Bands with instantly-recognizable signature sounds

[nilorius]

Beatles, Eagles, Clapton, RHCP,.....

 

[Bruiser Stone]

The Stranglers
Booker T & The M.G.’s
The Cranberries
James Brown

 

[5StringBlues]

Complete

 

[Sparkl]

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."

Her Majesty, QUEEN.

 

[Chad Bennett]

The screaming seagull sound Gilmour uses on echoes and a little throughout The Wall. Finally found out a couple years ago how he did it (accidentally running through a crybaby backwards)

Also Brian May’s guitar sound, still have no idea how he get that. It has to be more that Burns pickups going through a Vox.

 

[garp]

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.

Well, perhaps I should've titled the thread "Bands with instantly-recognizably signature sound effects" instead. While I agree that many of the bands listed in this thread have cultivated their own "sound" over the course of their careers, few of them – IMHO – are known for a specific sound effect. I offered the Rick Wright piano sound as an example because it's so closely associated with Pink Floyd, and they knew it. Even after his departure from the band, Roger attempted to "reclaim" the sound on one of his solo albums:

 

[Fight4Bottom]

So, every band ever, apparently.

Queen was the first one to leap to mind for me, tho.

Brian May’s guitar sound, still have no idea how he get that. It has to be more that Burns pickups going through a Vox.

Treble booster, which was a "Deacy Amp" that John Deacon made for him back in the day.

 

[beatlebass64]

The Beach Boys. Brian Wilson was one of a kind.

 

[skyline_01]

Yes
King's X (LOVE Ty Tabor's guitar sound)
Rush
Dream Theater
The Cult
Others I'm sure I'll think of later...

 

[Chad Bennett]

So, every band ever, apparently.

Queen was the first one to leap to mind for me, tho.



Treble booster, which was a "Deacy Amp" that John Deacon made for him back in the day.

So, every band ever, apparently.

Queen was the first one to leap to mind for me, tho.



Treble booster, which was a "Deacy Amp" that John Deacon made for him back in the day.

So his whole back line of 12 AC30s were all modded with the treble boost I’m guessing?

 

[THUNDERGODX]

Havent read every post in this thread, but I didnt see Def Leppard.

 

[THUNDERGODX]

So, every band ever, apparently.

Queen was the first one to leap to mind for me, tho.



Treble booster, which was a "Deacy Amp" that John Deacon made for him back in the day.

I always figured it was from all that multi-tracking they used.

 

[Vooter]

Devo.

 

[bearfoot]

Grateful Dead is what popped into my mind first. An unmistakable, usually happy sound.

 

[obimark]

Nick Rhodes keyboard swells...ala beginning of Rio.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

How about this:
Name a famous band that doesn’t have an instantly recognizable signature sound.

 

[BACKLASHBASS]

Ghost

 

[matthewbrown]

Just to weigh in, if a band has achieved great popularity, it is probably because they have a clearly recognizable sound, in addition to the usual qualifications of tunes with hooks, youth, good hair, etc.

 

[bassman10096]

Yes. Specifically Chris Squire and Jon Anderson.

Agree as far as that goes, but taking Steve Howe out of the sound is just as pivotal.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

How about this:
Name a famous band that doesn’t have an instantly recognizable signature sound.

Ah. Someone who has never listened to Mitch Benn's "Everyone sounds like Coldplay now". You could argue that those other bands have a signature sound, just that it isn't their signature sound.