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....
Actually, “Seasons In The Sun.” was the next round in ~my~ chamber....LOL
“Possum Kingdom “
Wow..I didn’t think anybody else but me loved that song....:))
Guitar:
1. Van Halen - “Mean Street”
2. Jimi Hendrix - “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
3. Steely Dan (Larry Carlton) - “Don’t Take Me Alive”
4. Allman Bros. (Duane Allman) - “Statesboro Blues”
5. Metallica (James Hetfield/Kirk Hammett) - “Battery”
Drums:
1. Led Zeppelin (John Bonham) - “Rock And Roll”
2. Ozzy Osbourne (Lee Kerslake, NOT the re-recording by Mike Bordin) - “Over The Mountain”
3. Rush (Neil Peart) - “One Little Victory”
4. Sorry, I can’t
5. think of two more...
If we got to “Hoop, there it is” the next battle will be fought with sticks and stones.
I haven't bought a Santana album since Supernatural came out. That wasn't a bad album, but he didn't need to do a bunch more of the same format. IMO, Guitar Heaven is just an all-covers rendition of Supernatural.
If Carlos decides to do something a little more in the vein of his first three albums, I might buy it. Otherwise, I'm not buying another one of his discs.
Who said anything about buying it? The Internet and Rapidshare is your friend!
“I always liked the intro to Lady Writer.”
I agree, and I think the outro solo of that song is one of Knopfler’s best.
Check this out. The intro's not that hot, but when they get to the jam it's pretty obvious who's on guitar!
I didn’t even know the name of that song for years or even who sang it, it’s so unique you just know it when you hear it.
Even after I knew, I didn’t know what the hell ‘Possum Kingdom’ even meant, but in the last couple of years I read it was about some really screwed up guy who committed one or more murders of teenage girls back in the early 80’s at Possum Kingdom lake in Texas.
Soooo, I’m talking to my dad a couple of weeks back about something, and that led to a convo about our family trip my parents, me and my just-teenaged sister took to Texas back in the 80’s. I said ‘You remember that lake we stayed on?’
He said, ‘You mean Possum Kingdom lake?’
Umm...allrighty then!
Thanks for this post. Took me a couple of hours to go through it and enjoy the great music!
It’s not rock and it’s not even a guitar, but I stumbled upon this kid playing the banjo and could hardly believe it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3qbB4Kq3Y0&feature=player_embedded
For Bass, Radiohead's "The National Anthem."
MarkL,
Have you listened to Tony Levin’s Gardens of Eden? His tracks on the So album are just plain bad.
If you haven’t heard this, check out Jaco’s Kuru/Speak Like A Child. As a matter of fact, that entire album is a case study in how it’s done.
Also, Jaco’s tracks on:
Birdland - Weather Reports Heavy Weather
Teen Town - Weather Reports Heavy Weather
Also, check out Jimmy Johnson’s track on:
Indiado - Sergio Mendes’ Brasilieiro
TJI
My apologies. I meant to say, “Waters of Eden”.
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