It may be just me, but the tracks that distract me the most are the ones with a solid melody line. Such as Willow's Song, easily the most beautiful song about milking a bull:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UOtscTCJBk
Or "Peter" from Holderlin's Traum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGn6nLaTfqU&feature=youtu.be...
Out of curiosity, could you recommend some bands with very good drums ? One that springs to mind is Guru Guru. When I stop to think about it it seems it's the drums that seal the deal for me, in many tracks. And Embryo, especially on Embryo's Rache.
For good acoustic drums I'm a fan of the tabla/darbuka.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yVWmeFM3-Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIUlh8qweAc
Something more western - Mastadon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwgqenxNUfs
I disagree with the assessment that if melody calls for active listening that rhythm somehow does not. It really depends on the listener and what they value.
There was a time when I might have agreed with you. That was before I learned to play drums.