Best Beats in Music -- with audio

[Zeldar]

Long cool woman (in a black dress) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqrAD6i5ZhQ&feature=related)

sugarloaf - green eyed lady (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc1PHk9FhIk)

The Beatles Day Tripper (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2UYRoti-tY)

Pink Floyd - Money (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRUR94yMjew&feature=related)

Stevie Wonder ~ Superstition (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDZFf0pm0SE)

Michael Jackson - Billie Jean (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En-cHBv7UpA)

Just to get it started. Rock on!

[Zeldar]

The Granddaddy of them all: Whatd I Say (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvUVqu7qIVw&feature=related) in an extended version.

[Zeldar]

Some real Oldies:

Chet Atkins "Boo Boo Stick Beat' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKxHRbV6jdU)

BILL DOGGETT HONKY TONK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adHloZlumxU)

Booker T & the MG's - green onions - mod classic 60s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-7QSMyz5rg)

The Ventures "Walk Don't Run" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ11y7pYl-8)

[Zeldar]

The Mar-Keys: from the Night Before to the Morning After (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z0tgGMAdoc)
actually three songs:
1) Last Night - 1961 hit
2) Night Before
3) Morning After - nonhit single

B. B. King & Eric Clapton - The Thrill Is Gone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6gDeGdQ3rM)
and another version:

B.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone: 1993/Live At B.B. King's Blues Club, Blues Summit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtm66Z3lebc&feature=channel)

Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z67soz7nT8&feature=related)

Boz Scaggs - Lowdown (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65EoK4OelZU)

"Monterey", Eric Burdon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvs8U0oxnlI)

Gino Vannelli - People Gotta Move (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzDmDqKMt58&feature=related)

Chicago (band)- "Mongonucleosis" LIVE 1977 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVpBk2c2lME&feature=related)

[Zeldar]

Oh, and by the way, this was meant as an invitation to post links to audio/video of what you consider to be among the Best Beats in Music.

These just happen to be some of my favorites. I'm sure I have others I can list later.

Meanwhile, add to the stack. Please.

[N9IWP]

Deserving at least an honorable mention - YYZ by Rush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oaZ-9GfOK8

(the beat is YYZ in Morse Code. YYZ being the airport code for Toronto)

Brian

[Argent Towers]

All The Pretty Little Horses (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxIox923IOo) by Calexico.

(Nearly anything by Calexico, for that matter)

TNT (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJdv2DGu-qc) by Tortoise.

(Nearly anything with John McIntyre playing the drums, for that matter)

[Contrapuntal]

Roy Head, Treat Her Right (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BLQgQNuN-M&feature=related)

[Zeldar]

Barret Strong - Money (That's what I want) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oNrreaCeDY)

Dave Brubeck - Unsquare Dance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFqoPfP1KHc)

richie cole hi-fly (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=574L-QTmCtg&feature=related)

[drastic_quench]

Sweet - Ballroom Blitz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrBDivsSe3k

Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMFYs3gfgis

James Gang - Funk 49
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_qHU_6Ofc0

Good calls in the OP. Green-Eyed Lady is a big favorite of mine.

Duh, can't believe I got:

Queen - Another One Bites the Dust
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQRfBAzSzo

[drastic_quench]

Golden Earring - Radar Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeRa3RtBiIU

[salinqmind]

I lack the knowledge of how to link, but may I suggest any of a number of offerings by Janet Jackson? And Led Zeppelin - 'When The Levee Breaks'.

[Zeldar]

PETER GUNN THEME (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcflCzZlLcQ&feature=related)

Mission Impossible Theme Tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWfLThXoC8Y)

Fleetwood Mac - You Make Loving Fun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5eCEdu_gQE&feature=related)

Chain Of Fools (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-uNb_Nihuk&feature=related)

Dire Straits - Money For Nothing (Wembley Arena) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDpMqKSrr7Y&feature=related)

The Allman Brothers Band with Duane - Whipping Post - Fillmore East - 09/23/1970 (Part 1) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHhKnc0XZrs&feature=related)

Allman Brothers - In Memory of Elizabeth Reed - 1970 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXrcINvsREU&feature=related)

Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler - Cocaine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kInoeTycY60&feature=related)

JERRY REED / GUITAR MAN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nriDJjdiHKM)

