Without a doubt, Steve Bowman. He is so very good.....it's all the small things he did perfectly on August. Even just listen to the start of Anna - if you listen closely, there's a lot of things which aren't at all easy to do, but sound cool.

-Kier

I think Steve Bowman was the better drummer. Listen to the Anna Begins drum part on the Flying Demos...

-Nathan Brouwer

Both drummers are both really talented, but if i had to pick one it would be steve, as for an example..."Murder of one" especially the AAEA version. Now thats some good flutin.

-Chris

I've honestly never thought about it much. As far as sound probably Steve but as a group on whole it would be the current drummer.

-Will Wright

I'm offering my vote to Steve as the better drummer, due to some new bootlegs I've heard in which he kicks some ass.

-Jonathan Eisenman

I never thought a simple question like this would set off such criticism. Some people on the list can be SO touchy. Anyway, it seems unanimous, chalk up one more vote for Steve Bowman from me, for pretty much the same reasons mentioned above. Ben, although he is no doubt a great drummer in his own right, has a more "hard rock" sound w/c is perfect for loud songs like "Angels of the Silences". Steve had a more delicate and percise touch perfect for the gentler songs which are my favorite. Plus he's no slouch on the rockers as well, his playing on "Murder of One" was more playful with more high hat in the verses giving the song a rather "bouncy" and slick feel.

Well, ultimately, there's no sense in raving and praising a guy who's already "out of the picture". Reality bites, Steve's gone....long live Ben.

-me