Freep Fills: Pick 5 Fav Rock Drum and Guitar Intros

May 14, 2011 | This Just In

[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....

[Clint N. Suhks]

Good grief... “Smoke on the Water”

That's in the top 5 for sure. Who didn't learn that one? FWIW

[Mr. Mojo]

“When the Levee Breaks” (Led Zeppelin IV). ....for both drums AND guitar.

Most powerful opening of any song I’ve ever heard. Bonham’s beat is simple, but the tone is HUGE. And when Page enters with the signature song riff it’s off the the delta you go.

For simultaneous drum/guitar openings, my vote goes to Zep’s “The Wanton Song” (on Physical Graffiti).

[Steely Tom]

Debauchery and moral breakdown are the high fructose corn syrup, the cheapest "flavor axis" you can get for creating irony and apparent depth in music, or in art in general.

You don't have to make a real contribution, as did Tolstoy or Hugo or Ayn Rand, or (for that matter) C. S. Lewis... you don't have to make a real contribution; you can just use those cheap spices and you can make emptiness sound majestic, you can make shallowness sound deep.

Ya gotta crank it out if you want to keep the paychecks coming.

[chicken head]

bad company- no smoke without a fire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwkNPlvCcxY

bad company- holy water

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh5NV-Lyzok

heart- the wolf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_35WgflzeME

joan jett

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbiYv_lNfFA

ac/dc- sink the pink

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXkpKPj4eW8

def leppard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHA1Cv9XsBk

ratt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7SUMWTNyRQ

[RedCell]

I’ve always like Children of the Sun by Billy Thorpe. Both a cool drum and guitar intro. Not the official video (we’re talking 1979) but in case you’d like to hear it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSlDZ27BAY

[Salamander]

Other “Instant recognition” tunes

Sympathy For the Devil [first bongo hit]
Paint It Black [first guitar note]

[This Just In]

Believe it or not, we are Conservative Christians. Our children would be the first to tell you that their parents are very selective in what they are allowed to view and listen to.

My children have yet to hear most of the music I have listed on this thread. All of our kids play music. As a matter of fact, one is about to leave and pursue a degree in Music Composition.

We come from a family of professional musicians, although, we do not gig or record full-time any longer. We now dedicate our time to raising the family.

Any veteran pro. musician will tell you that it’s important to listen to a broad range of musical styles. These styles help to enrich and influence creativity in musical ideas and expression.

If an artist, music enthusiast, or just a music fan possesses a very discerning taste in their appreciation, I don’t begrudge them.

We are careful in what we listen to on a regular bases.

[buccaneer81]

Thanks for that link. Those guys were obsessed.

[This Just In]

This reminds me of Bad To The Bone by George Thorogood and the Destroyers.

[Salamander]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7A2acBVENA

[buccaneer81]

As a matter of fact, one is about to leave and pursue a degree in Music Composition.

Speaking of which, how's the laptop hunt coming?

[Tex-Con-Man]

I had buddies working in music stores during that time frame, and they were ready to put a gun to their head if one more 14 year old plucked his way through the intro to “Stairway to Heaven” at 95 decibels...

Every cover bad in every club played “Smoke on the Water”.

I hate the song, but it has one of the most recognizable intros of straight ahead top 40 rock.

[Clint N. Suhks]

I'm gonna add my third to the guitar intro list.

"Heavy Metal"--Sammy Hagar

[Figment]

Too lazy to look it up right now, but one instantly comes to mind. The intro to the live version of Lou Reeds “ Sweet Jane “ ranks right up there for guitar

[This Just In]

I wish I could view these videos. Can’t right now. Will have to wait.

How about No One Like You - Scorpions

[My Favorite Headache]

Best drum intro’s?

http://youtu.be/rMYDuPWHFAo - Rush “One Little Victory”

http://youtu.be/U7DFsBcVMDA - Rush “Tom Sawyer”

http://youtu.be/1e-dMEv9wdE - Rush “Animate”

http://youtu.be/wDCG7daJ7cc - Dream Theater “6:00”

http://youtu.be/ZUc629OcQPo - The Power Station “Get It On”

[Salamander]

You should listen to it while riding a Harley on a dark country road.

It’s almost spiritual.

:)

[This Just In]

Hey, thanks for asking. We bagged the big one. MacBook Pro. Included the Logic Express in the mix (pun intended).

[chicken head]

oh yeah- thats awesome

[This Just In]

Don’t tempt me. I miss riding the hog. That would be a night ride to remember.