ChrisCThe ten best ever Rock intro's
July 28th 2008 03:26
This is a list, in no particular order, of rock tracks that demand you to pull out your air guitar or sit down at your air drum kit right from the opening note. Or beat. Or scream. These are the songs that need to be played if you’re leaving for work in four minutes and can’t bare the thought of walking out the front door, or if you want to go and burn off those Tim Tams and simply cannot haul your big backside out of bed.
The rules for assessing the ten best ever rock intro's…
1) Can only be 10 songs. Any more and no-one would be bothered reading it.
2) Can only be 10 songs. Any more and I can’t be bothered writing it.
3) Must be made up of half Australian acts and half not.
4) Must be made up of half live stuff and half studio stuff.
5) As it turns out, the live stuff must be made up of stuff I have seen live. Coincidentally, as it turns out.
6) I must be able to find a suitable You Tube clip of my selected top ten rock intro.
7) Can not have more than seven (7) rules in assessing the top 10 intros.
And before I continue: the irony of it all…I know rock n’ roll is supposed to be all about freedom of expression, breaking the rules and basically “sticking it to the man,” (Jack Black told me). And so trying to create a rock n’ roll list, and give it some rules and prerequisites appears to fly entirely in the face of what rock, according to legend, is all about. Enjoy that thought as long as you like, but I’ve gotta get going and start playing some tunes.
(In booming announcer’s voice)
“And so…without further ado, in conjunction with Funky and The Jazzman productions, give it up for the biggest, baddest, bestest rock intros of oorrrrrrrrrlllllll Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmmme!”
Kicking off the studio stuff with two giants of the hair-band era, I'm talking Motley Crue and Guns n’ Roses.
Kick Start My Heart gives nothing less than that heart-pounding vibe of being trackside at a Formula One Grand Prix. A massive adrenalin surge that is required before any car race or before you have to clean the skid marks off your share-house toilet. No I’ve never been to a car race.
You Could Be Mine takes me back to the days where The Digger and myself used to drive up to Blackbutt Reserve to do some cross country running. Playing the start of this song in the car before you go for a run is almost exactly the same as injecting cow’s blood into your thighs before playing a game of footy. Ooh yeah!
The next selection needs no real introduction or description. Just press play on the vid here…
Got it? Good.
And now, please welcome to the microphones, a couple of top Aussie studio-recorded rock n’ rollers. Firstly I’d like to introduce The Divinyls who take great delight in sticking it to the man with their track Hey Little Boy. The drums, the guitar – this intro lets you know what you’re in for…
And next we have the mighty Spiderbait. Who in the world (of Australia) didn’t pull their air guitar out for this one?!!
Feeling pumped? Good, because in the words of immortal rocker Mark Gasnier, it’s time to ‘fire up bitch’ and face up to the top 5 LIVE!
I’ll kick-off with a classic rock intro, a little bit of guitar solo that is instantly recognisable right around the world. Did somebody just whisper the word “iconic”? Why not?!!
Sticking with the Aussie theme for the moment, the lads from The Living End are back from their internal squabbles and self-loathing to release a new album. Whatever happens with this album or in future, there can be no denying that with Prisoner of Society, they came up with one of the all-time greatest Oz rock songs. Have a look at this live version – what a way to intro a song and fire up a crowd.
Moving to a couple of bands from abroad now and onto the first live big gig I ever saw. In fact (in showing my age) I had to leave a HSC exam early to catch a train down to Sydney to see these guys. The result? Thanks to Dire Straits for putting on was is still one of the maddest concerts I have ever seen, and (as I’m sure you were wondering) I scored my highest mark in this particular HSC exam! God bless General Studies. And the power of rock.
