Originally a session drummer, Sandy Nelson launched a solo career towards the end of the 1950s and became the biggest star drummer of the era. This was achieved by ensuring much of his material contained either a drum solo or brought the drums to the forefront, but at the same time ensuring they did not over-dominate. Drums Are My Beat is considered among his better albums. There is an interesting mix of original material alongside the customary covers, but Sandy’s ability to make pretty much all repertoire sound as though it was written for him is much in evidence. Released in 1962, it would hit #29 on the Billboard chart (it performed even better on the Cashbox equivalent, sailing up to #34), further cementing his reputation as one of the leading exponents of surf rock.

1. Drum Roll
2. My Blue Heaven
3. Hawaiian War Chant
4. Twisted
5. Caravan
6. Drums Are My Beat
7. Day Drumming
8. Drum Stop
9. Hum Drum
10. Topsy
11. The City