicking off the rollout for their debut LP, ‘Let’s Not Overthink This’, with the high-octane lead single “A Sucker Born Every Minute.” Released via Stomp Records, the track is a sharp jolt of post-punk energy that weaves dance-punk rhythms into a gritty, early-2000s alternative backbone. Frontman Matthew Savage leads a six-piece lineup of Montreal scene veterans whose roots bridge the gap between frantic hardcore and melodic power-pop. Recorded at Mixart studios with producer and engineer Jordan Barillaro, the single captures a restless, rhythmic focus, grounding its jagged guitar work in the kind of emotional honesty and self-recognition that has become a hallmark for the band.
Arriving in full on February 13, 2026, ‘Let’s Not Overthink This’ expands the band’s scope with bigger arrangements and a heavier emphasis on the interplay between keys and guitars. The project grew out of the tight-knit, collaborative ecosystem of Montreal’s indie scene, featuring guest spots from various local “Good Friends” to enhance its raucous, community-driven sound. Having built a reliable reputation on the road alongside acts like the Buzzcocks and Wine Lips, the band is now stepping fully into their identity with a record that feels intentional even in its messiest moments. It’s a bold first chapter for a group that prefers to keep moving forward, reminding listeners that the best music usually happens when you simply stop overthinking it.