‘Hysteria’. Muse

Posted: March 12, 2013 in 00's Rock, Alternative rock, Progressive Metal
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Known for their edgy rock music, Muse really outdid themselves with the release of ‘Hysteria’. The song’s bass riff intro has become notorious. Beginning with a line by Chris Wolstenholme which shines with mind-blowing precision despite heavy electronic distortion, the riff is then picked up by Matt Bellamy and the two play it in unison. Nailing a riff like this is no easy feat; the result is addictive and, true to its name, the song continues to incite hysteria at Muse gigs.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRIR1Pc6d2c

‘The Spirit Of Radio’. Rush

Posted: March 12, 2013 in 80's Rock, Hard Rock
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Beginning with guitarist Alex Lifeson’s scintillating barrage of notes, and yet as a whole relatively uncomplicated in riffs and arrangement, ‘The Spirit Of Radio’ is an absolutely magnificent song. Though atypical of Rush’s usual sound, it was a vast hit and this anthemic masterpiece has come to define them in the world of rock.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

‘The Trooper’. Iron Maiden

Posted: March 12, 2013 in 80's Rock, Heavy Metal
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One of Iron Maiden’s ultimate classics, ‘The Trooper’ is an intense ride. The snaky riff that begins the song is not for the faint-hearted but is immediately recognizable to Maiden’s legions of fans. It doesn’t end there – later in the song a stop-start riff has audiences on the edges of their seats for the full duration.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

‘The Boys Are Back In Town’. Thin Lizzy

Posted: March 11, 2013 in 70's Rock, Hard Rock
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Known for its stunning opening riff and mesmerising dual guitar harmonies by Scott Graham and Brian Robertson, ‘The Boys are Back in Town’ is Thin Lizzy’s most popular hit. With lyrics telling of laddish behaviour, the song perfectly captures the band’s ‘party hard and reap the rewards’ attitude to life. Interestingly, the song is now played at most Irish rugby matches as the team run onto the pitch.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyJt05xVUJo

‘I Feel Fine’. The Beatles

Posted: March 11, 2013 in 60's Rock, Pop Rock
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This riff-ridden song saw the first intentional use of guitar feedback in a recorded release. The effect was used to great acclaim to extend the song’s opening note, which was played on the A-string of John Lennon’s guitar. This note then leads into the opening riff, featuring a three-chord pattern and played with great precision by Lennon and George Harrison.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’. Lenny Kravitz

Posted: March 11, 2013 in 90's Rock, Funk Rock, Hard Rock
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Considered to be both one of Kravitz’s greatest hits and a highlight of 90’s music overall, ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ achieved chart success around the world. The opening riff is followed by a hypnotic groove and some catchy stop-start riffing. Kravitz’s guitar playing is accompanied by Craig Ross who plays a higher-register version of the riff.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

‘All Right Now’. Free

Posted: March 11, 2013 in 70's Rock, Blues Rock, Hard Rock
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With its two world class riffs, one of which is played on bass, ‘All Right Now’ has been drawing generations onto the dance floor for decades. The hit was reportedly written by Andy Fraser and Paul Rogers whilst they were hanging out in Durham University Student Union. Since its release, ‘All Right Now’ has been covered by a host of other musicians, and its legacy lives on.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

‘A New Level’. Pantera

Posted: March 11, 2013 in 90's Rock, Groove Metal, Heavy Metal
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With the release of this track, Texas foursome Pantera notched their riffing career up a level. Featuring several great riffs and a chromatic figure rising up the neck in increments, ‘A New Level’ really showcased the band’s groove metal talent. For added variety, guitarist ‘Dimebag’ Darrell Abbott plays the riff with a mixture of power chords and palm muting.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

‘Life In The Fast Lane’. The Eagles

Posted: March 10, 2013 in 70's Rock, Hard Rock
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With Eagle fever at its height in 1970s America, The Eagles released the adrenaline-pumping ‘Life in the Fast Lane’. Fast, dynamic and exciting, the song (and the nifty riff by guitarist extraordinaire Joe Walsh that starts it) was a far cry from the nasal strumming which country listeners had come to expect.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

‘Up Around The Bend’. Creedence Clearwater Revival

Posted: March 10, 2013 in 70's Rock, Roots Rock
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An American rock band with a difference, Creedence Clearwater Revival offered a combination of country music meets laid-back rock when they exploded onto the music scene in the late sixties.  ‘Up Around The Bend’ opens with a wailing riff delivered by lead guitarist and vocalist John Fogerty.  Although the track peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard singles chart in spring 1970, it went on to sell over a million copies.

Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.

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