Carnival Dance- Black Orpheus - Marcel Camus 1959 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ7F0Fkydhk)

[Zeldar]

Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GasRJS8eiLY)

Blast! Drumline Battery Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=186Fdc59tWY&feature=related)

Stomp- Stomp Out Loud (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu15Ou-jKM0)

Art Blakey - Blues March (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24e9dRcOUkY&feature=related)

Buddy Rich Drum Solo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mn83f4mZ0s)

Omar Hakim on Roland V-Drum (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE2CxdskGII&feature=related)

Joe Morello - Magnificent Drum Solo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzL7_P1_2qE)

Ed Shaughnessy Drum Solo (Tribute to Buddy Rich) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boZUSJU8FGY&feature=related)

Gene Krupa- Sing, Sing, Sing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9J5Zt2Obko)

Rare Steve Gadd!! 2 good clips!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRAVnSo2twM&feature=related)

[K364]

Dave Brubek Quartet - Take Five (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVGotpIxkGU&feature=related)

[Zeldar]

Kodō - Best Drummer Ever "japanese drums" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hNZBXFaSFE&feature=related)

[Hunter Hawk]

All The Pretty Little Horses (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxIox923IOo) by Calexico.

Outta curiosity, what's your opinion of this version vs. the versions by Current 93 or Coil?

[Zeldar]

ANDY NARELL +TRINIDAD ALL STARS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjIM87Z_bNc&feature=related)

[Mister Rik]

Just out of curiosity, does the OP mean "best beats" or "best grooves"? Two different, though related, things. The sample songs in the OP make me think "grooves" was intended.

[Zeldar]

Just out of curiosity, does the OP mean "best beats" or "best grooves"? Two different, though related, things. The sample songs in the OP make me think "grooves" was intended.

Whatever works for you.

[Zeldar]

Just out of curiosity, does the OP mean "best beats" or "best grooves"? Two different, though related, things. The sample songs in the OP make me think "grooves" was intended.

I guess Groove (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groove_(music)) is what I should have called them. They were "beats" before they were "grooves" and I guess I wasn't paying attention when the names changed.

Sorry for the confusion.

[Mister Rik]

There's a definite difference between the two terms, actually. The best, simplest way I can think to describe the difference is this: the beat tell you when to move your feet; the groove is the reason why you move your feet. Another way of saying it would be that the beat is what you play, the groove is how you play it.

The thing is that "beat" has a fairly straightforward, long-established definition, but "groove", as the Wikipedia article states, is hard to define. It's one of those things you know when you hear/feel it. A "beat" can be flawless, but have no groove, which was one of the problems with early drum machines. Perfect beats, but with no feeling.

I don't mean to be pedantic, it's just that as a bass player one of my primary functions is to establish a groove with the drummer. I've played with some drummers and from the very first song we "locked in" and created a sweet groove, and I've played with other drummers who may have been technically skilled, but for one reason or another we just couldn't establish that "feel" together (and I'm not blaming the drummers here - I could be just as much at fault for being unable to lock in with the drummer as he is for not locking in with me).

Anyway, I'm not a Michael Jackson fan, but I've always thought that Billy Jean has one of the best grooves ever recorded. I also had no idea Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress was by The Hollies. I always thought that was CCR :smack:

[Zeldar]

There's a definite difference between the two terms, actually. The best, simplest way I can think to describe the difference is this: the beat tell you when to move your feet; the groove is the reason why you move your feet. Another way of saying it would be that the beat is what you play, the groove is how you play it.

The thing is that "beat" has a fairly straightforward, long-established definition, but "groove", as the Wikipedia article states, is hard to define. It's one of those things you know when you hear/feel it. A "beat" can be flawless, but have no groove, which was one of the problems with early drum machines. Perfect beats, but with no feeling.

I don't mean to be pedantic, it's just that as a bass player one of my primary functions is to establish a groove with the drummer. I've played with some drummers and from the very first song we "locked in" and created a sweet groove, and I've played with other drummers who may have been technically skilled, but for one reason or another we just couldn't establish that "feel" together (and I'm not blaming the drummers here - I could be just as much at fault for being unable to lock in with the drummer as he is for not locking in with me).

