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....
“For drums, there are just so many.”
In A Gadda Da Vida.
[baby]
;]
“For drums, there are just so many.”
Anything Ginger Baker played on in the sixties.
No one mentioned the most memorable overall opening of a song...Heroin. Yikes.
And Buddy Rich.
I'd like to find a song that was on VH-1 30-40 years ago also (any song).
(VH-1 started in 1985)
Here’s a sand dance for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D86E3kPT4t8
Maybe you meant “Safety Dance”?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7movKfyTBII
Eminence Front (Pete Townshend/The Who) is my #1 guitar intro pick. Totally awesome song.
Maybe 1990s, but it was a guitarist in the desert I probably have the name wrong LOL, I’m 68.5 but have been searching for this for quite a while, off and on.
Here's Joe Satriani playing a guitar in the desert from around 1988:
What kind of music was he playing?
Check the opening riffs of these (Sweet Jane’s intro goes on for about 4 minutes):
Sweet Jane (Rock and Roll Animal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqyv87h_zNA
Santana/John McLaughlin - Let us go into the House of the Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZzZJ38KrWc
Black Sabbath - The Thrill of it All
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKp33UU-TRM
That is an excellent intro. Smokin’
Guitar:
1. Smoke on the Water, Deep Purple 2. You Can Still Rock in America, Night Ranger 3. Johnny Be Goode, Chuck Berry 4. Lightening Crashes, Live 5. You Really Got Me, The Kinks
Drum:
1. My Sharona, The Knack 2. Satisfaction, Devo 3. I Don’t Care Anymore - Genesis 4. Hot For Teacher - Van Halen 5. Down With The Sickness, Disturbed
Good ones.
There are a number of great lists.
I may have forgotten to note In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins.
Thanks. I debated on putting the Toadies - Possum Kingdom in guitar intros instead of Live. Dokken - Alone Again is another of my favorites. Quiet Riot - Bang Your Head, Motley Crue - Shout at the Devil (among several) and The Ramones - Blizkreig Bop. So many in there I’d need a top 20 list.
Yes, I’m a child of the 80’s (and early 90’s/late 70’s) metal and punk/alternative era.
WAR EAGLE backatchya!
I am so proud of Auburn!
I live, eat and breathe the SEC...especially since I live in Oregon.
I like Beavers baseball, but have never been able to get into the PAC12, or whatever it is now.
Very true.
LLS
Gene Krupa in Sing Sing Sing...absolutely primal. And I am not an old guy.
Watch out. In the spirit of mutally assured destruction someone is bound to light off a “You Light up my life” or “Seasons in the sun.”
Its just not worth all of the pain.
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.