Posted on 05/14/2011 10:37:12 PM PDT by This Just In
Do you recall that epic drum intro to the song, ‘50 Ways to Leave Your Lover’, by Paul Simon? Does anyone remember the name of that famous drummer who created that intro? I’m guessing that right about now that groove is playing in your mind’s eye (or ear). The great Steve Gadd came up with one of the most unforgettable licks and intros in the history of rock n roll.
Just a few days ago my better half and I were busy logging some miles between point A and point B on our scenic drive when we started talking about music. What are the most recognizable drum intros you remember, we asked one another? Rock intros, to be more precise. Steve Gadd’s monumental drum lick was the catalyst for our topical conversation.
I was reminded of our conversation the other day as I read a thread here on FR titled, “Rolling Stone Readers Pick the Best Ballads of All Time.” Frankly, the Freepers lists of …Best Ballads were far better than the list the Rolling Stone came up with. The old motor in the noggin starting turning, and I wondered what your picks would be if there was a poll in choosing the most identifiable drum and guitar intros to a rock song.
The reason I say “identifiable” is because “favs” are generally subjective. Identifiable can be just as subjective, but whether you like the band, the songs, or the riffs, licks, and/or fills, some songs are instantly identified by a broad audience.
So, your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to list 5 of the most easily identified drum intros, and 5 of the most easily identified guitar intros. These choices do not have to be solo instrumentation, but either the drum or guitar must be pronounced. It's time to rock....
Good grief...
“Smoke on the Water”
What do I win?
It was difficult for me to leave the Allman Brothers off the list. Despite the simplicity and space, Midnight Rider is one of the most haunting and captivating intros I have ever heard.
The final cut, "Josie", exemplifies Steely Dan's remarkable versatility. Rich with images of random violence, copulation, drug abuse, loitering with intent and other misdemeanors, this sociopathic jump tune is sure to become a classic zebra in the annals of Punkadelia.
Oh, that’s gold.
Two from The Band:
Guitar intro from “The Weight”
and
Guitar/Drum at the same time on “Up On Cripple Creek”
That topic alone is worth a whole new thread. In particular, for our entertainment, just what goes beyond the bounds for Conservative Christians?
While it's known to many FReepers that I'm something of a square when it comes to music (Country and Southern Gospel fit my comfort zone), a steady diet of only that would get tiresome. So I veer off into other realms such as big band and some of the crooners as well as some so-called "mob music" (see below).
With movies, the choices we have are more confined since Hollywood is largely (exclusively?) a bastion of atheistic liberalism. As much as I'd like to view only films like Passion of the Christ, Facing the Giants and Atlas Shrugged, some of the product designed for Conservatives is just subpar in spite of its good intentions (American Carol anyone?).
So, admitting my straying from the straight and narrow in movies, under my breath, I'll confess to really enjoying the profanity-laden Goodfellas and the morally-suspect Godfather trilogy...but certainly not when the kids are around. Of course, right afterward, I try to cleanse myself by playing some Happy Goodman, Kingsmen and Bill Gather tapes! :-)
Interesting topic...apologies to all for the thread diversion.
“Eruption” intro is a solo, not an intro. And yes one hot piece of psych music we’d play in the locker room before football games.
Did she have a brother name Lou Chang? Was he burning with rage?
Oh, wrong album.
Well, the band is called Steely Dan.
Man, musically, that band was in a league of their own. Lyrically, they celebrated debauchery with poetic style, and that’s unfortunate, in my view.
Head Music?
Oh, just noticed your user name, LOL! ;o)
Favorite drum Intro ... Reggatta De Blanc - The Police
I didn't know that.
Have you seen The Making of Peg. On it, one of the session men comments on that subject.
Roger Waters and Jeff Beck - What God Wants Parts 1 and 3
(not the original)
It is a solo intro to You Really Got Me. Actually, it was Eddie’s warm up exercise. Producer Ted Templeman recorded it, and the rest is history.
They were truly a product of their era. Drug use and casual sex were considered to be largely consequence-free to an amazing number of people in the '70s, especially any of the artistically inclined.
Don’t Fear The Reaper
School’s Out
[the full MP3 version of that one is the ringtone on my iPhone..it still cracks me up to see people’s reactions when it goes off]...LOL
Brutal Planet
Born To Run
Heavy Metal [Takin’ A Ride]
Radar Love
Enter Sandman
Crazy Train
Geeze...there’s a ton of ‘em that turn me on.
“Guitar: GNR Sweet Child of Mine”
Oh, yeah!
I can name that tune in one note, Wink!
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