Having seen U2 twice in Sydney, (and, from what I’m told, shrewdly deciding to not fork out the big bucks to see them last time they toured), I consider myself a bit of a fan. This song was always the biggest of them all for me. In fact, I’ve been calling it my ‘funeral song’ for a long while now, so for those in the know, there’s no surprises that this song makes the cut. This particular clip comes live from Slane Castle in Ireland (I think). The power and the beauty of Where the Streets Have No Name…
And finally, saving my personal favourite till last…
Classic Australian rock to me is all about the Oils. They got me through my high school years and watched over me in the years thereafter. This particular clip, of The Dead Heart, is not an out and out rock intro like most of the others here, but I find it does the same thing: it gets the chest pounding and the soul stirring. If you can’t be bothered watching any of the other You Tube clips, have a quick click on this and tell me you don’t feel - something!
Remember: stay alert – not alarmed, and chow4now.
The rules for assessing the ten best ever rock intro's…
1) Can only be 10 songs. Any more and no-one would be bothered reading it.
2) Can only be 10 songs. Any more and I can’t be bothered writing it.
4) Must be made up of half live stuff and half studio stuff.
5) As it turns out, the live stuff must be made up of stuff I have seen live. Coincidentally, as it turns out.
6) I must be able to find a suitable You Tube clip of my selected top ten rock intro.
7) Can not have more than seven (7) rules in assessing the top 10 intros.
And before I continue: the irony of it all…I know rock n’ roll is supposed to be all about freedom of expression, breaking the rules and basically “sticking it to the man,” (Jack Black told me). And so trying to create a rock n’ roll list, and give it some rules and prerequisites appears to fly entirely in the face of what rock, according to legend, is all about. Enjoy that thought as long as you like, but I’ve gotta get going and start playing some tunes.
(In booming announcer’s voice)
“And so…without further ado, in conjunction with Funky and The Jazzman productions, give it up for the biggest, baddest, bestest rock intros of oorrrrrrrrrlllllll Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmmme!”
Kicking off the studio stuff with two giants of the hair-band era, I'm talking Motley Crue and Guns n’ Roses.
Kick Start My Heart gives nothing less than that heart-pounding vibe of being trackside at a Formula One Grand Prix. A massive adrenalin surge that is required before any car race or before you have to clean the skid marks off your share-house toilet. No I’ve never been to a car race.
You Could Be Mine takes me back to the days where The Digger and myself used to drive up to Blackbutt Reserve to do some cross country running. Playing the start of this song in the car before you go for a run is almost exactly the same as injecting cow’s blood into your thighs before playing a game of footy. Ooh yeah!
The next selection needs no real introduction or description. Just press play on the vid here…
Got it? Good.
And now, please welcome to the microphones, a couple of top Aussie studio-recorded rock n’ rollers. Firstly I’d like to introduce The Divinyls who take great delight in sticking it to the man with their track Hey Little Boy. The drums, the guitar – this intro lets you know what you’re in for…
And next we have the mighty Spiderbait. Who in the world (of Australia) didn’t pull their air guitar out for this one?!!
Feeling pumped? Good, because in the words of immortal rocker Mark Gasnier, it’s time to ‘fire up bitch’ and face up to the top 5 LIVE!
I’ll kick-off with a classic rock intro, a little bit of guitar solo that is instantly recognisable right around the world. Did somebody just whisper the word “iconic”? Why not?!!
Sticking with the Aussie theme for the moment, the lads from The Living End are back from their internal squabbles and self-loathing to release a new album. Whatever happens with this album or in future, there can be no denying that with Prisoner of Society, they came up with one of the all-time greatest Oz rock songs. Have a look at this live version – what a way to intro a song and fire up a crowd.
Moving to a couple of bands from abroad now and onto the first live big gig I ever saw. In fact (in showing my age) I had to leave a HSC exam early to catch a train down to Sydney to see these guys. The result? Thanks to Dire Straits for putting on was is still one of the maddest concerts I have ever seen, and (as I’m sure you were wondering) I scored my highest mark in this particular HSC exam! God bless General Studies. And the power of rock.
