I have been on the road and still owe some people some reviews and have yet to hear J.s
Regarding the snare, when the drummer came in my exact direction was that I wanted it to sound (and this may sound strange) like a funky drummer who was playing in a bit of a held back manor. Kind of like a city kid brought up on Rap and Funk playing in a Marine band or Church Band.... Groove it but keep it steady... make it sound like you are trying to sneak hits and fills in... then on the chorus, let er rip.
I think that lead to the held back snare performance, which I actually like.
BTW, while on the road I had a chance to see Lucero and Glossary... I have been into Glossary for a while (new album free at their site:
www.glossary.us) but Lucero was new to me.
Holy shit. People say Bruce Springsteen... I think more like the replacements with Bruces son singing... Either way, check out their new album Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers. Really a great collection of heartfelt songs, and the show was just incredible.
Someone here turned me on to Jets from Brazil, and to tie this back in, Lucero covered a Jawbreaker song in their set... Kiss the Bottle I think.
Hope to wrap my reviews over the weekend.
Jim