Tunes Du Jour Celebrates International Drum Month

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Welcome to a journey through rhythm. November is International Drum Month, and this collection honors the masters of the drum kit, the players whose feel, power, and ingenuity define the songs we love. From the tightest pockets to the most explosive solos, these are the heartbeats of modern music. Let’s give the drummers some.

Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
The legendary session musician Hal Blaine provides the sharp, inventive percussion, using everything from sleigh bells to a detached kick drum to build the song’s complex and sunny atmosphere.

Cissy Strut – The Meters
Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, the architect of New Orleans funk, creates a syncopated, greasy, and endlessly influential groove that has been the blueprint for funk drummers ever since.

Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
Dave Grohl’s performance is a masterclass in quiet-loud dynamics, with his simple, powerful groove in the verse exploding into a torrent of raw energy for the iconic chorus.

One – Metallica
Lars Ulrich’s machine-gun double bass drumming on the intro is one of metal’s most defining moments, perfectly mimicking the sound of battlefield artillery.

Superstition – Stevie Wonder
The irresistible funk pattern that drives this track was played by none other than Stevie Wonder himself, who laid down the clavinet, bass, and drum parts to create a perfect storm of groove.

The Glamorous Life – Sheila E.
A tour de force from the legendary percussionist and drummer Sheila E., this track is a showcase of her technical virtuosity and incredible funk sensibilities.

In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins
For three minutes, Phil Collins builds unbearable tension before unleashing the most famous drum fill in history, a thunderous burst of gated reverb toms that everyone has air-drummed to.

Rosanna – Toto
The late, great Jeff Porcaro gives a masterclass in the half-time shuffle, creating a feel so iconic and difficult to replicate that it’s now simply known as the “Rosanna shuffle.”

Come Together – The Beatles
Ringo Starr’s signature swampy, tea-towel-dampened tom groove is the unmistakable foundation of this track, proving that feel and creativity are more important than flash.

Brick House – The Commodores
Walter “Clyde” Orange not only provides the lead vocals but also lays down a funk groove so solid and deep you could build a house on it, proving that sometimes the simplest beat is the most effective.

Rock With You – Michael Jackson
Session giant John “JR” Robinson creates a beat that is smooth, sophisticated, and impossibly deep in the pocket, providing the perfect shimmering pulse for dancing.

Sing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing) – Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
Gene Krupa became music’s first superstar drummer with this performance, his primal, floor-tom-driven solo setting the standard for all drum features to come.

Voodoo Child (Slight Return) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Mitch Mitchell’s jazz-influenced, wildly improvisational drumming is the perfect foil for Hendrix’s guitar, a chaotic and conversational force of nature.

When The Levee Breaks – Led Zeppelin
Recorded in a stairwell with two microphones, John Bonham’s colossal, booming groove is arguably the most recognizable and revered drum sound ever committed to tape.

Message in a Bottle – The Police
Showcasing his unique, reggae-infused style, Stewart Copeland’s intricate hi-hat work and signature use of the splash cymbal give this song its nervous, driving energy.

Funky Drummer – James Brown
Here, Clyde Stubblefield plays what is perhaps the most-sampled drum break in history, a 20-second piece of rhythmic perfection that became a cornerstone of hip-hop.

Gimme Shelter – The Rolling Stones
The picture of restraint and taste, Charlie Watts enters the song with a deceptively simple beat that carries all the dread and swing the track demands.

I’ve Seen All Good People – Yes
Bill Bruford’s crisp, creative, and complex drumming is on full display, navigating the song’s shifting sections with technical precision and musical grace.

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover – Paul Simon
Steve Gadd lays down one of the most recognizable and clever marching-band-inspired beats in popular music, a sophisticated and instantly memorable pattern.

Think (About It) – Lyn Collins
Another gift to hip-hop from the James Brown band, this track features John “Jabo” Starks’s impossibly tight groove and a legendary drum break that keeps on giving.

White Room – Cream
The inimitable Ginger Baker announces this psychedelic classic with a powerful 5/4 tom-tom intro, setting the stage with his heavy, melodic, and groundbreaking style.

Hot For Teacher – Van Halen
Alex Van Halen’s frantic, shuffling intro sounds like a barely-contained engine, kicking off one of the most exhilarating double-bass-fueled drum tracks in rock history.

Sunday Bloody Sunday – U2
Larry Mullen Jr.’s militaristic, unrelenting snare drum pattern, recorded in a reverberant stairwell, serves as the song’s defiant and unwavering backbone.

Schism – Tool
A master of complexity, Danny Carey navigates the song’s dizzying array of shifting time signatures with a tribal power and mathematical precision that is simply breathtaking.