Having seen U2 twice in Sydney, (and, from what I’m told, shrewdly deciding to not fork out the big bucks to see them last time they toured), I consider myself a bit of a fan. This song was always the biggest of them all for me. In fact, I’ve been calling it my ‘funeral song’ for a long while now, so for those in the know, there’s no surprises that this song makes the cut. This particular clip comes live from Slane Castle in Ireland (I think). The power and the beauty of Where the Streets Have No Name…
And finally, saving my personal favourite till last…
Classic Australian rock to me is all about the Oils. They got me through my high school years and watched over me in the years thereafter. This particular clip, of The Dead Heart, is not an out and out rock intro like most of the others here, but I find it does the same thing: it gets the chest pounding and the soul stirring. If you can’t be bothered watching any of the other You Tube clips, have a quick click on this and tell me you don’t feel - something!
Remember: stay alert – not alarmed, and chow4now.
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Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Ann 2
Muzikal Mafia
Canadiens Watch
Football Slate
Comment by Jarrah
Back to the Eighties
Although You Could Be Mine is killer, it don't get much better than that, its my entrance music when I fight.
Comment by Damo
But where is
AC-DC -Thunda - Great guitar intro.
Comment by Craig Lester
DJ Dapto
Some great aussie bands and I was air guitaring away when I heard Black Betty by Spiderbait
Great work lads keep it coming
Comment by ChrisC
The Dissector
Hello Ann, yup, my fingers copped a massive workout trying to compile this lot.
Jarrah: yeah, "you could be mine" is a fav pre-exercise pump-up.
Gday Damo - now you havent been watching all your You Tube vids on this blog now, have you?!!
DJ Dapto - i cant believe they still let you write on this site! looking forward to your next rant.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
And Iron Butterfly's In-a-Gadda-da-Vida.
Comment by Brenton
Dr Spin
Tales From The Other Side
Blip Blog
Gadget Museum
The manic LAugh at the start of Devos Hubboon stomp.
The drums at the start of Nine inch Nails olny aren't so much an intro but i like them.
THe openin of 'where is my mind' by the pixies.
Nirvana, Smells like teen spirit.
The piano opewning the liver version of November rain.
The openng weirdness of Alex and the Ramps, Brain.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Michaelie
Comment by The Jazzman
The Pixies is another one which was close to the cut Brenton. The combo of the guitar and voice is amazing.
Other personal favs of The Jazzman, Pearl Jam have a few I was trying to sneak in there. Alive is one that is always got me fired up, Animal another, and of course Even Flow never ceased to send a crowd nuts when it began to crank out.
Ones I can also highly recommend include:
Tool - Stinkfist
Regurgitator - The Drop (Another great Aussie act)
Wolfmother - Joker & The Thief (Go Aussie go!)
Your loyal servant,
The Jazzman
Comment by ChrisC
The Dissector
Hi Michaelie - has anyone ever told you that you've got the sweetest mouth on the internet? (that didnt come across as crude now, did it?!!)
And yoyo Jazz! Now we've both been over this a thousand times. I wasn't allowed any Radiohead so you weren't allowed any Pearl Jam. Plus I won the Rock, Paper, Scissors contest fair and square, giving me final call on what plays and what goes away. ps - you got us a job yet?
Comment by TimmyH
Tech News
Can you HACK it?
Genyration
Lou Reed - "Intro/Sweet Jane" off the "Rock N Roll Animal" album.
It is by far and away the best intro to a song EVER!
Nothing else comes close!
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
Stones-Satisfaction
Beep Purple--Smoke on the Water
Led Zepplin-Stairway to Heaven
Like 'em or not, you hear the opening riff and you know the song!