Anyway, I'm not a Michael Jackson fan, but I've always thought that Billy Jean has one of the best grooves ever recorded. I also had no idea Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress was by The Hollies. I always thought that was CCR :smack:

Something tells me that if "I don't mean to be pedantic" had been the case, and if you really wondered whether this thread was about "grooves" instead of "beats" that you might have given the benefit of the doubt to the 44 examples that I had posted before you asked your question. If your purpose was to demonstrate a more credentialed presence in the thread long enough to derail what had been an exercise in providing (as the title indicated) audio examples of what you consider to be among the Best Beats (or Best Grooves) then it looks as if you may have achieved your objective.

But just to demonstrate that the word "beat" can have synonymous usage to "groove" (at least long enough that some examples might clarify things) you could check http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beat[2] where you will see:
4 a: a metrical or rhythmic stress in poetry or music or the rhythmic effect of these stresses b: the tempo indicated (as by a conductor) to a musical performer c: the pronounced rhythm that is the characteristic driving force in some types of music (as jazz or rock) ; also : 2rock 2
and since that definition refers to http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rock[2] you can see there that 2 : popular music usually played on electronically amplified instruments and characterized by a persistent heavily accented beat, repetition of simple phrases, and often country, folk, and blues elements


Since your claim is that as a musician yourself you should be able to identify "good grooves" from "bad grooves" perhaps you could join the spirit of the thread and post some examples, not just names, but links to some audio, of some clear cases of each type. If you wish to leave the "bad grooves" for another thread, that would suit me just fine.

In passing, I'll endorse your comments: Anyway, I'm not a Michael Jackson fan, but I've always thought that Billy Jean has one of the best grooves ever recorded. I also had no idea Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress was by The Hollies. I always thought that was CCR :smack:

But my main purposes in starting this thread in CS as opposed to GD have been that:

1) I didn't want to engage in debate about what made a good beat. I wanted examples.

2) I wanted the entries in this thread to be more specific than just "favorite YouTube clips." There are quite a few of those threads already in place.

Please don't get this moved to GD!

[Mister Rik]

Something tells me that if "I don't mean to be pedantic" had been the case, and if you really wondered whether this thread was about "grooves" instead of "beats" that you might have given the benefit of the doubt to the 44 examples that I had posted before you asked your question. If your purpose was to demonstrate a more credentialed presence in the thread long enough to derail what had been an exercise in providing (as the title indicated) audio examples of what you consider to be among the Best Beats (or Best Grooves) then it looks as if you may have achieved your objective.

No, I wasn't trying to derail the thread or get it moved. I was honestly a bit confused. When I saw posts #14 and #16, I didn't notice those were also by you (I usually don't look at the name of every poster before reading each post), and I thought somebody must have been thinking the same question I was thinking, and that they decided to be a smart-aleck and post a bunch of drum solos instead of just asking for clarification. And truthfully, if I had noticed those posts were yours, I would have been even more confused about what you were looking for and I still would have asked my original question because posts 14 & 16 appeared to be at odds with the OP (meaning the OP fit my understanding of "groove", while 14 & 16 fit "beat"). But not just those posts - most of the other posts seemed strictly divided between "beat" and "groove", which led me to think I wasn't the only one unclear about what was being asked.

But apologies if I came across as a dick. I perhaps got overenthusiastic because I've been reading posts on all sorts of topics here for quite some time and reading answers from people who really know their stuff, and it's not often somebody posts a topic that falls into my personal "area of expertise". So finally somebody (you) does, and I guess I was too eager to finally get to offer my "expert" opinion. I simply wanted to be perfectly clear on what you were looking for.

[Zeldar]

No, I wasn't trying to derail the thread or get it moved. I was honestly a bit confused. When I saw posts #14 and #16, I didn't notice those were also by you (I usually don't look at the name of every poster before reading each post), and I thought somebody must have been thinking the same question I was thinking, and that they decided to be a smart-aleck and post a bunch of drum solos instead of just asking for clarification. And truthfully, if I had noticed those posts were yours, I would have been even more confused about what you were looking for and I still would have asked my original question because posts 14 & 16 appeared to be at odds with the OP (meaning the OP fit my understanding of "groove", while 14 & 16 fit "beat"). But not just those posts - most of the other posts seemed strictly divided between "beat" and "groove", which led me to think I wasn't the only one unclear about what was being asked.

