The Best Instrumentals From Back in the Day

Instrumentals are songs without words, tunes minus the lyric. Although this genre was more popular in the early days of rock and roll, these tunes can are memorable. What were the best instrumentals of the day?

“Themes” from The Rockford Files, Hill Street Blues and LA Law – Mike Post
“Green Onions” – Booker T & The MGs
“Honky Tonk” – Bill Doggett
“Frankenstein” – Edgar Winter
“Walk Don’t Run” – The Ventures
“Pipeline” – The Chantays
“Night Train” – Jimmy Forest
“Tequila” – Champs
“Jessica” – Allman Brothers Band
“Wipe Out” – The Surfaris
“Rebel Rouser” – Duane Eddy
“Time Is Tight” – Booker T & The MGs
“Sleepwalk” – Santo and Johnny
“TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)” – MFSB
“Tequila” – Champs
“Space Guitar” – Johnny “Guitar” Watson

Observations: Notice the importance of the guitar in many of these tunes, followed by the keyboard. It’s safe to say these songs are more popular because they’re not weighed down with lyrics. Mike Post owned the 70s and 80s, and yes his songs hit the charts, often times hitting the Top 10. “Sleepwalk” was used beautifully in the Rich Valens movie, as was “Green Onions” in countless films.