Jimmy Page once said that a good riff needs to be "Hypnotic and repetitive in nature, because you're going to be playing it thousands of times and you don't want to get sick of it." I think Jimmy was onto something, after all he wrote some of the most instantly recognizable riffs in rock history. The following are 3 of of the greatest riffs you probably never heard of, enjoy.
In 1985 The Replacements released the album "Tim" It was to be the last album that featured all 4 original members. It was their first major label release after inking a deal that threatened to propel them from darlings of college radio, critics and the 80's Indie music scene into super stardom. It never happened. "Can't Hardly Wait" didn't even make the album. It was to be released on their next album, with the tempo slowed down, edited lyrics and yes, in their record company's infinite wisdom, a horn section accompaniment. This original version showcases The Replacements at the height of their rock powers. The song is a lasting testament to the universal themes of youth and angst. It is frenetically captured in Bob Stinson's riff and Paul Westerberg's whiskey soaked vocal chords.
Jesse Keeler is able to get sounds out of a bass guitar that are mind blowing. In 2004 Death From Above 1979 released their one and only album. They were the proverbial Keruoac's mad ones exploding like fabulous roman candles across the music landscape. "You're a Woman, I'm a Machine" is a masterpiece of heavy riffs and "Little Girl" is in my opinion the best of them. One critic labeled "You're a Woman, I'm a Machine" best album of 2004 to make love to. That's good enough for me. I defy anyone not to play air guitar to this song.
In the winter of 2007 I went to a Chris Cornell show. I always show up for the opening band, usually this is somewhat of a disappointment but on this particular night it was magic. Earl Greyhound was the opener and they were mesmerizing. People often ask me what they're like and I tell them they are Fleetwood Mac on steroids. I have no idea if the band is sleeping with each other like Fleetwood Mac but they rock. They played this song that night and it was like I was getting hit over the head with a lightning bolt. I have no idea how this band never got famous, they should be a record company, marketing executive's wet dream. Great songs, great musicians and lead singer Matt Whyte and Bassist/Vocalist Kamara Thomas have sex symbol, good looks.
