Tag Archive for Great Intros

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Spandau Ballet – True

I have realised that the 1980’s have been under represented on here recently and what better a way to address that anomaly than this? Classic and iconic, I can’t do it justice with words.

It came into my mind today in somewhat embarrassing fashion – A guilty pleasure of mine came onto my MP3 player. It was a cheesy Nelly track (I know, I know) that I am shamefully fond of and which uses a sample of True.

Also, how good is the video? Silhouettes, smoke and shoulder pads. Ah, the 80’s, they were simpler times,

Head over heels, when toe to toe, this is the sound of my soul. This is the sound…

RjK

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Arrested Development – People Everyday

This is simply joyous and one of my all time favourite hip hop tunes and certainly one of the sunniest I have encountered. It is taken from the spectacular 3 years, 5 months and 2 days in the life of… which features several highlights but this is probably my favourite. It borrows heavily from Sly and the Family Stone but I think turning it into something even better.

They are also a great live act. I saw them about 10 years ago (how can it have been that long?) in Dublin and they blew me away. It would still be one of the top 3 or 4 gigs I have been to. I found this pretty funny video while doing some research for this post. Check out the two stiffs in the middle of the studio. Unfortunately I don’t believe they are permanent members of the band!

RjK

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Suede – Beautiful ones

I have recently been a little fixated by Britpop and warmly reminiscing about the mid-90’s. As such, I have wanted to post this for a while. It features one of my all time favourite intros. Taken from the excellent Coming Up, which was released at Britpop’s zenith in 1996.

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The Smiths – This Charming Man

I thought it was about time I posted something from the 80’s and this came to mind.

Even though Morrisey can be a bit tedious I have always had a soft spot for The Smiths. They had an uncanny knack of making rather bleak subject matter sound somewhat sprightly. Also, Johnny Marr produced some unforgettable guitar riffs (both in the Smiths and subsequently).

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Two Door Cinema Club – Undercover Martyn

These guys are a band from Northern Ireland, and are signed to the same label as Phoenix (I seem to have made several references to them recently – not sure why). Despite reading several glowing reviews I am yet to be wowed by too much of their stuff.

However, I have been enjoying this track a lot recently. What I most like about it is the intro, which I think is great. The rest of the song is pretty good too, jangly and energetic – two excellent qualities in a pop song.

Neil Young – Cortez the killer


This is an under-appreciated gem, an epic, taken from the album Zuma. I like it for two reasons in particular – It contains some amazing guitar riffs, probably some of my favourite ever. Secondly, I love the song’s imagery, wistful and poetic highlighted by a great opening:

He came dancing across the water with his galleons and guns. Looking for the new world and that palace in the sun. On the shore lay Montezuma with his coca leaves and pearls, in his halls he often wandered with the secrets of the worlds…

Wow!

/RjK

The Jam – Town Called Malice


For me this song IS the 80’s. The intro is spectacular.

Also, Paul Weller is something of a hero of mine. The man is relentless in making good music, all the while displaying impeccable style.

/RjK

Curtis Mayfield – Move On Up


What other way could I possibly begin?

Additionally, extra kudos for the attire in the video (taken from the album sleeve – also a favourite). I wish i could look that good in a yellow suit!