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....
I take no prisoners. Every white boy's dream dance song at frat parties...
Oh, wow...I’d forgotten that song existed.
Here’s another one for us ‘moldy oldies’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVQVMn_mvCo
Recently heard that Sweet Home Alabama is the most played song in the world on radio. Not hard to believe.
Drums - Sympathy for the Devil, Rolling Stones
Guitar- Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love, Van Halen
“They were truly a product of their era.”
No kidding. I believe Ted Nugent was the only musician playing it straight. OK, that’s not true, but you know what I mean.
Guitar and drums: Panama - Van Halen
Excellent. A Mac is my next new laptop, if I can convince the wife.
Most of the drummers I know say he invented modern Rock And Roll drumming. His crashes and crossovers were the first of their kind ands the standard today.
I like that one, it's different - doesn't have so much of Petty's signature sound.
As far as guitar intros go, I think Tom's Mary Jane's Last Dance deserves a nod. It's not among my favorites of Petty's recordings overall, but the intro is very good.
Another guitar intro that deserves mention:
Nancy Wilson's acoustic intro on Crazy On You.
The whole trunk of my trike is stuffed with an 850W amp, pre-amp/EQ and a subwoofer with quad speakers out front.
Hubby is just riding along, enjoying his bike while I’m transported into my own little ‘alternate reality’, complete with soundtrack.
*If* I ever get a speeding ticket, it’s gonna be because “Bat Outta Hell” or “Radar Love” came up on the playlist while I had a clear, straight highway in front of me.
I roll on the throttle...can’t help myself...LOL
[so far, so good...no tickets...yet]
Midnight Rider is slow, after-dark/middle of absolute nowhere cruising tune.
It is incredible.
[and as are BOC’s Don’t Fear the Reaper and Astronomy]
Yes- Roundabout (Steve Howe)
The song Ariel by Dean Friedman has, for me, come to represent the absolute apogee of that era. It came out in the spring or early summer of 1977, before STDs began to make the dangers of recreational sex a reality for the typical baby boomer.
I believe that Ariel deserves to be recognized as the last song about that era's carefree attitude toward sex; that all started to change soon afterward, first with herpes and then with AIDS.
Charlie Watts is always underrated.
But Keith Moon and Ginger Baker were heavily influential for early rock drummers.
Neil Peart, one of the greats.
Can’t stand “Rush” though, one hit wonder in my book.
THERE! I SAID IT!
*Anything* by Robin Trower.
We’re pretty excited about it. The Mac will make composing bliss compared to what our child’s been using (Finale), and writing the scores using long hand.
I hope your wife will give the green light. If you buy a Mac, let me know how it goes. Will this be mainly for business?
“Nancy Wilson’s acoustic intro on Crazy On You. “
Absolutely.
Iconic.
Sounds like you get the best of both worlds while riding shotgun.
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