Posted on 07/19/2014 3:59:50 PM PDT by lee martell
Some classic rock songs from 'back then' have a distinctive sound in the intro, a rhythmic pattern that would probably make a good ringtone on our cell phones of today. One of those songs that could instantly set the mood was "Mississippi Queen, by the group Mountain, from 1970. The band consisted of four guys; Leslie West, Corky Laing, Felix Pappalardi and David Rea. This song, their most successful, reached #21 in the Billboard Hot 100 record chart of 1970.
There are many other good songs with the everyday Cowbell in the intro including; #1. Moby Dick, by Led Zeppelin #2. Rock and Roll, Hoohie Koo, Rick Derringer, #3. Born on the Bayou, by Creedence Clearwater Revival, #4. Fool for the City, by Foghat, #5. Stone Free, by Jimi Hendrix Experience, #6. Low Rider, by War, #7. Don't Fear The Reaper, by Blue Oyster Cult, #8. We're An American Band, by Grand Funk Railroad, #9. Honky Tonk Woman, by Rolling Stones.
Mississippi Queen was recorded during sessions for Mountain's debut album "Climbing!". Drummer Corky Laing had developed some lyrics and the drum part before joining the band. Later, when guitarist Leslie West was looking for lyrics to match a guitar part he had written, Corky pulled out "The Queen", and the two worked on the song together. When the group went on to record Mississippi Queen, Pappalardi insisted on numerous takes. Growing tired of the repetition, Laing started using the cowbell to count off the song. Pappalardi liked it so much he left it in the mix, creating the instantly recognizable intro into the song. This song has been recorded by many others, including Sam Kinison in 1990, Ozzy Osbourne in 2005, and Molly Hatchet in 2008. The original version by Mountain is my favorite. It's explosive, driving and bluesy. I wish I could hear a Zydeco version, and I usually do not like Zydeco, because that technique can become too noisy with all those Creole Violinists and Fiddlers wanting to be heard.
Mountain is one of my all time faves, though I liked their ballads with Felix singing lead better than Leslie’s rockers. Critics hated them for not being Cream and hated West for not being Clapton, but their music is great. Didn’t Leslie West pass on recently?
I saw Mountain in Kansas City in the mid 70’s and still have fond memories of that day. I was also pleased to find their CD’s (including Climbing!) at Nebraska Furniture Mart in Kansas City (very reasonably priced). Leslie West remains a legend to this day. Be sure to play it loud! The Great OZ has spoken.
Leslie West had leg amputation surgery a few years ago while preparing to perform in Mississippi. To the best of my knowledge he’s still alive and well.
Richie Blackmore’s Rainbow, ‘Still I’m Sad.’ Get your vitamin bell fix here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRpsA-UvJDg
Freegards
I like Santana’s version better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlhMeKvwuDI
To be fair, West didn't use a Marshall. He was waiting for his Marshalls to arrive and didn't get them in time so he was forced to use the ungodly, thunderously loud Sunn Coliseum PA Amplifier through his Marshall cabinets. And the Sunn Coliseum, which just might be the loudest guitar amplifier ever produced by this now-defunct company, went on to be part of Leslie West's signature sound.
But he most certainly used a Gibson Les Paul Junior!
I also feel “theme for a Imaginary Western “ captures something that is hard to describe. Even when America was at it’s strongest (Reagan Years?)it evoked a sadness that I also sometimes feel when looking a the end of a Columbia Film and the sunset tinged clouds are behind the figure of Columbia. If that makes any sense at all....
How do you know this about West’s use of a Sunn Coliseum PA Amp, vs the Marshall ‘he was waiting for”? Did you work with this group at some time? That’s some very specific insider knowledge you’ve displayed. You sound to be someone who either has performed or knows how to select the proper sound equipment.
“Good song, but are you sure that’s not a Glockenspiel vs Cowbells?”
Here’s a video check for yourself
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8RhZDGLEXM
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