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’ve seen them a dozen times over the past 30 years. Always a great show.
If you included a Bass Guitar category, then it goes to “How Many More Times” - Led Zeppelin.
Is that Freedom Rock?
Turn it up!!!
Wow, I thought I was the only one who is amazed at the fantastic guitar track on this song. Pure, clean and perfect without the distortion, shredding, tapping, and effects that other guitarists need to sound good. Absolutely brilliant.
Drums: Ian Paice.
Guitar: Ritchie Blackmore.
Just about the coolest drum work of any rock-n-roll song I know of.
Steve Gadd's work in the final coda of Steely Dan's Aja is also incredibly cool, but I don't think of Aja as rock-n-roll.
*Tip of the hat*
The sky’s the limit, and this thread could have gone on for day if I didn’t specify rock, but there are so many greats:
Chet Atkins
Glenn Campbell
Brent Mason
Pat Methany
Al DiMeola
Segovia
Larry Carlton
Allan Holdsworth
I also would have mentioned Robert White of The Funk Brothers, and his intro to My Girl.
That entire song by Alvin Lee was epic. “I’m Going Home” was what most of the other guitarists at Woodstock were thinking of doing after witnessing that performance.
Aja’s my favorite Steely Dan album (my better half prefers Goucho). I’d describe the music as contemporary rock.
“Guitar Intro”?
Are you kidding me!
“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking”, Stones and “The Ocean”, Zeppelin...best ever, nothing close.
“Drum Intro”?
“Mississippi Queen”, Mountain.
Piker! ;o)
Mudcrutch - “Lover of the Bayou” (Tom Petty)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln7F-a05aQI
Nice guitar inro and great drummer too
Can’t check out the video. Run it for me.
Oh yeah.
I listed that on my Honorable Mention list. There are just too many to choose from, and that’s a great thing.
Gaucho for me. “Babylon Sisters” and a drink is just the prescription for me after a rotten day at work.
“Run Through the Jungle”
Aja is, IMHO, pretty much a perfect album. Every song on it is a classic, fascinating, unforgettable. The title song is a masterpiece.
Gaucho is almost as good. Pretty much every song on it is about activities that are illegal or immoral, which, as I get older, causes me some qualms. Mark Knopfler's guitar solo on Time Out Of Mind is a beautiful puzzle I've never been able to figure out to my satisfaction, though I keep trying.
Sounds like you share the same good taste for Steely Dan as my side kick. Third World Man is my favorite off the album.
That was by a guy named Elliot Randall. He also did a bunch of stuff on his own and still rocks out today.
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