But apologies if I came across as a dick. I perhaps got overenthusiastic because I've been reading posts on all sorts of topics here for quite some time and reading answers from people who really know their stuff, and it's not often somebody posts a topic that falls into my personal "area of expertise". So finally somebody (you) does, and I guess I was too eager to finally get to offer my "expert" opinion. I simply wanted to be perfectly clear on what you were looking for.

Apologies accepted. I'm renewing my request for you to post some examples and indicate whether "beat" or "groove" or "rhythm" is more a factor in them.

If I appear to have multiple definitions of "beat" in play, that's probably because it's true. The "groove" aspect of the OP and the next 5 or 6 posts gave way to posts where some fine drumming is in evidence.

As I tried to indicate above, I was hoping this thread would be "beat" oriented, and that "beat" could include the various meanings it may have.

I even want to include any Classical music where the beat or rhythm is pronounced and catchy. Ravel's Bolero, for instance.

I have no objection to your (or anybody else's) making a mini-lecture about these differences. But I would really appreciate fewer words and more links.

Tally Ho!

[Zeldar]

Babatunde Djembe performance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT2J1Ot9N5c)

For my money this is as much Groove as Beat.

[mswas]

Beat: Drums
Groove: Bassline

That's about as succinct as it gets

[Zeldar]

Beat: Drums
Groove: Bassline

That's about as succinct as it gets

I'm all for succinct, but not at the expense of accurate. Is it your position that the Babatunde Djembe performance above is just Beat? See, I contend that the groove these guys achieve is free of the bassline you seem to require.

To me the groove is the collective pulse that more than one performer gets out of the effort. Said another way: one performer has trouble getting a groove going; it takes at least two. But the bass isn't a requirement for a groove.

In this particular sense I'm equating groove and beat.

[Chingon]

Ozomatli - Cumbia de los Muertos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGKazbHd7Pc)

Charles Mingus - Moanin' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__OSyznVDOY)

Sammy Nestico - Belly Roll (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfybeD50vyE) (sorry best quality I could find...)

[Zeldar]

Absolutely, Chingon! Made me think of El Chicano - Viva Tirado Live 1971 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndjqEA37CSY&feature=PlayList&p=B3616C4CE96FE400&index=0&playnext=1)

[mswas]

I'm all for succinct, but not at the expense of accurate. Is it your position that the Babatunde Djembe performance above is just Beat? See, I contend that the groove these guys achieve is free of the bassline you seem to require.

To me the groove is the collective pulse that more than one performer gets out of the effort. Said another way: one performer has trouble getting a groove going; it takes at least two. But the bass isn't a requirement for a groove.

All of this is fair enough but this:

In this particular sense I'm equating groove and beat.

Does not follow. The Groove can be the beat in some cases yes, and it's definitely a visceral thing. 'What is Jazz?' "If you have to ask baby, you'll never know." It's one of those sorts of things, but in most pop music the beat is the drums and the groove is the bassline.

[Zeldar]

How about this one, then? rare silk (I can recall) Spain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKctCC3ZmLk)

[Chingon]

Zeldar your post reminded me of another entry:

Chick Corea -
Spain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOFs40ekTV0&feature=related) (gotta wait for a minute or two for it to kick into gear, but its worth it)

As for the beat v groove thing, I understand the precise need for terminology, but I am interpreting is loosely as:

it invokes such a primitive reaction in me that I have to move along with it, regardless of much of a fool it makes me look.

[Zeldar]

Chingon, in case you haven't already, check out the version of Spain on that same page as your link that features Bobby McFerrin and Bela Fleck.

Above I pretty much ruled out a one-man groove. I still feel that a true groove is a collaborative effort by at least two. But if any one man can pull it off, among the most likely is Adrian Legg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd4uVwxsSHk&feature=related) although Jose Feliciano (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFvqmIi9Ymc) can compete. I would hope that there's little doubt that both these guys, without drums or bass, are laying down a solid beat.

Adding after post: I like that simple way of looking at the issue, Chingon.

[Zeldar]

Okay. I count over 60 examples so far. Using whatever definition of Beat, Groove, Rhythm, Pulse, or whatever term you'd use to describe the majority of selections in this thread, select a minimum of 5 and as many as 10 from the list below that you personally would consider in the Top 5 or Top 10 of those listed.

This is for everybody reading the thread, whether you posted yet or not.

