Not to be harsh, but I think if it weren’t for the initial roll in Jamie’s Crying (not Janie’s Crying, btw), it wouldn’t be a very memorable drum rythem, and I really don’t think the beat “defines” the song. That’s why I chose Tone Loc’s sample, where the roll becomes an integral part of the song, not just the first half measure.
Course that’s just my opinion.
More:
For pure Alex, I propose Hot For Teacher by Van Halen
Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
You Spin Me Right Round by Dead or Alive
Groove Is In The Heart by Deelite
Number One Crush by Garbage
Gimme All Your Lovin by Z Z Top
So Alive by Love & Rockets
Take Me to The River by The Talking Heads
Da Da Da by Trio