Start Me Up - The Rolling Stones
Introduction to "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones
Start Me Up is a song by the renowned British rock band The Rolling Stones. Released in 1981, it quickly became one of the band's most recognizable and enduring hits. The song features on their album Tattoo You and is known for its distinctive guitar riff and energetic performance. It has been used extensively in media and popular culture, making it a staple in the world of rock music.
History and Background
Start Me Up was originally recorded during the sessions for the Rolling Stones' 1978 album Some Girls, but it was not released until 1981. The song underwent several revisions and the version that finally made it to the public was significantly different from the original recordings. Its release marked a significant moment in the band's history, as it was part of a resurgence in their popularity in the early 1980s.
Musical Composition
The song is notable for its driving beat, courtesy of drummer Charlie Watts, and the iconic guitar riff by Keith Richards. Richards' use of open-G tuning, a technique he is well-known for, is a key element of the song's sound. Meanwhile, Mick Jagger's charismatic vocals give the song its distinctive energy and style.
Cultural Impact
Over the years, Start Me Up has become an anthem for new beginnings and high energy, often used in advertising, sports events, and movies. Its use in Microsoft's Windows 95 campaign is particularly noteworthy.
Quiz: Questions on the song
What album features "Start Me Up"? (Tattoo You) (!Some Girls) (!Sticky Fingers) (!Beggars Banquet)
In what year was "Start Me Up" released? (1981) (!1978) (!1983) (!1975)
Which Rolling Stones member is known for the song's iconic guitar riff? (Keith Richards) (!Mick Jagger) (!Charlie Watts) (!Ronnie Wood)
What guitar technique is prominently used in "Start Me Up"? (Open-G tuning) (!Finger tapping) (!Slide guitar) (!Power chords)
For what major product launch was "Start Me Up" famously used in advertising? (Microsoft Windows 95) (!Apple iPod) (!Nike sneakers) (!Coca-Cola)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Which band performs "Start Me Up"? (The Rolling Stones) (!The Beatles) (!Led Zeppelin) (!Pink Floyd)
Who is the lead singer of The Rolling Stones? (Mick Jagger) (!Keith Richards) (!Charlie Watts) (!Brian Jones)
In which decade did The Rolling Stones first gain popularity? (1960s) (!1950s) (!1970s) (!1980s)
Which of these albums is also by The Rolling Stones? (Exile on Main St.) (!The Dark Side of the Moon) (!Hotel California) (!Back in Black)
What is the distinctive style of The Rolling Stones? (Rock and Roll) (!Hip-Hop) (!Jazz) (!Classical)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the opening line of "Start Me Up"? ("If you start me up I'll never stop") (!"I can't get no satisfaction") (!"She's a Rainbow in the dark") (!"You can't always get what you want")
What is the song "Start Me Up" generally about? (Energy and excitement) (!Love and romance) (!Social commentary) (!Travel and adventure)
Which of these lyrics is NOT from "Start Me Up"? ("We don't need no education") (!"You make a grown man cry") (!"I've been running hot") (!"Kick on the starter, give it all you got")
What theme is predominantly featured in "Start Me Up"? (New beginnings) (!Heartbreak) (!Youth rebellion) (!Mysticism)
How does the chorus of "Start Me Up" start? ("Start me up") (!"Roll me up") (!"Wake me up") (!"Lift me up")
Memory
"Start Me Up" Release Year | 1981 |
Album Featuring "Start Me Up" | Tattoo You |
Iconic Guitar Technique Used | Open-G Tuning |
Microsoft Campaign Song | Start Me Up |
The Rolling Stones Lead Singer | Mick Jagger |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research The Rolling Stones' early career: Explore the beginnings of The Rolling Stones and their rise to fame in the 1960s. Write a brief summary of their early years.
- Create a playlist: Make a playlist of your favorite Rolling Stones songs and explain why you chose each one.
- Discover more songs with iconic riffs: Find and listen to three other songs known for their guitar riffs. Compare them to "Start Me Up."
Standard
- Analyze "Start Me Up" lyrics: Write an analysis of the lyrics of "Start Me Up," focusing on its themes and message.
- Study the impact of "Start Me Up" on popular culture: Research and write about how "Start Me Up" has been used in media and advertising.
- Learn about open-G tuning: Try playing guitar using the open-G tuning and share your experience.
Difficult
- Write a music review: Write a detailed review of "Start Me Up," discussing its musical composition, lyrics, and impact.
- Explore The Rolling Stones' influence on music: Write an essay on how The Rolling Stones have influenced other bands and artists.
- Create a documentary script: Write a script for a short documentary about "Start Me Up," including its creation, release, and legacy.
Oral Exam
- Discuss the evolution of The Rolling Stones' music: Talk about how the band's music has evolved over the decades and what factors influenced these changes.
- Compare "Start Me Up" to another Stones song: Choose another Rolling Stones song and compare its themes, musical style, and cultural impact to "Start Me Up."
- Impact of "Start Me Up" on The Rolling Stones' career: Discuss how "Start Me Up" affected the career trajectory of The Rolling Stones.
- Analyze the guitar work of Keith Richards: Discuss the guitar techniques and styles of Keith Richards, focusing on his work in "Start Me Up."
- Explore the role of music in advertising: Discuss how songs like "Start Me Up" are used in advertising and the impact this has on the perception of the song and the brand.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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