Baba O’Riley – The Who
The untamable Keith Moon crashes and tumbles through this rock anthem, playing with a frenetic energy that threatens to send the song flying off the rails at any moment.

Dig Me Out – Sleater-Kinney
Janet Weiss is the roaring engine of this track, playing with a ferocious power, impeccable timing, and creative fills that drive the song forward relentlessly.

I Heard It Through the Grapevine – Gladys Knight & the Pips
Funk Brothers drummers Uriel Jones and the great Benny Benjamin create a powerhouse rhythm section, delivering a performance full of simmering tension and explosive release that punctuates the song’s raw emotion.

Dancin’ Fool – Frank Zappa
Terry Bozzio is the manic force behind this track, navigating Zappa’s absurd rhythmic twists and turns with an explosive combination of power, precision, and theatrical flair.

One Love/People Get Ready – Bob Marley & The Wailers
Carlton “Carly” Barrett, the originator of the “One Drop” rhythm, gives this song its iconic reggae heartbeat, where the accent is on the third beat of the measure.

Footprints – The Miles Davis Quintet
At just 20 years old, Tony Williams redefined jazz drumming with his explosive and interactive playing, shattering old conventions and pushing the entire band to new heights.

Follow Tunes Du Jour on Facebook

Follow me on Bluesky

Follow me on Instagram

Tunes Du Jour Presents 1975

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Fifty years ago, radio dials and turntables were spinning an uncommonly diverse mix of sounds. The charts of 1975 didn’t follow a single storyline—instead, they captured a moment when multiple musical currents were flowing with equal strength. Disco was gaining momentum but hadn’t yet dominated everything in its path. Rock was simultaneously reaching for arena-sized ambition and stripping down to raw emotion. Soul and funk were evolving into more sophisticated forms, while pop continued doing what it does best: making people hum along whether they meant to or not.

The year belonged, in many ways, to artists who understood that hooks and ambition weren’t mutually exclusive. Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” arrived like a desperate prayer wrapped in Phil Spector production, while Queen’s “Killer Queen” proved that flamboyance and precision could coexist in three minutes of glam-rock perfection. Led Zeppelin stretched “Kashmir” across nearly nine minutes of Eastern-influenced grandeur, and Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” turned melancholy into an art form. Even Bob Dylan, never one to stand still, was crafting the narrative complexity of “Tangled Up in Blue.” These weren’t just songs—they were statements about how far popular music could reach while still connecting with listeners.

Meanwhile, dance floors were becoming cultural epicenters. KC and the Sunshine Band’s “That’s the Way (I Like It)” and Gloria Gaynor’s “Never Can Say Goodbye” helped establish disco as something more than a passing trend. The Bee Gees’ “Jive Talkin'” showed that the brothers Gibb could pivot from balladeers to funk-influenced hitmakers. Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade” brought New Orleans sass and unapologetic sexuality to the mainstream, while Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Shining Star” blended funk, soul, and jazz into something that felt both cosmic and grounded. The groove wasn’t just a rhythm—it was becoming a philosophy.

What’s striking about 1975 is how much sonic territory gets covered without any single approach dominating. 10cc’s “I’m Not in Love” used studio technology to create something hauntingly atmospheric, while Kraftwerk’s “Autobahn” was quietly suggesting what electronic music might become. Barry White continued orchestrating romantic opulence, Minnie Riperton’s five-octave range soared through “Lovin’ You,” and Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good” proved that straightforward rock could still pack a punch. David Bowie’s “Fame,” co-written with John Lennon, showed him already moving past glam into funk-inflected territory. Glen Campbell brought “Rhinestone Cowboy” to country-pop crossover success, while Average White Band demonstrated that Scottish musicians could master American funk with “Pick Up the Pieces.”

Listening to these songs now, what emerges isn’t just nostalgia but a reminder of a particular kind of creative confidence. These artists weren’t afraid to be big or vulnerable, funky or introspective, polished or raw—sometimes all within the same track. The year didn’t belong to any single movement or sound, and that might be exactly what made it memorable. It was a time when the radio could take you from the Staple Singers’ gospel-infused soul to Sweet’s glitter-rock crunch to ABBA’s pristine pop architecture without anyone thinking twice about the journey. That kind of range feels worth celebrating.

Follow Tunes Du Jour on Facebook

Follow me on Bluesky

Follow me on Instagram

Tunes Du Jour Presents 1971

by with No Comment Uncategorized

The music of 1971 was shaped by a world in transition. The optimism of the ’60s had given way to a more complicated reality—political upheaval, the Vietnam War, and shifting cultural norms weighed heavily on society. In response, many artists channeled these changes into their music, whether through protest, storytelling, or deeply personal reflection. The result was a year that produced enduring songs across multiple genres, from confessional singer-songwriter fare to hard-hitting rock and infectious soul.

