How can I make a fireplace fire crackle with *lots* of intermittent popping? ?

I remember watching and hearing home fires that invariably sounded like low-grade explosions. I enjoyed the popping and crackling but the wood I get here in Arizona just doesn't come close. I've read lots about seasoned firewood but I would like someone to tell me whether it's a wood variety I need to use or what I have to do in order to have a crackling/popping fire.