My favorite drummers (in no order):
Phil Collins - Listen to the Genesis albums from 1971 - 1974 (and 77-80 to a lesser degree). His playing doesn't SEEM flashy but it's extremely musical, intricate, and fluid.
John Weathers - His superb drumming gave Gentle Giant's already mind-boggling sound a tight, energetic focus. To me, similarly musical/fluid as Collins but a lot edgier. Listen to the albums "In A Glass House" and "Free Hand".
Neil Peart - One of the greatest, most influential rock drummers. As phenomenal as Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are at their instruments, it's Neil's fantastic playing that makes the band come alive.
Sebastian Thomas - Nowhere as experimental as the above but then again Trans Am's music is more straightforward than 70s Prog Rock! Still an excellent drummer with a Bohnam-esque, in-your-face sound on some songs while showing a nice sense of space and rhythm on others. "The Red Line" is Trans Am's masterpiece and his variety of playing is really showcased here. "Future Line" is another excellent album.
Bill Bruford - Versatile rock drummer who later transitioned to Jazz, has played with some of the greatest Prog Rock bands (Yes, King Crimson, Genesis (tour)). His awesome drumming on Yes' "Close To The Edge", "Fragile" and "The Yes Album" has helped make those albums classic. Shows amazing growth from King Crimsons early 70s albums to their later "reunion" in the 80s and 90s.
John McIntire - Very stylistic, intricate, complex rhythmic playing always to be found on a Tortoise release thanks to this guy. "TnT" is the standout album of the band's.
Dale Crover - Go see the Melvin's live. Just WOW. Dale is like a madman on the drums, bashing away at them like they commited sins against him and his family. Just brutal
Steve Shelley - Probably the most "straightforward" or basic (for lack of a better word) drummer on my list but his playing is still precise and just plain fun and energetic, especially live. But his steady, propulsive drumming shines on all Sonic Youth releases.
