When you think about it, the very beginning of music started without the use of words in songs. Imagine a group of traveling minstrels frolicking through Sherwood Forest playing their lutes and gourd drums. Were they singing? Probably not.
Guys like Beethoven, Bach, & Tchaikovsky created some of the most beautiful pieces of music in the history of mankind…and not one of their charts contained lyrics.
Words, schmerds! This edition of the review is all about the great INSTRUMENTAL songs. Here are 10 of my favorites. As always, they’re in no particular order.
Sleepwalk – Santo & Johnny – 1959
Some might recognize this one from the end of the 1987 movie ‘La Bamba’. It’s played at the end after Ricthie Valenz, Buddy Holly, & the Big Bopper die in the plane crash in Iowa. It was also covered by The Brian Setzer Orchestra. A gorgeous song from start to finish.
One Step Beyond – Madness – 1979
Sure, this song starts off with a quick dialogue, but the rest of the song is straight up instrumental ska genius. Most people remember Madness from “Our House”, but One Step Beyond definitely sticks out as one of their better songs.
Misirlou – Dick Dale & The Deltones – 1963
Who doesn’t love this song? I mean, come on. This song rules. Dick Dale was an amazing guitarist (obviously). I admit that I probably wouldn’t have known this song had it not been for it’s use in ‘Pulp Fiction’.
Green Onions – Booker T. & The MG’s
Booker T. & The MG’s are arguably one of the greatest rock and roll bands to ever come out of the 1960’s…and Green Onions is easily their greatest contribution to the world of rock. Their induction in to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 was WELL deserved.
Jessica – Allman Brothers Band – 1973
You don’t have to be a true Southerner to appreciate the depth of the Allman Brothers roots in Southern rock…but it probably helps. Two words: laser show!
The Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa – 1897
If there were such things as “rock stars” in the late 19th century, John Philip Sousa would have been the Bono of his day. Of the 136 marches Sousa composed, Stars & Stripes was easily his most notable work. In actually became the official march of the United States in 1987. Every band geek (myself included) dreamed of performing this song at a concert. Getting to perform this song was one of the greatest experiences of my (extremely short) musical performance “career”.
Rockit – Herbie Hancock – 1982
Herbie Hancock has always been a step ahead of the rest of us. 1983’s ‘Rockit’ was early evidence of that. Not only was the song innovative, but the video was incredible. No one had seen anything like it before. Back when MTV actually played videos, this was always a treat to see. The mechanical legs were always my favorite party. Creepy and awesome.
Wipe Out – The Safaris – 1963
More surf music? Sure! Why not? Don’t tell me you never tried to play the drum part on your knee or steering wheel. A couple more years, and I’ll be able to attempt it on ACTUAL drums. 🙂
TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) – MFSB – 1974
I’m too young to really remember what Soul Train was. As an adult (and as a fan of ALL music), I recognize now that Soul Train was an immensely important piece of bringing funk, soul, and R&B music in to the mainstream. TSOP was the theme song to Sould Train for several years and helped define that unique Philadelphia sound. So funky…I love it.
The Star Spangled Banner – Jimi Hendrix, Woodstock – 1969
Jimi Hendrix was the last act to perform at Woodstock. By the time he took the stage at 8:30am on Monday morning, only about a quarter of the crowd still remained…and THIS is how he started his set. Can you imagine waking up to this? After three full days of peace, love, and music…to have this ultimate shred as your alarm clock. Considering the tumultuous times, this was quite a statement. Unbelievable and truly epic. I bet the people who left early and heard about this kicked themselves years later for doing so. 🙂
Well, that’s it! 10 GREAT instrumentals! Sure, there is a virtually endless list of great songs that could populate this list…these are just a few of my favorites.
