Songs That Seem To Begin "Off-Beat"

I don't 'Going Underground' by The Jam this has been mentioned.

 

No it doesn't, it starts on the halfbeat after 1. If you happen to know the record Prince Charming by Adam And The Ants, the intro to Yours Is No Disgrace has the same rhythm. The first chord would be on the "Don't" of "Don't you ever".

 

I wish 'Edit' was available for a bit longer on this forum.

 

Of course. I actually love Beefheart and think Trout Mask is incredibly musical. The rhythm is actually the best part. Probably my #1 album

 

"Honky Tonk Women" is the first one that came to mind, with that tricky cowbell which, apparently, was some kind of accident.

The closing sections of "Crime of the Century" and "From now on" -- although, of course, this would not fit the thread's criteria, strictly speaking.

 

"zero from outer space" on Tom petty & The Heartbreakers "she's the one" always sounds this way to me.

 

Vocally, a lot by Willie Nelson

 

Sebadoh - Licence to confuse

 

Realized that (I think) this one does actually start on the on beat; however, the first time or two I heard it, the opening (with just the strings) sounded like it was starting on the off beat, but then when the band comes in, it's apparent that it actually starts on the on beat. Now I'm not sure if I am either correct or comprehensible.

 

Talking about U2: J. Swallow.

It starts with a marching beat which throws you off a bit, but when the guitar enters it's 'right', but the whole song has a wonky feel to it.

Another U2 example: Elvis Presley And America.

The drums = A Sort Of Homecoming slowed down and that's already discussed.

 

I always assumed it was a keyboard, but it is quite likely Edge's heavily processed guitar (perhaps even backed by synths).

 

Really? That one starts right on the 1 (after the little fluttery keyboard stuff). Never had an issue with that one.

 

"Slip Kid" by The Who.

 

"Spanish Castle Magic" by Jimi Hendrix.

 

"Nothing is Easy" by Jethro Tull, especially live.

 

That's what I think too. To me it sounds like it starts on the "and" before the 1, and sounds that way until the change (where synth comes in) at 0:40 (studio version of course). If you're still hearing it that way, you'll hear an "extra" beat just before that part starts. Once that part gets going, it's clear where the 1 is...

Live versions of the song bear this out, often there's a jam leading into the song and you can hear that the first beat is before, not after, the first main guitar chord. But the riff is deceptive sounding and the band seems to play it so it feels like the emphasis is on the other side. There's also another section where they recap the intro, and then change key and play that same riff with the drums playing a beat (4:30 on the studio version), before the guitar solo. There you can really hear where the 1 is...

 

The intro to Bowie's "Jump They "Say" always struck me as a bit off...I like it though!

 

Some Zep ones:
We're Gonna Groove
Moby Dick : Both deceiving drum intros.

Tool - Ænima: The 'hey hey''s in the intro sound off-beat and the guitar riff that follows seems to indicate the whole song's gonna be like that, until the rhythm comes in.

Helmet - Last Breath: After the explosive intro a fast guitar riff appears until a half-time rhythm throws you off completely:

 

"Get Yourself Together" - Paul Butterfield Blues Band (sounds intentional)
"Baby What's Wrong" - Jimmy Reed (sounds VERY accidental - like they could have started another take, but the groove felt too good)

 

Set me free by the Kinks

 

Now I'm even more confused! I thought we were talking about "A Sort of Homecoming".

As far as I know, those are keys on the title track and yeah, it does seem to come in off-beat.

 

Bee Gees, And the Sun Will Shine:

 

The Tragically Hip - Courage

 

Donnie Iris-Sweet Merilee