The list:

==================================

Long cool woman (in a black dress)

sugarloaf - green eyed lady

The Beatles Day Tripper

Pink Floyd - Money

Stevie Wonder ~ Superstition

Michael Jackson - Billie Jean

Whatd I Say

Chet Atkins "Boo Boo Stick Beat'

BILL DOGGETT HONKY TONK

Booker T & the MG's - green onions - mod classic 60s

The Ventures "Walk Don't Run"

The Mar-Keys: from the Night Before to the Morning After
actually three songs:
1) Last Night - 1961 hit
2) Night Before
3) Morning After - nonhit single

B. B. King & Eric Clapton - The Thrill Is Gone

B.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone: 1993/Live At B.B. King's Blues Club, Blues Summit

Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley

Boz Scaggs - Lowdown

"Monterey", Eric Burdon

Gino Vannelli - People Gotta Move

Chicago (band)- "Mongonucleosis" LIVE 1977

YYZ by Rush

All The Pretty Little Horses by Calexico.

TNT by Tortoise.

Roy Head, Treat Her Right

Barret Strong - Money (That's what I want)

Dave Brubeck - Unsquare Dance

richie cole hi-fly

Sweet - Ballroom Blitz

Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak

James Gang - Funk 49

Queen - Another One Bites the Dust

Golden Earring - Radar Love

Led Zeppelin - 'When The Levee Breaks'.

PETER GUNN THEME

Mission Impossible Theme Tune

Fleetwood Mac - You Make Loving Fun

Chain Of Fools

Dire Straits - Money For Nothing (Wembley Arena)

The Allman Brothers Band with Duane - Whipping Post

Allman Brothers - In Memory of Elizabeth Reed

Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler - Cocaine

JERRY REED / GUITAR MAN

Carnival Dance- Black Orpheus - Marcel Camus

Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.

Blast! Drumline Battery Battle

Stomp- Stomp Out Loud

Art Blakey - Blues March

Buddy Rich Drum Solo

Omar Hakim on Roland V-Drum

Joe Morello - Magnificent Drum Solo

Ed Shaughnessy Drum Solo (Tribute to Buddy Rich)

Gene Krupa- Sing, Sing, Sing

Rare Steve Gadd!! 2 good clips!!

Dave Brubek Quartet - Take Five

Kodo - Best Drummer Ever "japanese drums"

ANDY NARELL +TRINIDAD ALL STARS

Babatunde Djembe performance

Ozomatli - Cumbia de los Muertos

Charles Mingus - Moanin'

Sammy Nestico - Belly Roll

El Chicano - Viva Tirado Live 1971

rare silk (I can recall) Spain

Chick Corea - Spain

Adrian Legg

Jose Feliciano

[HoboStew]

One of my alltime favorite drum beats - Garden Groove by Sublime (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA5bvQP1bdw).

[Eklektik]

In re: to Zeldar, my top 5 from the ones already given would be:

Green-Eyed Lady - Sugarloaf
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Radar Love - Golden Earring
Lowdown - Boz Scaggs
Peter Gunn Theme - Henry Mancini


And, to add a few that I like that aren't on the list:

If you're going to say Billie Jean, then you have to name the song that Michael Jackson admitted gave him that inspiration:
I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) - Hall and Oates (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vouDK-LELEU)

Then, some others:
Hot Music - SoHo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p30DUmx9v3Q)
The 900# - 45 King (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17jKin4U6ZY)
The Next Movement - The Roots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnevMn60Unk)
Eminence Front - The Who (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnHLgxKUsEA)
Ain't Nobody - Chaka Kahn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eDSIj_iozA)

[timbicile59]

Does this count?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUFWaauGPCs

[Zeldar]

Does this count?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUFWaauGPCs

Bravo! Let's start looking into the Classical side of this issue. Great first choice there. I had mentioned Ravel's Bolero earlier, but didn't go find a good version to link to.

[Bob Ducca]

This list is incomplete w/o adding the world's most famous six-second drum loop - the "Amen Break." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SaFTm2bcac)

Used too many times to mention. You'll know it when you hear it.

