Subdivisions (Rush) - The Greatest Rock Drumming Ever?

[Beestie]

A question from a musical moron: What's the diff between a 3 pc band and a 4 pc band where in the 3 pc one of the 3 adds vocals (as opposed to having a singer who does not play an instrument)?

Its not hard to see your point when a new person /new instrument (e.g., keyboard, etc.) is added to the basic elements of lead/rythm, bass, percussion & vocals.

I used to love Rush. I bought their double live album back in '75± and thought they were just amazing. But have to admit that Lee's vocals were just too nasal or something. My vinyl copy of 2112 is still in mint condition.

I'll have to dig up this cut and give it a listen - glad you brought it up.

But as far as the best rock drumming ever, I'd have to throw Carl Palmer of ELP in there somewhere. He was jaw-dropping in concert. And, I'd nominate Bill Ward of Black Sabbath for an honorable mention just for his originality and what I always thought was perfect timing although talentwise I don't think he'd challenge the great ones.

And now that I've got some percussion expertise, can y'all help me settle a debate I've had with a friend for over 30 years? Listen to Led Zeppelin's Black Dog and tell me if you think the timing of the drumming is off or not. I say it is.