"Figuring It Out": Part 20 of the Drummer's Almanac

Three years have passed and once again it's time to test my skills and "figure out" the new Rush album. It's called "Snakes and Arrows". Why? I don't know, but I think it has something to do with directions and winding life roads that lead to unexpected places. The journey. Probably some kind of new age thing.
Now, I know some of you don't like them, but for me, it's a musical highlight that I can't dismiss. I know they aren't commercial. I know it's hard to identify with their music. That's not why I like them. I like them because I just like them. The music hits me and I fall for it.

It's like hearing Justin Timberlake's new track, "What Comes Around". You can't help but want to sing along. No explanation, you just start to groove with it.

I've also noticed my taste is changing. I like more soulful singing and less aggression. Songs like, "Hey" by the Chili Peppers, "Vultures" by John Mayer, and "American Baby" by the Dave Matthews Band.

Rush isn't quite like that, but they have a special place in my heart. Being able to escape in their music helped me through the roughest time in my life. I still almost come to tears when I hear "Time Stand Still" or "Losing It".

Anyway, I am very excited to get my hands on the next Rush masterpiece and push my drumming to a new level.

As a perfectionist, I like to work on such things as precision and effortless playing. So, when I hear something new I am inspired to be able to duplicate it and maybe use it for something else. It may not even be a new technique, but just a new way of playing that I haven't thought of. So I try it and if it feels good, I keep it and sometimes expand on it.

On the other hand, I like the satisfaction of playing something as good as a seasoned, legendary, drummer. Even though I didn't make it up, I still "figured it out".