The World's Most Important Drum Loop

Depending upon which musical world you live in, you may or may not know about a short 5.2 second drum loop that has spawned several musical subcultures, from hip hop to jungle to hardcore techno to drum and bass.

The loop is what's knows as the "Amen Break," and comes from a short drum break on the B side of a 1969 record by funk band The Winstons. The song is called "Amen, Brother" and the drummer was Gregory Cylvester "G.C." Coleman. The break has been used on everything from NWA's "Straight Outta Compton," to Oasis "D'You Know What I Mean" to Nine Inch Nail's "The Perfect Drug," to Lupe Fiasco's "Streets On Fire" to car commercials and television shows The Amazing Race and Futurama.

As these things frequently go, neither the drummer, the band nor the songwriter (Richard Spencer) has ever received any royalties or clearance fees, despite the fact that the influence of this short break has had a profound effect on music of the last 30 years.

Take a look at this brief history of the Amen Break, and you'll instantly recognize it.

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Oasis "Wonderwall" - Isolated Guitar

Once again from Oasis' Morning Glory album we'll have a look at the acoustic guitar part from the hit "Wonderwall." Here's what to listen for.

1) The part is very consistent, both in level (a slight bit of compression) and in sound.

2) Noel Gallagher is a great rhythm player. His tempo is great and he knows how to push a band. Listen to the second verse as his playing grows more intense and the acoustic part is doubled.

3) The playing of this part is great, but you can hear a slight flub at 1:30 and again at 2:20. You can also hear punches at 2:47, 2:56 (this is a bad one), 3:18, and 3:44. You'd never hear these in the track as they get covered by the double.

4) The sound is pretty much in your face with very little ambience (mostly it's just from the room).

5) During the break at 1:50 you can hear his foot taping, which I love to hear since it usually means that the player is really laying in.

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