Phil Gould On Drums

Reviewed by Sleen

Introduction
Overview
Beats
FX
Conclusion

Introduction

Phil Gould On Drums is part of a series of releases from the Advanced Media Group called the Producer Series.

The drum recordings presented on this cd represent much of Phil Gould's output from 1984-1999. Many would know Phil for his drumming with Level 42. Recorded in various studios over this time frame, you can hear subtle differences, especially in room sound between the different collections of tracks. Some of these grooves were apparently used in songs by Air, Sarm, and Maison Rouge. In addition to Phil Gould, Rupert Brown and Miles Bould contributed additional percussion parts.

For those that do not know yet, Reason is a music application from Propellerheads software that encompasses software synthesis, Loop, Rex, and sample playback, mixing, effects, and of course sequencing. Of interest to this review is the rex player, Dr. Rex within Reason.

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Overview

The cd is a mixed mode cdrom containing audio and data tracks. The audio portion contains the first 30 audio tracks released in other formats, with variations. The data portion of the cd contains a demo version of Reason, the AMG license agreement, some hits in wave format, and numerous Rex files. Rex stands for...Recycle Export Format and allows one to use the rex loop at many other tempos besides where it was recorded at.

There are a total of 368 Rex files on this cd, and 70 wav hits. The rex part of the cd is supposed to represent all the audio tracks, and additional material. So where the audio tracks leave off, the rex files include and continue.

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Beats

Out of all the material, none seem to depart from a time signature of 4/4. Though I thought this was only true of the rex files, the audio section seems to be entirely the same. If you are a producer who likes other time signatures, plan on doing what I did: dump the midi to track within Reason, and move the right hand marker to the fifth or sixth count. In this fashion you can at least fake 5/4 or 6/4.

The number of beats on this cd is enormous! Phil covers an amazing range of styles, though all 4/4, and variations are presented for different uses. Many of the beats are given in standard format, and then also with individual drums of the same beat. These beats also vary widely in tempo and would be fine with many styles of music that do not stray from 4/4.

The playing on this cd is exceptional, and the additional sounds mixed in do much to transcend the original beat into another world altogether. The fills are elastic, and the snare rolls are both tight and smooth at times. Phil seemed to really love this particular snare drum that has alot of ringing tone as it copiously represented throughout the cd. Maybe this is a big part of his kits' sound...but many other sounds come and go to keep the ear entertained. Though maybe a respite around beat 300 is needed.

Comparing the sound of the audio tracks to the rex files I developed the impression that the audio section generally sounded duller and less pronounced than the rex files.

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FX

Many of the beats on this cd, audio and rex; contain FX versions of the original beats. Sometimes the FX are very subtle and only applied to certain slices for color changes. Other times the FX versions are brash and loud with major distortion- though nothing compared to a random sampling from the reaktor users submission area.

A few years ago I think these FX variations would be very helpful to get more mileage out of the same beats. But today it is so commonplace for most studios and even project users to have many plugins and FX readily available that were not around when this cd was produced. The distorted versions in particular show this limitation. Eventually I found myself skipping these versions entirely as I could not imagine anyone being satisfied with them here in the year 2001. But you never know...and decide for yourself whether you can do better with your own gear. Its certainly no reason not to add this cd to your collection. I guess I am trying to say some of the FX sound dated compared to what can happen immediately in the likes of Spektral Delay, Reaktor, or many plugins.

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Conclusion

There are alot of beats here, and in many many different styles of music. In all likelyhood, just about every Producer will find something of use here as these beats still sound tough and to the point. While you can kick back and audition the HUNDREDS of beats, I also liked exploring the rex files for their slice content alone. By no means is this material supposed to be played back just as continuous loops. The other thing that rex files can be used for are as contruction kits where you merely play individual slices as hits. So, as hit content, the rex formatted loops are rich with material to build your own kits from. Export to the sampler of choice, or the latest softsynth in fashion. If you are looking for a kick with that special blend of softness and thrust, chances are you will find it in here.

Those of you that are familiar with Phil Gould's playing, you will find this cd to be a special treatment and testament to his style. Great care was taken to preserve this man's playing for projects yet to come.

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Credits:

• Executive Producer: Matthew Wilkinson
• ReCycling: Lee Groves

Advanced Media Group