Best riff in a song

[slobake]

Great thread, I have always loved a good riff more than a long solo. It was a tough choice there are so many. But for a good solid riff that is relentlessly pounded in to the ground I think no one beats Malcom Young on "It's a Long Way To the Top If You Want to Rock and Roll."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jLyutQJx5M

Can I mention bagpipes in rock songs here?

 

[Unrepresented]

Melvins - "Honey Bucket"

It begins at 1:05

It'd definitely be something off that album, for sure.

Cannot help but lapse into Wayne's World mode every time I hear it.

It's a reflex action, understandably.

Most excellent choice!

While it isn't present in it's entirety, I'm going to go watch their Live Aid gig, 20 minutes of the most amazing live act ever!

Four musicians proving they can tear it up even without studio trickery.

 

[bassinplace]

Kashmir

The opening guitar riff to And Your Bird Can Sing

Opening guitar riff to I've Just Seen A Face

Opening bassline to Day I Tried To Live, or a ton of Soundgarden songs, actually.

Housin' - RATM

Intro to Salt Peanuts

Work Song

Idk, those are just the first few things I pulled out of my ass.

 

[Bloodhammer]

Yeah, it's an absolute beast.

How about the breakdown in Angel Of Death?

Bestial.

How about the breakdown in Cathedral's "Hopkins - Witchfinder General"?

Starts at 2:07

Such a groove

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9i7pQCugPI

 

[kesslari]

Getting myself right man. The eternal quest.

This is Talkbass. Buy a new amp. Or a new bass. Done.
Seriously, good to see you here, sending good energy your way.

 

[kesslari]

Are we allowed more than one each, if we post them in separate posts? I've got a ton.

Absolutely.

 

[bassinplace]

Getting myself right man. The eternal quest.

I've heard of people taking their screen names seriously, but wow, hats off to you. Good to see ya around here again!

 

[kesslari]

Great thread, I have always loved a good riff more than a long solo. It was a tough choice there are so many. But for a good solid riff that is relentlessly pounded in to the ground I think no one beats Malcom Young on "It's a Long Way To the Top If You Want to Rock and Roll."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jLyutQJx5M

Can I mention bagpipes in rock songs here?

Bagpipes away!

 

[tastybasslines]

Great thread, I have always loved a good riff more than a long solo. It was a tough choice there are so many. But for a good solid riff that is relentlessly pounded in to the ground I think no one beats Malcom Young on "It's a Long Way To the Top If You Want to Rock and Roll."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jLyutQJx5M

Can I mention bagpipes in rock songs here?

That song was awesome!

 

[jugglingfreak]

The opening bass line on "Radar Love" - Golden Earring

And

The opening riff for "Godzilla" - Blue Oyster Cult

 

[bluesblaster]

Everybody knows its INA GADDA DA VIDA man !

 

[Pilgrim]

Simple bass lines are the best.

The bass line from the Peter Gunn Theme tops them all. Four notes gets it done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oysMt8iL9UE

It can be played by anything from a 3-piece band to a full orchestra and it still kicks ass. Very, very few musical numbers are that versatile.

 

[Lonesomedave]

i am not sure what qualifies as a "riff" exactly, BUT i'll have to say

the repeated bass riffs by Entwistle in the Who's THE REAL ME

 

[mellowinman]

My votes are for:

Satisfaction
Walk this Way

 

[stratovani]

Layla. Greatest. Riff. Ever.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[OEW3]

Interstellar Overdrive - Pink Floyd

 

[DerHoggz]

Bowie - Ashes to Ashes

 

[chungweishan]

"Invalid Link Removed" - John Williams. Two notes. John Williams has the best riffs.

"The 900 Number" - The 45 King. Which is just a slowed down version of "Unwind Yourself."
---
Bass lines:
"Groove Is In The Heart" - Deee-Lite. "Dig!"

"I Want You Back" - The Jackson 5.

"Come On Come Over" - Jaco Pastorius

"Drop It In the Slot" - Tower of Power.

Obviously, I like funkier bass lines.

 

[wild4oldcars]

Layla. Greatest. Riff. Ever.

Invalid Link Removed

D'oh! How'd I forget layla?

 

[charlie monroe]

IDK if it's the best, but I love Geezer's and Tony's interplay on the intro of Fairies Wear Boots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8kYrIWu14E&feature=kp

The first 0:36 are my favorite, but the intro is well over 1 min.