20 Years of Groove
2011 Marks the 20th Anniversary of the Spin Doctors’ Pocket Full of Kryptonite which was the band’s breakthrough and most popular record. For me, it was the beginning of my relationship with the first band I was truly “in to”. I was just discovering funk, like George Clinton and P-Funk. Alternative rock was just dawning, and Grunge rock was making its mark. The Spin Doctors combined elements of funk, alt rock, and was my first introduction to “jam band” music.
PFoK didn’t contain much jamming, though, since it was pop-packaged. However, where that album ended, Homebelly Groove…Live picked up the slack, becoming my favorite Spin Doctors album, and a top ten all-time for me, personally. Freeway of the Plains, Shinbone Alley, Refridgerator Car, Sweet Widow and Rosetta Stone are the highlights for me.
At the same time, Aaron Comess’ drumming was very influential upon me and my style. He almost singlehandedly taught me the snare ghost stroke. His pocket is very tight, and while technically adept, doesn’t overplay the music. His influence was very timely for my growth as a set drummer in high school. He’s one of the three most influential drummers of my youth, along side heavyweights like Carter Beauford and Dennis Chambers.
So to the Spin Doctors, thank you. To many people you’re little more than one-hit wonder (well, there were a few hits) pop rockers. To me, you are talented, adept, funky musicians who still make my head bob and foot tap 20 years later. Thanks.
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