The Cowbell. An instrument often underappreciated, and as far as I'm concerned, almost always underused. I don't really know what it's original use was (probably had something to do with coal mining), but whoever first thought to use it as a mustical instrument is truly a God among men. When struck with a small mallet (or mallet-like object) the sound it produces is like no other. There's enough thump to get you through the night, but there's that slight clang that just gets your juices going. It's use is often so subtle, that you hardly notice it, but when brought out into the spotlight, it can really take over a song bring it to whole other levels.

One of the premiere bands that incorporate the cowbell is Fleetwood Mac. Now, we all know Fleetwood Mac rocks hard, but have you ever thought about why? Well, the answer, as you may have already guessed (and if you didn't, you should start considering suidcide as one of your future plans), is the cowbell. Where would Fleetwood Mac be today if they never used the cowbell? Go ahead, take your time, think about it.

Ha! It was a trick question, asshole. Fleetwood Mac's heart and soul is the cowbell. Without it, there would be no Fleetwood Mac (so it's a lie, shoot me). Now, Fleetwood Mac is not the only band to uncover the true potential of the cowbell, there are also several others. First off, we have War, who's excellent use of offbeat cowbelling made "The Low Rider" an instant classic. Mountain was all out of ideas for an intro to "Mississippi Queen", when someone suggested the cowbell, and BAM! instant gold. Last, but not least, is perhaps the most famous cowbell song, "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult. Saturday Night Live did a sketch poking a little fun at the use of the cowbell in the song, but however misguided it was, I say we let them slide, because it was pretty damn funny.

Now, these are all classic songs, and you're probably wondering where the cowbell shows up in modern music. It doesn't, and quite frankly, I'm convinced that's why music is in the sorry state that it is today. Example: N*Sync is horrible right? But N*Sync with a cowbell? Yeah, still horrible, but let's be realistic here, the cowbell isn't Jesus Christ, it's just a piece of formed metal. I know there's a lot of you out there with bands, but I doubt any of you have even thought about using a cowbell. You want to be cool? You want to not be losers? Well you can cram it with wallnuts, ugly, because it's not gonna happen until you submit to the glory of the cowbell.

Anyway, I think we should all just pay a little respect to one of the hardest working instruments in the biz, that gets almost no credit. And without further adieu, I leave you with a musical number by the great Blue Oyster Cult, who will be playing May 4th at the Huntington IMAC, where I'll be in attendance... suckers.

• BOC - Don't Fear the Reaper

edit: I originally said BTO's version of "Mississippi Queen" used the cowbell, but it was actually Mountain's. Thanks to Leonard.