Customer Reviews

Max Weinberg Presents : Let There Be Drums : Vol. 3, The '70s

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Max Weinberg's third and final entry in the homage to pop drummers and drumming is a potpourri of different styles and sounds from the 1970s. So too was pop music in the 70s (for better or worse). Take a look at the track listing and you'll see a healthy clutch of variety from the era. Leave it to Max to put all these nuggets together on a single disc (over 75 minutes, yet!).

What makes Weinberg's collection better than others is his insightful, funny, and pertinent comments in the liner notes. The man has obviously been to the top with Springsteen, and he's still pretty visible on late night TV and other musical projects; thus his witty yet reverent comments about the tracks have more credibility than those of a disgruntled washed-up sideman who's looking to make a buck.

One minor gripe: Gary Wright's megahit "Dream Weaver" is presented in a horribly edited version. Other tracks seem to be in their original, full-length versions. Terrific sound quality throughout makes those drums sound better than ever.

This is the third volume in the series of CDs spotlighting Max Weinberg's favorite rock and roll drumming performances. This particular volume covers the 1970s. Due to licensing restrictions, some drummers, like John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, had to be left out. But we do have a nice sampling songs featuring great drumming. Most of these songs were hits, but there are a few obscurities like Ringo Starr's "Drumming is My Madness" and Yes's "The Fish". This is essential listening if you want to learn how to be a rock drummer. But even if you don't, this is a fine album of '70s rock, soul and disco.

Max is bigger now than ever, and that's not even counting the new reunion tour with Springsteen and the E St. Band. This compilation of three discs, together with the accompanying (also out of print) book "The Big Beat", must have been a labor of love for Max. But it's also an ESSENTIAL part of the music collection of anyone who loves great drumming! Which has been kind of important in rock & roll!! So why did the record company drop this series from its current catalogue? The Big Five record companies are worse than the five mob families that once ruled New York City!

Once again, Weinberg has captured the essence of rock drumming magnificently on one CD. My only problem is that it couldn't be longer. It provides a great look at drumming styles and the drummers who perfected those styles. Some of these tunes, I never would have considered for inclusion. But the choices are good. My faves include Rock Steady (perfect!) and She's Gone. The inclusion of Weinberg's own work on Candy's Room is also well chosen, as an example of fine drumming work. Now if only there was an 80s CD!