Comment by Davidz
6. Come as you are - Nirvana
5. Strangers - Portishead
4. Enter Sandman - Metallica
3. I might be Wrong - Radiohead
2. Black Dog - Led Zeppelin
1. Welcome to the Jungle - Guns and Roses
Comment by Davidz
6. Come as you are - Nirvana
5. Strangers - Portishead
4. Enter Sandman - Metallica
3. I might be Wrong - Radiohead
2. Black Dog - Led Zeppelin
1. Welcome to the Jungle - Guns and Roses
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Stay well
Comment by ChrisC
The Dissector
Michaelie - great mouth, still! (I'm assuming you are a female!!! How funny if "Michaelie" was a French man's name...
James Rickard - couldnt agree with you more mate. "Smoke" and "Stairway" were both in the mix. My standout Beatles intro is Revolution, (rockier version), with Lennon smoking up that guitar.
Davidz - cheers for having a read. With Metallica I was close to including St Anger - nice intro there. And yep, I Might Be Wrong is a top piece of work
Comment by The wonderful Peter Yang
The wonderful Peter Yang's Variety blog
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HAITI EARTHQUAKE
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Comment by What!!
Was one of those songs even written in the last 5 years?
Cmon boyz if youve ever seen Airbourne live you'd know "Are you ready to Rock'n'Roll!" is not only a great intro to a song but also a great start to a gig.
Anyhoo, although I'm diapointed with the songs I'm impressed with the effort, just look how many comments you've received. Is this a record?
Keep up da good work
Dink
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
A few opening riffs that rock my nads:
Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Chile
Norman Greenbaum - Spirit in The Sky
Ted Nuggent - Stranglehold
Eric Claton's Crossroads cover
Ten Years After - I'm Going Home
As for ACDC its Jailbreak that does it for me
Comment by ChrisB
Formula 1
The Social Centre
that lovely piano score, almost fairy tale-like...then bust out massive on the gee-tar..love it!
Comment by ChrisC
The Dissector
Mr Wonderful - thanks for the rock and roll reinforcement!
Dink - l know i know, getting old hahaha. just for you im sitting here listening to anthony callea and that irish idiot so i can get up to speed with current trends!
JohnDoe - i like your tastes mate.
ChrisB - i like yours more! muse is a fave of mine. would love to see them live.
Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
its very satisfying when you can recognise a song in the first few seconds!
Australian Crawl - Reckless
Machine Head - Violate
Faith No More - Easy
Britney Spears - Toxic
my definition of "Rock" is obviously extremely broad!
Comment by Ann 2
Muzikal Mafia
Canadiens Watch
Football Slate
Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child Of Mine (listen to Fort Minor's S.C.O.M which has a sample of the guitar riff, and you'll find yourself air-guitaring away) and Welcome To The Jungle
Metallica - Enter Sandman
lostprophets - Last Train Home and Kobrakai
Rammstein - Fuer Frei
Linkin Park - QWERTY (probably their hardest song, it's a shame it wasn't officially released)
System Of A Down - Toxicity
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
Comment by D. Armenta
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What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
One of the best
Comment by ChrisC
The Dissector
Anne - there's some heavy stuff there girl!
And James - yup tough gig picking 10...
I'm sitting here listening to Triple J and right at this moment "Killing in the Name" by Rage Against The Machine comes on. Another memorable intro to a song!
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
Oh well, I'll do my own post....
Comment by ChrisC
The Dissector
Sorry about that, I had one foot in bed when I wrote that last night and completely forgot to mention your link specifically. I really appreciated the effort, what better way to respond to a blog full of you tube vids than with a you tube vid!
Now, Blues Brothers = top stuff. Great film, great music. Hell, contrary to popular opinion, i even loved Blues Brothers 2000! However, the link you sent as an intro to a rock song...no way! hahaha Semi-formulaic blues doesnt cut the mustard on this one!
But cheers for your ideas and i cant wait to read your blog on the matter (can you let me know when you write it)?
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
I'll let you know! Heading out on the road today but back soon.........great blog.
Comment by ChrisB
Formula 1
The Social Centre
and, one of australia's most underrated bands, and one of my personal favourites - the cops....out of the fridge and into the fire.....glorious!!
find it, listen to it and love it!