After a decade adrift, the Muffs have gotten their melodic pop groove back. Frontwoman Kim Shattuck has reunited with longtime backing members Ronnie Barnett (bass) and Roy McDonald (drums) for Whoop Dee Doo (Cherry Red/Burger). The Los Angeles-based trio will also be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand-new feature on the band.
McDonald:
Nigel Olsson
Elton John’s primary drummer. Great tom sound, especially on “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.” His fills were very unusual, rumbling and often changing in dynamics mid-fill (listen to “Levon”). Outside of Ringo and Bev Bevan, the first drummer I knew by name.
Mick Avory
This guy is criminally underrated. From his rapid-fire snare fill on “It’s All Right” to his hiccup accents on “This Is Where I Belong,” his drumming consistently compliments and amplifies Ray Davies’ amazing body of work.
Tommy Ramone
The rhythmic architect of punk rock, which is enough to qualify him for this list. Any further criticism will entice me to sit down and listen to the first three Ramones albums and It’s Alive. Unfortunately, this is due in 30 minutes and I have to press on.
Meg White
Know-nothings can snicker all they want. Let them listen to Moving Pictures. I’d rather hear Meg White’s stone groove on “My Doorbell” than all the prog polyrythms of Peart. Jack White recently acknowledged that nothing he’ll do will ever equal what he and Meg achieved with the White Stripes. I couldn’t agree with you more, Jack!