[Zeldar]

In re: to Zeldar, my top 5 from the ones already given would be:

Green-Eyed Lady - Sugarloaf
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Radar Love - Golden Earring
Lowdown - Boz Scaggs
Peter Gunn Theme - Henry Mancini


And, to add a few that I like that aren't on the list:

If you're going to say Billie Jean, then you have to name the song that Michael Jackson admitted gave him that inspiration:
I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) - Hall and Oates (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vouDK-LELEU)

Then, some others:
Hot Music - SoHo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p30DUmx9v3Q)
The 900# - 45 King (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17jKin4U6ZY)
The Next Movement - The Roots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnevMn60Unk)
Eminence Front - The Who (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnHLgxKUsEA)
Ain't Nobody - Chaka Kahn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eDSIj_iozA)

Solid stuff! I had no idea that Hall and Oates were inspirations for Bille Jean, but it's clear from that cut.

[timbicile59]

Classical is easy.

Motown is easy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNn361umypM&feature=related

[Mister Rik]

I guess when I hear the term "good beat", I think of songs that have a distinctive, memorable rhythmic riff (though that rhythmic riff can be played on any instrument, not just drums). Like these:

The Knack - My Sharona (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBvayBXKJj4)
Queen - Another One Bites the Dust (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQRfBAzSzo)

For straight groove:

Robert Cray - Smoking Gun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lNx2-Bks50)
Static-X grooves on Push It (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1xnvBwpxo)
AC/DC - Shoot to Thrill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx5Pz5fH1FA)


Putting the two together quite nicely:

Pink - Get the Party Started (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTlWqW6fSYc)
And if I may be so bold, a little original composition of mine called "Make It Stop! (http://www.mister-rik.com/mp3/make-it-stop.mp3)"

Can't really come up with anything that has "no groove" — well-known stuff on YouTube is pretty much all "hits", and an essential component of a "hit" is that it's got a good groove.

[Zeldar]

This list is incomplete w/o adding the world's most famous six-second drum loop - the "Amen Break." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SaFTm2bcac)

Used too many times to mention. You'll know it when you hear it.

Educational link there, HelloNinja. Makes me wonder how many of the standard patterns have actual names. If anybody has such a list, with audio examples, please post them.

I remember from my early days of trying to become a competent drummer that the rudiments have names and that there are dozens of them. But as for the different beats used in Rock and Jazz and Rap and Pop drumming, I guess I've just not seen them called by name.

[RickJay]

It doesn't matter what kind of music you like; if your butt isn't moving to "Superstition," you're dead.

[Zeldar]

I guess when I hear the term "good beat", I think of songs that have a distinctive, memorable rhythmic riff (though that rhythmic riff can be played on any instrument, not just drums). Like these:

The Knack - My Sharona (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBvayBXKJj4)
Queen - Another One Bites the Dust (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQRfBAzSzo)

For straight groove:

Robert Cray - Smoking Gun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lNx2-Bks50)
Static-X grooves on Push It (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1xnvBwpxo)
AC/DC - Shoot to Thrill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx5Pz5fH1FA)


Putting the two together quite nicely:

Pink - Get the Party Started (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTlWqW6fSYc)
And if I may be so bold, a little original composition of mine called "Make It Stop! (http://www.mister-rik.com/mp3/make-it-stop.mp3)"

Can't really come up with anything that has "no groove" — well-known stuff on YouTube is pretty much all "hits", and an essential component of a "hit" is that it's got a good groove.

Good stuff, Mister Rik, and your original sounds good as well. Thanks!

[Zeldar]

It doesn't matter what kind of music you like; if your butt isn't moving to "Superstition," you're dead.

And that's a plain fact! Is there a better Stevie Wonder beat? What's in second place of his stuff?

[RickJay]

I lack the knowledge of how to link, but may I suggest any of a number of offerings by Janet Jackson?
"Alright" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1RvAibZNmg) Video actually starts around 1:15. That is one hell of a beat, and the video presentation physically sustains the beat throughout; it's a hella impressive musical presentation all around, but what holds it all together is a rockin' beat.

[Zeldar]

Classical is easy.

Motown is easy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNn361umypM&feature=related

By Classical I was referring to the genre of music that includes symphonies, concertos, chamber music, sonatas and those pieces of music where an orchestra is the primary way of presenting the compositions to an audience. The orchestra will normally have strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion and occasional specialty intruments but (normally) without amplification.

