John Mayhew on Trespass

It's hard being the shadow of Phil Collins.  His drumming didn't ruin the album for me.

I agree with you. Collins is far better drummer then him, but I still think there is some exaggerated criticism over his drumming. 

I like the album and I like the drumming.

I think John Mayhew may have suffered the wrath of Tony Banks.....when actually he didn't do any worse than B.J. Wilson or any other drummer who is asked to play "Visions of Angels". I mean what on earth are you suppose to do with a song like that? You don't want to play during the verse....but when you do  ...what are you suppose to play? Play a straight beat or a straight beat with fills?...which was what Mayhew did. There was nothing wrong with the way Mayhew played "The Knife" unless he was the type of drummer who had technique but lacked in the area of power.....which Collins had force that only he controlled. He had power on "Return of the Giant Hogweed" Did you ever work with a drummer who could play a buzz roll, a round house, a jazz beat etc....but had no ability to give a "punch" to their playing or the band they were playing with? Maybe that was his deal or perhaps Banks was just being himself as usual. Or maybe when Rutherford attempted to accent bass notes ...he may have expected a tightness or a  "lock it in the pocket" sound within the songs of Trespass and maybe Mayhew was not giving him that option.

His drumming doesn't ruin the album

Well,  I'm glad we all share the same opinion. 

I have never noticed so it has certainly not ruined the album for me.

lazland wrote: To be fair to the others, he did not go because "his drumming ruined the album". When Ant Phillips left, and they wanted to recruit a new guitarist, all felt that they needed a better drummer to take the band forward, given that all were committed to making Genesis work on a full time basis. They most certainly did get a better drummer.

Remember I liked this album most from the complete quality & atmosphere perspectives, though few next records have great moments too.
Peeked what I wrote myself: "This is my personal favorite GENESIS album, and also their only LP which I still listen quite frequently. It doesn't even have Phil Collins on drums yet, which may make it musically little different than their later albums, where his influence began (sadly) to grow."

            Gotta go now............

Trick of the lamb wrote: I agree with you. Collins is far better drummer then him, but I still think there is some exaggerated criticism over his drumming.