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Bands with instantly-recognizable signature sounds

#42
Ewo said:
Tower of Power. Parliament/Funkadelic. The Meters.
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The Meters fo sho! I have heard their music used in TONS of movies and in LOTS of bars/restaurants/pubs. I'll think to myself "The song doesn't ring a bell. But that's The Meters all day long". I'll whip out my phone Shazam app and, sure enough, it's them.
 
#52
garp said:
Over time, some artists and bands become known for certain sounds on their recordings. I'm not referring to musical styles like dual guitar harmonies from groups like The Allman Brothers Band or Boston, or to one-time wonders like the reverse guitar lead on The Beatles "I'm Only Sleeping" (from 1966's Revolver), but rather to specific, unique sounds that helped to define the band. In other words, if you were a contestant on "Name That Tune," you'd instantly be able to name the band just by hearing a second or two of that signature sound.

I first became aware of this phenomenon through listening to Pink Floyd. Richard Wright's "Piano through Leslie" sound on the opening of "Echoes" (from 1971's Meddle) is probably the best example. The sound also appeared sparingly later in other Floyd recordings.



There's also a sound that repeatedly shows up in recordings by Genesis and its progeny. I can only describe it as a "roaring dinosaur"-type sound. For example, it's on "No Son of Mine" (from 1991's We Can't Dance) and on Peter Gabriel's "Darkness" (from 2002's Us).




I'd be interested in learning about other bands or artists known for their "signature sounds."
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That is interesting to me that you associate that piano sound with Pink Floyd...rather than the fact that Nick Mason plays the same beat on every song...while Rodger plays octaves...

Not ripping...I love Floyd...but he does play the same drum beat on almost every song.

On a Sidenote...I feel like Right Said Fred is instantly recognizable...
 
#55
IMO:

Rush
(instantly recognizable vocals and bass)

Vulfpeck
(Heavy bass compression, high midrange emphasis and organ patches)

Rings of Saturn
(Stupid crazy double bass tracks and disjointed guitar lines)

Primus
(See Rush)

Iron Maiden
(Simple but catchy progressions and guitar lines)
 

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