I didn't mean Classic Rock. Not that Classic Rock (or any genre) is off limits. Nothing is off limits if it has a good beat!

Some works that help to identify the area where I hope we can find some good and strong rhythmic examples would include:

Fingal's Cave Overture
Night on Bald Mountain
William Tell Overture
Danse Macabre
Anitra's Dance
1812 Overture
Polovtsian Dances (Polovetsian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polovetsian_Dances))

and the previously mentioned BOLERO-RAVEL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-4J5j74VPw)

[MeDrewNotYou]

Dave Matthews Band-Stand Up (For It) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gqr2kfrd7UY&feature=related)
Starts at about 35 seconds in the video

Eric Clapton-I Shot The Sheriff (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10qLYy6hiFQ)
The Bob Marley version is great, but a Clapton solo makes all the difference.

And here's a link for Superstitious (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDZFf0pm0SE&feature=related). Couldn't let you guys mention it without going to listen to it.

Finally, I can't find a video for it, but Buddy Rich's Space Shuttle definitely belongs as well.

[Zeldar]

And here's a link for Superstitious (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDZFf0pm0SE&feature=related). Couldn't let you guys mention it without going to listen to it.



It was here (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10936362&postcount=1) all along. I guess it was easy to miss?

[Zeldar]

What A Fool Believes - Michael McDonald (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkDkMT4YTUU&feature=related)

[Zeldar]

Marimba Ponies- Comedian's Gallop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT6CSI3j8GM)

La cumparsita - Marimba Ponies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut_fcxxY1Zg)

Anitras' Dance (Peer Gynt) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55lZ3LE7tHg)

In the Hall of the Mountain King (Peer Gynt) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMDkqnjaGWY)

Paul Abraham Dukas - The Sorcerer's Apprentice 01 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbYse0gZZdU)

Surely these will trigger some thoughts on other "serious music" pieces with an even more pronounced beat?

[Zeldar]

Unless it's somewhere on YouTube under another title or hidden away somewhere else, the best version I could find of the big band groove the Heats on (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-3fwsTvrDg&feature=related) is this one. The Basie clip is weak by comparison. These guys really blow!

[Mister Rik]

Okay, this is just pure win (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw0TikGmVz4).

[MeDrewNotYou]

It was here (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10936362&postcount=1) all along. I guess it was easy to miss?

Oops. :smack:

It isn't like you can have too many links to it, though. :D

[Zeldar]

Oops. :smack:

It isn't like you can have too many links to it, though. :D

Now that's true.

[Zeldar]

Okay, this is just pure win (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw0TikGmVz4).

Excellent find, Mister Rik. I'd submit that those guys have a groove going.

Reminds me of Turtle Island String Quartet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIXiWwl3ysM)

[Zeldar]

Speaking of grooves, what about Grooveyard (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEi6oPdV7CQ)?

[JKellyMap]

Sly and the Family Stone, Thank You (Falettin Me Be Mice Elf Again) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YXPJOUD7G0)

Stevie Wonder, Higher Ground (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wZ3ZG_Wams)

Dizzy Gillespie, Manteca (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxDG2PwSlIU)

Plastilina Mosh, Tiki Fiesta

Shaggy, Boombastic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lutqplLMvfk)

Shinehead, Hello Y'all

Beck, Beercan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoGUD1G5MO4)

Chalf Hassan, Tzawaj Mgalhalia

The Meters, Tippitoes


(By the way, I have to say I was confused at first, as well. The OP asked for beats, and over half the early responses were much more than beats (rhythm) -- they were grooves (rhythm plus some basic melody, often but not always bass-oriented). So, my list is a mix, but mainly grooves.)

[Mister Rik]

(By the way, I have to say I was confused at first, as well. The OP asked for beats, and over half the early responses were much more than beats (rhythm) -- they were grooves (rhythm plus some basic melody, often but not always bass-oriented). So, my list is a mix, but mainly grooves.)

I blame the hip-hop crowd. From what I can tell, nowadays the entire backing track behind a rap is called "the beat", as in "Timbaland's cool beats". I suspect this is rappers finally admitting that most rap lacks two of the three components that form the definition of "music" (those three components being rhythm, melody, and harmony).