Some of the most memorable hits of the year leaned into personal themes rather than overt social commentary. Carole King’s “It’s Too Late” and Elton John’s “Your Song” exemplified the rise of the singer-songwriter era, blending lyrical vulnerability with sophisticated melodies. Al Green’s “Tired of Being Alone” showcased his effortless mix of longing and smooth Southern soul, while Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” became his breakthrough solo hit, telling the story of youthful romance with a blend of folk and rock. At the same time, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” took a broader view, addressing war, inequality, and injustice in a way that felt both urgent and timeless.

Rock music remained as dominant as ever, though it took on new forms. Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” showcased their thunderous power, while The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” harnessed synthesizers and political defiance to craft an enduring anthem. The Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar,” released without much controversy at the time, has since been reevaluated due to its lyrical content. Meanwhile, The Doors painted a dark, atmospheric landscape on “Riders on the Storm,” and Paul & Linda McCartney’s “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” leaned into whimsical experimentation, proving that rock still had room for playfulness.

Soul and funk made significant strides in 1971, with Sly & The Family Stone’s “Family Affair” pioneering a more subdued, groove-heavy sound. The Staple Singers’ “Respect Yourself” and Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” carried messages of empowerment, while Honey Cone’s “Want Ads” and Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff” infused attitude into their infectious rhythms. The Jackson 5’s “Never Can Say Goodbye” demonstrated a maturing sound beyond their bubblegum pop beginnings, while Cher’s “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” and Melanie’s “Brand New Key” brought storytelling into the pop realm with memorable melodies and an enduring campiness.

Fifty-plus years later, the music of 1971 still resonates. Whether through the social commentary of “What’s Going On,” the country-rock warmth of “Me and Bobby McGee,” or the swampy energy of Ike & Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary,” these songs remain essential listening. They serve as both a time capsule and a reminder that great music doesn’t just reflect its era—it continues to shape the generations that follow.

Follow Tunes Du Jour on Facebook

Follow me on Bluesky

Follow me on Instagram

Tunes Du Jour Presents 1969

by with No Comment Uncategorized

The music of 1969 captures a unique crossroads in cultural history—a year teetering between optimism and cynicism, unity and rebellion. Looking at a playlist from this year reveals a blend of genres and voices, each reflecting a society in flux. The playlist’s tracks encompass themes of love, social change, disillusionment, and raw individualism, echoing the era’s contradictions and bold spirit.

On one end of the spectrum, songs like Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” and Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” echo traditional themes of love, loyalty, and heartbreak, though with a hint of modern skepticism. Presley’s soulful performance marked his return to chart-topping success, while Wynette’s hit became a polarizing anthem, embraced by some for its devotion and questioned by others for its apparent passivity. Meanwhile, Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” captured a more introspective side of the decade, blending pop and country into a haunting portrayal of loneliness and perseverance.

But 1969 wasn’t all about introspection; it was also a year of unrestrained expression and pushing boundaries. Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” hinted at a sense of looming danger, with its ominous lyrics striking a nerve during a time of political upheaval. In contrast, “Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones embraced the gritty allure of rock and roll without aiming for a larger societal message. Jagger’s tales of chance encounters and gin-soaked nights represent the Stones’ unapologetic celebration of indulgence, sidestepping introspection in favor of pure hedonism.

Amidst the wild spirit of rock, 1969 also offered more uplifting messages with a hint of idealism. Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People” and The Youngbloods’ “Get Together” conveyed calls for unity that resonated deeply in an era fraught with political and racial tensions. Sly Stone’s anthem became a rallying cry for acceptance, emphasizing individuality while embracing common ground. Similarly, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” by The 5th Dimension captured the essence of the countercultural movement in all its utopian ambitions, even if the optimism was a bit idealistic in hindsight.

Then there was the music that addressed disillusionment head-on, perhaps best captured by Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” and Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?” Both songs offer reflective, sometimes jaded perspectives on life’s struggles and the disappointments that can accompany maturity. Where “The Boxer” tells the story of a young man grappling with hardship and loss, Lee’s dry wit in “Is That All There Is?” confronts the emptiness that can lie beneath life’s surface pleasures.

Ultimately, this playlist from 1969 feels like a time capsule of an era balancing between hope and disillusionment. From the raw proto-punk of The Stooges to the tender balladry of Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour,” the year’s music speaks to a generation grappling with unprecedented social changes. Through these songs, 1969 continues to resonate, reminding us that music often reflects the spirit of its time while challenging listeners to consider where they stand.

Follow Tunes Du Jour on Facebook

Follow Tunes Du Jour on Twitter

Follow me on Instagram