Listening to my iTunes this morning, on shuffle, I realized that there are certain words/phrases in Classic Rock, that just drive me nuts. Naturally, they occur in some very famous songs, by some leading bands. As always, there are too many to name, but here’s a try:
When you hear this motto, right before the epic breakdown of this song, it’s pretty clear why the song was included in “Rock Band”, and was used as its major marketing device. What’s more “rock and roll” than this phrase. I don’t care if he may have slept with Mick Jagger in the 70’s, or if he sports make-up, one can’t help, but image all of the women who have lived this phrase at the hands of Bowie. The sheer nature of this cry and Bowie’s epic stardom, make him a shoe-in for this list. Go ahead, argue with me…
2. “[Maniac Shrieking]” – Speak to Me/Breathe by Pink Floyd
Okay, I know it isn’t a word or a phrase, but it fits the reason I made this list so let it slide (no true fan would have a problem with this). Forgive my unworthy speculation, but this hollering at the beginning of Dark Side of The Moon (if you haven’t heard it, that means you didn’t start the album from the beginning and you should drop whatever you’re doing and do so… now) serves one purpose. To tell you, the listener, that this album exists outside the realm of sanity. I’ve listened to the incredible CD so many times, that I’m trained, in a Pavlovian style, to abandon all reason at this haunting scream. Oh the power, Oh the power.
1. “Look Out!”- Helter Skelter by The Beatles
Whoever classified these moptops as “Pop” should have a listen to this tune. Although, any slef-respecting classic rock aficionado doesn’t have to hear it to know exactly what I’m referring to here. It happens twice through the noise of this classic. Paul (his shout, pure rock and roll, is unmistakable), Shouts “Look Out!” to kick off the chorus. I had the pleasure of witnessing this monumental rock moment in person, at Citi Field in New York, this summer. Take my word for it, it reaffirms your decision to be a Beatles fan all on its own (not that anyone should need to reaffirm that). So, “look out” ’cause The Beatles are coming in at number 1.
