"Closer to Free" by the BoDeans was released on their 1993 album Go Slow Down and later gained widespread recognition as the theme song for the popular TV drama Party of Five, significantly boosting the band's mainstream exposure throughout the mid-1990s. The song's infectious, straightforward rock energy helped cement it as one of the BoDeans' most enduring tracks, resonating with audiences far beyond their roots-rock fanbase.
The drum performance is a masterclass in restrained, groove-focused rock drumming, prioritizing a steady, driving feel over technical complexity to serve the song's upbeat, anthemic character. The drummer locks in tightly with the bass and rhythm guitar, delivering a consistent pulse that propels the track's memorable momentum from start to finish.
Unique Drumming Characteristics
- Steady eighth-note hi-hat pattern maintaining a consistent open groove throughout
- Straightforward backbeat with snare hits on beats 2 and 4 in standard 4/4 sections
- Brief 2/4 time signature passage requiring a smooth transition between meters
- Minimal fill approach that prioritizes pocket playing over embellishment
- Moderate 98 BPM tempo that emphasizes rhythmic accuracy and consistent feel
Skills You'll Develop
- Navigating a time signature change between 2/4 and 4/4 within a song
- Maintaining a steady, reliable backbeat in a rock groove context
- Controlling dynamics and restraint to serve a song's overall feel
- Building hi-hat consistency and evenness at a moderate tempo
- Developing confidence playing straightforward, song-supportive rock drumming
Drumscore
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