Blue Öyster Cult guitarist Donald ‘Buck Dharma’ Roeser’s drone riff in A minor, devolving into distinct sections, is as much part of the American landscape as the Hollywood sign or the four presdients on the face of Mount Rushmore. ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’ remains one of those great American rock tracks of the seventies – with a lengthy, rousing guitar solo, Roeser and members address the eternal themes of love and death.
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Ted Nugent introduces ‘Strangehold’ with a memorable riff, that is still known to rock fans today. Nugent, a contradiction of sorts, was more likely to have been found enjoying outdoor pursuits during the seventies, than drinking and taking drugs (the perceived norm for this decade of music stars). It is interesting that the song’s extended mid-section, in which Nugent solos, would be the perfect entertainment for hippies, in diametric opposition to its composer’s intentions.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
There are few rock bands who can be credited with influencing generation after generation of guitar fans, but The Jimi Hendrix Experience has done just that. ‘Foxy Lady’, with its sharp-edged riffs and Jimi Hendrix’s interesting lyrics about addressing the fairer sex led him to confirm he was, in fact, more subtle in real life!
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
The Ultimate Rock Riffs 