[Zeldar]

(By the way, I have to say I was confused at first, as well. The OP asked for beats, and over half the early responses were much more than beats (rhythm) -- they were grooves (rhythm plus some basic melody, often but not always bass-oriented). So, my list is a mix, but mainly grooves.)

Once again, I must admit the the title may have implied something that the OP didn't dwell on. In fact, the OP was nothing more than selected YouTube clips. I gave examples of what I was after. The issue of "beat" versus "groove" and whatever other terms may be used to identify the nature of those selections in the OP came up well after I had supplied at least 19 examples in several posts. Post #6 is the first one not supplied by me.

After that, whatever confusion exists is due to other posters reacting to what they thought was being called for. I also expanded the scope of the thread by way of the selections in Post #14 where drumming clips were introduced. That group was definitely of a different basic sound than the earlier ones, but I did think they were some excellent examples of "beat" as limited to drumming and percussion.

I have become aware through the course of this thread that I don't know enough terminology to expand on what I learned (or absorbed) 50 years ago. In those days things like What'd I Say "had a good beat." That was the way things were referred to when thay made you pat your foot, bob your head or get up and dance. In my own case they made me play along on my bongos.

I would enjoy being brought up to date on the finer points of the terminology. But I had hoped this thread could examine YouTube (and other sources for musical selections) for the better examples (in individual posters' minds) of what those early posts were pointing to -- whatever that is called.

And it looks to me, JKellyMap, that your confusion over terminology didn't get in your way of doing just that. Good stuff!

[JKellyMap]

Right on, thanks! Didn't mean to imply that this was anything less than a FUNK-AY thread. It's great to see such a diversity of musical forms and styles, which nevertheless share a certain thang...they make you want to move it!

[Zeldar]

Right on, thanks! Didn't mean to imply that this was anything less than a FUNK-AY thread. It's great to see such a diversity of musical forms and styles, which nevertheless share a certain thang...they make you want to move it!

That's it. Keep on Postin' (http://www.zubeworld.com/crumbmuseum/truckin.gif)

the headhunters - god make me funky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INi8zgb-hFI)

[Zeldar]

Okay. I guess if nobody's going to mention it: Enter sandman - Metallica ( Studio Version ) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbui8OTKBzc)

[carlb]

It doesn't matter what kind of music you like; if your butt isn't moving to "Superstition," you're dead.Sorry to hijack, and this probably deserves a thread of its own, but what happened to Stevie Wonder? The man used to be able to groove like nobody else. Superstition, Higher Ground, For Once in My Life, Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours, even a cover song (We Can Work It Out) or two. And the next thing you know he's got a Casio arpeggio backing up dreck like I Just Called to Say, "I Love You." Has anyone ever in the history of pop music lost their funkiness so dramatically?

Back on topic, I see Robert Cray got mentioned upthread for Smoking Gun, but I'd like to throw my vote in for Nothin' But a Woman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKffTODtt0A).

[JKellyMap]

Hey, carlb -- see post 50 ("Superstitious") and post 60 ("Higher Ground")! Yes, Stevie is the man with the groove. And on several of his albums, he played the bass AND the drums (AND the keyboards, AND sang).

Edited to say: Now I see what you mean by "What Happened to Stevie?"....you don't mean his absence from this thread, but from the real-world scene! Good question. Loving life, I would hope (and suspect). The man certainly has given us plenty.

[Zeldar]

Sorry to hijack, and this probably deserves a thread of its own, but what happened to Stevie Wonder? The man used to be able to groove like nobody else. Superstition, Higher Ground, For Once in My Life, Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours, even a cover song (We Can Work It Out) or two. And the next thing you know he's got a Casio arpeggio backing up dreck like I Just Called to Say, "I Love You." Has anyone ever in the history of pop music lost their funkiness so dramatically?



There was a perfect example of just what you say on PBS lately. Stevie at the White House with lots of other names. Except for Superstition it was funk-free. Not only that but almost all the tributes to his music were done by people who had trouble hitting the key or the range. Obviously Stevie is a lot like Elvis was in the Your Hit Parade's waning months: nobody can do his music right but him.

Man, there was some draggy shit being played on that show. Pathetic.

[Zeldar]

His name came up in another thread, and it would be a crime not to mention Bernard "Pretty" Purdie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC20X0DKsqo&feature=related) and all he has done for drumming. Check out the associated links at YouTube. You can kill lots of time there!