Expert: Andy Bouwman - 9/8/2006

Question
Why do the drums and some other percussion on most of the Stand Up album sound almost electronic? My boyfriend, who is a drummer and loves Carter's drumming, wondered if it was even Carter becauses it sounds very "square," and just not your typical sophisticated Carter sound.  I assume it's really Carter, but why did they choose to have it sound almost computerized?
Thanks!
~Carrie

Answer
Hi Carrie,
In my opinion, the most electronic-sounding drums on Stand Up are in the songs Old Dirt Hill, You Might Die Trying, and Stolen Away.  Having seen all of these songs performed in concert, I can attest that Carter does in fact play them himself.

The Stand Up album was recorded with a new (for them) producer, Mark Batson, who for reasons unknown decided that the sound they went with sounded best for the album.  The drumming on Everyday (the album), under Glen Ballard's supervision, also was somewhat of a departure from Carter's previous sound.  Also, when they recorded Under the Table and Dreaming, Carter dragged his kit all over the studio looking for the perfect place to record.

I guess we can just chalk it up to Carter always wanting to try something different, and expand his sound to include a number of styles.

Hope this helps,
Andy