Please Donate
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....
-> One Way or Another Downtown Caribou Message in a Bottle
My favorite identifiable vocal intro, which you did not ask for,
“You Really Got Me” The Kimks
“Wild Thing” The Troggs
And the best 'Guitar Duel' I know of is between Eric Clapton and Robbie Robertson of The Band doing Further On Up The Road. It's from 'The last waltz'. Clapton was doing a solo and his guitar strap slipped and he had to stop. Robbie saw it coming and picked up the solo from there, without missing a beat. It's great to see to pros working together like that.
Andthe 'Coolest Drummer' is Levon Helm of The Band. This You Tube Video of The Weight is awesome. Beautiful picture slide show.
'Dang' I miss Real Rock Music.
Old Time Rock and Roll - Bob Seger
I only played it for a few seconds to make sure it actually was the intro to Sweet Jane by The Velvet Underground and not some cover, since it has long been an object of fascination in alt rock circles. It was, I linked it and it might not have left as favorable an impression as it deserves.
Drum - God Part 2 by U2
Guitar - Intro to Mean Street Van Halen Fair Warning
Becker and Fagen used at least 42 different studio musicians, 11 engineers, and took over a year to record the tracks that resulted in 1980’s Gaucho — an album that contains only seven songs.
Gadd has played for just about everyone big, for decades. I just learned (from my drum teacher) that Gadd was called on by the guy who created The Hustle. He invented the now-classic rock/disco groove pattern of 16ths on the high-hat, with 2 and 4 on the snare (for the non-musical: “chicka chicka BANG-a chicka, chicka chicka BANG-a chicka”).
His Aja solo (actually the whole piece) is sublime. I understand that he recorded a bunch of takes (like most Fagen and Becker productions) but he first take is the one we hear. He also was quite a substance user at the time, and had a little bourbon to take the edge off the coke.
(Steely Dan) celebrated debauchery with poetic style, and that’s unfortunate, in my view.
*Anything* by Stevie Ray Vaughn.
I'm Goin' Home
Rock:
Hot for Teacher - VH
Longtime - Boston
Acoustic:
Roundabout - Yes
Stairway - Zep
Drums:
Don’t Care Anymore - Phil Collins
What took so long? That's the most recognizable guitar riff in the history of the world!
I just saw him play a few weeks ago. I was standing at the edge of the stage about 8 feet from him during the whole show. That guy sure rocks out for a wrinkly old dude!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.