# What is the best rock instrumental of all time? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 21, 2012, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198 "2012-08-21T19:41:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/21 "2012-08-21T20:28:04Z")
_For The Love Of God_ by Steve Vai. ---
**Author:** ![cjepson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@cjepson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjepson)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/22 "2012-08-21T20:29:03Z")
I think my all-time favorites have already been mentioned… “Underture”, “Sparks”, and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed”. But I happen to like 1970s-era art rock. So there are a LOT of instrumentals that I personally love but probably feel they’re not “rock” enough to qualify. I’ll just mention a few by King Crimson: “The Sailor’s Tale”, “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic Pt. 1”, “Trio”, and “Fracture”. ---
**Author:** ![DonLogan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@DonLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DonLogan)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/23 "2012-08-21T20:58:33Z")
Hocus Pocus by Focus. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/24 "2012-08-21T21:02:14Z")
A couple of mine may not count for instrumental purists, but “[Hocus Pocus](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw7qS9OCAPc)” by Focus and “[Pick Up the Pieces](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aGBXrJ6e34&feature=related)” by Average White Band, along with the previously mentioned “Jessica.” ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/25 "2012-08-21T21:02:16Z")
I was going to add Rush’s “YYZ” to the list, but I’m finding it hard to argue with Jessica and Frankenstein as choices. ETA: If “Green Onions” actually counts as a rock song, then we’re at a three-way tie for me. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/26 "2012-08-21T21:06:13Z")
> [@Asimovian](#): > > I was going to add Rush’s “YYZ” to the list, but I’m finding it hard to argue with Jessica and Frankenstein as choices. > > ETA: If “Green Onions” actually counts as a rock song, then we’re at a three-way tie for me. Yes, Green Onions is a rock song - a groovin’ one!! [Youtube Link](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-7QSMyz5rg). As for your Edit comment - here’s the [wiki link](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Onions); they provide a few explanations for the name… ---
**Author:** ![Suburban\_Plankton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suburban_plankton/32/219_2.png) [@Suburban\_Plankton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suburban_Plankton)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/27 "2012-08-21T21:07:34Z")
No Led Zeppelin fans in the audience tonight? How about _Moby Dick_? ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/28 "2012-08-21T21:13:15Z")
Elton John - _Funeral for a Friend_ ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/29 "2012-08-21T21:21:11Z")
> [@cjepson](#): > > “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic Pt. 1” When I saw Crimso for the first time, I didn’t even know who they were (they were opening for Steve Miller). When they played LTIA my jaw dropped to the floor. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/30 "2012-08-21T21:27:56Z")
_La Villa Strangiato_ - Rush ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/31 "2012-08-21T21:31:24Z")
I nominate the second half of _Layla_. It really is a different song by a different author. If \*Funeral for a Friend \*counts, then so should this. ---
**Author:** ![Tad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tad)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/32 "2012-08-21T21:33:08Z")
I love the idea for this thread and love even more how it started off with a wicked song. This is a tough one… Some real contenders, beside The Who: Pink Floyd (AKA: Syd Barrett; AKA: When Pink Floyd was good) - [Interstellar Overdrive](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq5t7Y_BYIM) and [Astronomy Domine](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJh9OLlXenM)… What an amazing record. Link Wray’s [Rumble](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUHz0i8_ziA) (Coolest guy ever?) Husker Du’s ending to Zen Arcade, [Reoccurring Dreams](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-FhhWrgjf0) Beach Boys’ [Pet Sounds](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlj9XHTEeU4) The Yardbirds [White Summer](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTvtZRYVeX8) Wire’s [The Commercial](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZimBepG5dxE) rules like the rest of Pink Flag and the band itself. Minutemen also have a nice quick one with [Sickle and Hammer](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP-s7Sr0RVQ) and Cohesion on Double Nickles and Dimes (but I can’t find it). Alright I need some more time to think about it. I’m getting stretched pretty thin. ---
**Author:** ![Ichbin\_Dubist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/51bf81/32.png) [@Ichbin\_Dubist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ichbin_Dubist)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/33 "2012-08-21T21:38:14Z")
I’ll add the Allmans’ “Little Martha.” I’ve always found Uncle Tupelo’s [“Sandusky”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_wBf5zkxB8) to be pleasantly mesmerizing. Does Ry Cooder’s [“The Dream”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Yf8k5Kt44) count? It is a cover of an old tune. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/34 "2012-08-21T21:42:16Z")
totally unpossible to answer. many good tunes given already and lots more. while maybe not totally rock, Peaches en Regalia is a well known tune. a group SRC did a rockin version of In the Hall of the Mountain King/Bolero. ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/35 "2012-08-21T21:43:00Z")
“Lenny” Stevie Ray Vaughn ---
**Author:** ![Tad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tad)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/36 "2012-08-21T21:45:41Z")
Ah remembered a couple… Lovin Spoonful had some very nice ones at the end of their first two records: [Night Owl Blues](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY7zfHvYxVE) and [Big Noise from Speonk](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3e2HY2mqMU). Uh, take one million and 3… The Strawbs kicking WAY MORE ass as The Monks on [Skylab](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GL8EqIikMc) Rolling Stones’ [Aftermath](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0zkFFUZn1g) ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/37 "2012-08-21T21:47:11Z")
“Music Box Dancer” (runs away) In the real world, a couple of my current favorites are Wade Cagle’s “Groovy Train” (part of a good collection of vintage rock instrumentals on an album called _706 Union Instrumentals_, and Los Straitjackets’ “San Diego Shutdown”. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/38 "2012-08-21T21:48:19Z")
Lots of truly great picks so far, but we need some Santana in here. There’s a whole [compilation album](http://www.amazon.com/Best-Instrumentals-Sony-Santana/dp/B000006X37) of their instrumentals. [Samba Para Ti](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXon4KB2cvQ) is a favorite and so is [Europa](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBDLQZgntYE). (Not to mention the second half of “Dance Sister Dance (Baila Mi Hermana)” which is fantastic but doesn’t count here.) But I can only imagine what it must have been like to be at Woodstock and hear [Soul Sacrifice](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is14oiI9Juo&feature=related) without knowing anything about it earlier. There are heads still blown. ---
**Author:** ![Tad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tad)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/39 "2012-08-21T21:54:32Z")
The criminally underrated and almost forgotten until a little while ago Sonic’s Rendezvous Band doing [China Fields](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbbzXGYY8o8) ---
**Author:** ![Tad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tad)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2012, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198/40 "2012-08-21T22:01:19Z")
This counts for sure, even if Greg Sage talks a bit. I won’t hear anything else, dammit. The amazing, the masters of punk, The Wipers doing [When It’s Over](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXBK16ffWQs) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rock-instrumental-of-all-time/632198.md?page=3)