"She Bangs the Drums" was the second single from The Stone Roses debut album. It was released in the UK, Japan, and Germany. The single was their first Top 40 hit, placing 36th on the UK Singles Chart in July 1989. A reissue in March 1990 improved by 2 places.

The single used a noticeably different mix of "She Bangs the Drums" to the album version. The hi-hat intro was omitted, and it featured a slightly heavier guitar sound and a marginally different backing vocal arrangement. This single version is the one most commonly used for compilations and radio play.

The CD and cassette singles were noted for their strong selection of B-sides: "Standing Here", "Mersey Paradise", and the backward playing track "Simone". It is noted for its fusion of Indie rock, and acid house genres. Ian Brown wrote the lyrics, while John Squire was responsible for the chorus.

In May 2007, NME magazine placed "She Bangs the Drums" at number 12 in its list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever.

Music videos

Two music videos were produced for "She Bangs the Drums". The first video showed the band recording in a studio in January 1989. The band is shown goofing around in slow motion, with Squire's artwork in the background. The second music video featured clips from the Roses' classic gig at Blackpool Empress Ballroom on August 12 1989. This second video is more often played now than the original on TV.

Quote

John: "'She Bangs the Drums' is about those brief moments when everything comes together. Like staying up till dawn and watching the sun rise with somebody you love. And then regretting it bitterly."

Personnel

Ian Brown: Vocals.

John Squire: guitars and backing vocals.

Reni: Drums and backing vocals.

Mani:Bass.

Track listing

7": [Silvertone ORE 6]

1. "She Bangs the Drums" (3:43)
2. "Standing Here" (5:05)

12": [Silvertone ORE T 6]

1. "She Bangs the Drums" (3:43)
2. "Mersey Paradise" (2:44)
3. "Standing Here" (5:05)

CD: [Silvertone ORE CD 6]

1. "She Bangs the Drums" (3:43)
2. "Mersey Paradise" (2:44)
3. "Standing Here" (5:05)
4. "Simone" (4:24)

CS: [Silvertone ORE C 6]

1. "She Bangs the Drums" (3:43)
2. "Mersey Paradise" (2:44)
3. "Standing Here" (5:05)
4. "Simone" (4:24)

She Bangs the Drums on other media

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock features this song as a playable bonus song. However, unlike bonus songs in other Guitar Hero games, it is featured as a cover version instead of the master recording.

The song is also featured in the karaoke game SingStar for the Playstation 3.

External links

• The Stone Roses' discography
• "She Bangs the Drums" guitar tab