Wow. I just searched for "Come Together" and saw a smattering of players covering that song on drums. What is interesting is the fact that we have a generation of people with no fear when it comes to the exhibition of their playing. In that selection of videos, I saw good, bad, so-so, and frankly bizarre. I also saw the most boring of teaching videos for that song, as well. One that stood out was a kid who played it decently, but his singing along was pretty bad. I was amazed that there were positive comments on the bad players that almost outnumbered the negative ones. And while I will publicly berate someone who tries to oversell a rattle-bombed drum kit on Craigslist, I will NEVER criticise a kid trying to be a drummer (or any other musician for that matter).
I also heard the isolated track, which showed the greatness in Ringo's simple playing. I also realise that I tried making the drum part too complicated when I used to play the song in other bands. Ringo really exemplifies what I used to teach students: if in doubt, underplay, keep good time, and don't show off. Driving the band and keeping it cohesive is MUCH more important than showing the world you know your flam paradiddles and that your Moeller technique is better than the last drummer's.
I would like to know your observations about people covering the drum parts of popular songs on youtube. Post links if there's one in particular you'd like to discuss.
