Shamefully under appreciated but omni-present in many of Rock n’ Roll’s most classic recordings is the cowbell. Once known only for being worn around the neck of cattle to prevent them from wandering, the musical variation of the cowbell made its way into modern music in the early 20th Century and eventually mainstream rock in the 1960s. Make fun of it if you will, but this $65 chunk of metal packs a percussive punch and is here to stay.

1. Honky Tonk Women by The Rolling Stones

Going beyond the traditional hard driving beat most people identify with the Cowbell, Rolling Stones Producer Jimmy Miller actually created a distinctive opening “riff” that instantly identifies one of the Stones’ greatest songs. The winner by a mile! (Video)

2. Low Rider by War

This is a simple arrangement that became a defining song of the 1970s because it captures our imagination of cruising in a cool car and drives it home with Cowbell. The most random thing about War is that they had a guy in the band who exclusively plays the Cowbell. Nothing else….nada. Epic gig in my opinion! (Video)

3. Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult

This rock classic released in 1976 experienced a resurgence this past decade second only to Apple. A 2000 Saturday Night Live skit starring Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken placed the Cowbell on the same stage as other iconic rock instruments such as the Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul and Rickenbacker 360/12. “I’ve got a fever!” Walken exclaims during his portrayal of fictional producer Bruce Dickinson, “and the only prescription is more cowbell!” (Video)

4. Rock Of Ages by Def Leppard

The four opening lyrics “Gunter…glieben…glauchen…globen,” coupled with the divine cowbell convinced every kid in the 80’s that they were fluent in German as they pumped their fists to this über anthem! Can you say Kuhglock? (Video)

5. Hair of the Dog by Nazareth

They lyrics “Now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch” alone pack a powerful punch as does the shredding guitar riff that follows. The cowbell delivers the uppercut for the final knockout in this timeless classic.  (Video)

6. Lady Marmalade by Labelle

This tune was a #1 hit song on the Billboard Hot 100 charts two times. First in 1975 and then 26 years later in 2001. It is famous for its sexually suggestive chorus of “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi (ce soir)? (“Do you want to sleep with me (tonight)?”). This is the song inspired me to research Cowbell songs and write this post after I heard it during a swim meet intermission of all places. Go figure! (Video)

7. Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac

I had to listen to this one a few times until I was convinced that Mick Fleetwood (or whoever) was banging the cowbell and not a rim shot on the snare drum. Stevie Nick’s voice + Cowbell = Excellent! (Video)

8. Evil Ways by Santana

I saw these guys open for the Grateful Dead (side note: Jerry we miss you and the band very much). Fantastic act and this jam is one of the best. Cowbell does not define this song but blends in and moves it along at a groovy pace (yes…I said groovy).  (Video)

9. Mississippi Queen by Mountain

“Mississippi Queen” remains Mountain’s most popular song especially since its inclusion in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Rock Band and is a scorching example of driving cowbell from the 1970s and remains the groups most popular song for this reason. (Video)

10. Down On The Corner by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR)

John Fogerty and crew have a few great songs that incorporated the Cowbell but this is by far the best. The cowbell is not a gimmick in this song. It just fits seamlessly into the CCR style and moves the groove. (Video)

11. Drive My Car by The Beatles

Revolver is one of the Beatles best albums as they were in a transition period from being bubble gum mop tops to significant ground breaking artists. The cowbell in Drive My Car fits in well and is not over amplified. It could be argued that the song would hold up just as well with out it. But hey…its the Beatles using cowbell so it makes the list. (Video)

12. Time Has Come Today by The Chambers Brothers

This song is a great example of 60′s experimentation with new and funky instruments. The tick-tock cowbell drives the rhythm throughout the songs varied tempo and runs through a delay effect to give it a significant psychedelic feel. Cowbell ear candy! (Video)

Featured image courtesy of Let Ideas Compete via Creative Commons.