Sneak Peek from “Number One with an AXE! Vol. 2”

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I’ve been busy listening to the Billboard #1 hits from 1960-64 for my upcoming ebook, “Number One with an AXE! Volume 2”. Hits of the early 60s weren’t exactly dripping with guitars, but there are still some six-string gems to be discovered (or rediscovered). Here are a couple of samples. Enjoy!

-MR

Soldier Boy, The Shirelles, 5/5/62, 3 weeks at #1

Riffage 0, Rhythm 4, Fills 0, Solo 4; Total 8

Finally, another guitar solo! Never mind its extreme simplicity: there’s no shame in that, especially when it works in the song, which it does! Note: behind the guitar solo there are either two electric organs playing, or one electric organ and a kazoo. Interesting sounds!

Innovation Alert! This is the first #1 song to feature a guitar solo that mimics the melody.

Sheila, Tommy Roe, 9/1/62, 2 weeks at #1

Riffage 0, Rhythm 8, Fills 0, Solo 0; Total 8

You’d better have a strong wrist if you’re going to play along with this one! The breakneck acoustic rhythm line would make the boys in Metallica proud. It starts early and continues through to the end while Tommy sings of his slightly unsettling obsession with Sheila.

Did you watch the video? If so, you might also want to watch this.

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