Yeah, Ricky Fataar I think was supposed to be "George" in the Rutles, great movie...
Speaking of Beach Boy drummers, I must say I really dig Dennis Wilson's playing from the 70's, when he was reasonably sober (not very often). Technically, he couldn't play the drums, but from touring with the band he somehow developed some ability. Probably, Brian taught him more about drums than anybody. If you listen to Hal Blaine's playing on their 60's records, they actually have a lot in common - often no hihat, playing backbeats on snare and toms. "Shortenin' Bread" from "LA light album" and "Rock'n'roll music" are some of my favourites - real straight grooves. That said, he could be terrible on some concerts, losing the beat and playing really "out there"-fills that made the rhythm-section collapse, always smiling and laughing
Tragic at the same time....
Another favourite Beach Boy cut is "Keepin' the summer alive", played by either Gary Mallaber or Ricky Fataar. The Beach Boys music demanded simple, straight drum grooves.
On mr Whitten's playing, I think that "My brave face" is a GREAT-feeling track.
