14 hours into 2006 and I've already broken one of my resolutions. I will not learn to play the guitar this year. No, this is the year I finally recognize that what I want is to make a hell of a lot of noise, annoy my neighbors, embrace the fact that I have no rhythm and rock the fuck out -- this is the year I learn to play the drums.
The first girl drummer I ever remember seeing was Kate Schellenbach from Luscious Jackson, after that it was probably Tobi Vail from Bikini Kill, Molly Neuman from Bratmobile, maybe Patty Schemel from Hole and that chick that played with Lenny Kravitz. And of course later it was Janet Weiss from Sleater-Kinney. I took a few guitar lessons from a guy named Bob when I was in high school. It made my dad happy and my fingers hurt. Before that it was piano and I liked it, but the teacher smelled funny and had a weird tomato allergy whch resulted in itchy hives and so I quit (and you would have, too). Drumming just seemed so impractical and I knew my dad would never agree, so I didn't think about it.
Yesterday, as I was dropping off my end of the year purge at the local Goodwill, Iwent inside looked around. Before I made it into the store, something caught my eye. In the entry way stood a drum kit. I eyed it closely and walked into to the store, but it wasn't long before I was back. I tapped one of the drums lightly and then again and I smiled as the sound echoed between the sliding glass doors. I checked the price and then I checked my back pocket which was empty. I talked to the woman behind the counter who apologized, but couldn't hold it unless I paid for it. I cursed silently and left the store in a mad rush home. When I returned, it was gone. I'd already decided that I wanted to do something kind of frivolous with my year end bonus (and by frivolous I mean not pay my gas bill) and I think this is it. Riot Grrrl may be dead, but in my basement I'm going to rock it like it's 1993 and I plan to leave the combat boots and torn fishnets back there where they belong.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Drummer Girl
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24 comments:
As a former drummer, I give you a salutary twirl of the sticks! Once you start tappin' the highhat and poundin' the bass drum, you'll be hooked for life. It's a powerful feeling.
What if you grew a giant Afro, like Lenny Kravitz's drummer? That would be so rock star! There's a drum set out there with your name on it, man.
Ian, little known fact. Spinster Girl = rock star and she doesn't need a giant afro to prove it. Also, that will be the first and last time I refer to myself in the third person.
Seriously, though, thanks for the encouragement. Now I've just gotta hope the year end bonus doesn't come in the form of free movie passes.
So what kind is it? And where are you keeping it?
I haven't bought it, yet. The cheapie one at Goodwill was Burwood or Kurwood or Otherwood. The bonus doesn't come until the end of the month, so I've got some time. And I think it's going in my dining room -- I've long since given up on dinner parties and my neighbor is rarely home.
I have an intro drumset I'll sell ya. Cheap. Five peice. Has the bass, floor top, two toms, snare, and hat. It's just collecting dust in my basement. The heads are nearly new.
Er.. make that floor toM
Believe me when I say I wouldn't have known otherwise. How cheap is cheap? Actually, I agreed to purchase a set yesterday and I'm happy with the decision. I appreciate the offer, though!
Hey, p226- I might be interested if spinster girl isn't....
Yeah, great, now I might wind up with two girls that I know owning drum kits. It's kind of scary.
You're scared we're going to out rock you, aren't you? (When did I turn into Jack Black?)
Of course I'm terrified.
You should be.
I'd let the whole set go for $200. It's an Argent kit.
Sold, p226! Shoot me an e-mail and we'll make a plan.
watch out, lawbot!
Is it OK for me to start with the drummer jokes now?
Sure, but be warned. We now carry sticks and we know how to use them.
Just please don't make the drummer w/o a gf joke because, well, I'm a homeless drummer.
I'm okay with this one:
Q: How many drummers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Only one; he holds it and the world revolves around him.
What's the difference between a drummer and a chicken crossing the road?
The chicken is probably going to a gig.
Whaddya call a roadie that can count to four?
The drummer.
Okay, okay. Enough. I drummed (if you can really call it that) for the first time yesterday and now I really don't understand why all the drummer jokes -- it was hard.
Sure it's hard, but drummers are almost always the drunkest, craziest, most retardded members of bands. I should know, because, um, yeah.
Right. See? Two "d"s in "retarded." At least the short bus can dance I suppose.
Well, at least you beat me to it. I'm trying to be nicer in the new year.
I'm not the craziest, drunkest, retarddest [sic] anything. Does this mean I'm destined to be a lousy drummer?
And not that it matters (or that anyone cares), but I found out the Burwood brand is sold at Target, so you can pick up your instruments and an outfit for your first gig in one fell swoop.
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