Roots Archives Forum

I was around when synth drums first came into use. We even used them in our punk band, The Slabs (how? why?)

Sometime they really worked to enhamce a tune (like on the smash hit - Ring my Bell by Anita Ward) but
sadly, some reggae records feature the damn things in huge excess.

Anyone like to name the worst examples of overuse of synth drum? Tunes that have been sabotaged by the overuse of a new toy?

Hi Leggo rocker

I'll probably get shot down for this, but I blame Sly Dunbar. I've been buying albums since the 70's and I swear he was the first reggae drummer to use a Simmons drum kit.
As far as I am concerned one paradiddle on a synth drum is overuse!

Obviously not an objective view as the sound of a rimshot on a snare drum is THE sound for me.

Once the gate is opened........

And, in answer to your question, 'Warrior Charge' by Aswad because any is too much.

It is such a brilliant track, but..........

Shot down twice...probably!

Yes, I believe you are right in blaming Sly. Maybe because he was the first reggae drummer to actually be able to AFFORD the veritable Simmons kit!

I have 'Scientist meets the space invaders' playing now, complete with a measured use of Synth drums, and I don't think they ruin the vibe on this occasion. But it does get borderline on Track 3, Side 3 (Fission)! And it's not even Sly playing drums!

Talking of Sly, and Robbie, I'm none too keen on their post-80 output. After 1980 I think they sold out, and so the Roots Radics became the new reggae stalwarts.

Hi leggo rocker

I totally agree with all of that! Afford, of course, is the right word, but you'd like to think he would be able to filter things. I loved the militant drumming Sly, but then Style Scott won me over!
I always found it interesting that Augustus Pablo never used Sly (I am sure someone will prove me wrong here so I better qualify that by saying that every Pablo album I have he wasn't on!).

This may be totally outside what we are saying, but I once had a go at Herbie Hancock regarding 'Rock It' and he said (and I quote) 'You always need more than one string to you bow.'. I am sure that is what Sly would say. And, no, I haven't recorded with Dylan!

Obviously, its easy for me to criticise and be idealistic as I am not trying to make my money as a musician.

Synth drums? Hum, not a big fan.

Hi 6anbatte,

Herbie Hancock, on the early 1960`s Bluenote releases" was one of my favorite pianists.

Those jazz vibes coming from Rudy Van Gelders studio in those days were out of this world.

Not a Simmons Kit in site.

Respect

Dave

Yes, the synth drum was a very shameful development in roots reggae. I've always hated buying a reggae album I've wanted to hear for a long time and then instantly discouraged by the sound of the synth drum. The Scientist album mentioned is one of my favorites so I guess this goes to show that the synth drum can be used tastefully. As for a bad example of the overuse of synth drums, what about "Rumours" by Gregory Isaacs. I know this track was very popular, but I can't stand those laser beam sounding synth drums. Most of the Gussie productions from that era suffer from the use of synth drums.

Hi Dave

I am pleased to say Herbie was charm personified and even went out of his way to stay and chat to me! (If I had been him I would have told me where to go!)
RVG? Bring it on!

"Rock With Me Baby" by Michael Prophet on Vivian Jackson's label must be about the most overdone syndrum tune- but I like it anyway! Sugar Minott's Showcase on Studio One is a bit infested with them too but a great album nonetheless...

Hi Jesco77

Would they be better albums without the syndrums? I always think they would. I always find it's case of having no option other than to put up with them.

Hi 6anbatte

The Sugar one might be better without but it's got that real late 70s disco sound with the two beats to the bar bass drum- it all works ok I think. The Michael Prophet one is a 7" and is just well over the top! It's the same song as done by Sugar coincidentally as Swinging My Love on the More Sugar album (Studio One again).