Like their contemporaries The Fireballs, the String-A-Longs were also an instrumental band which hailed from New Mexico. This collection features the best of this quintet's work from the early 1960s, including their Top 10 hit "Wheels".

The String-A-Longs: Keith McCormack (vocals, guitar); Richard Stephens, James Torres (guitar); Aubrey Lee DeCordova (bass); Don Allen (drums).

Includes liner notes by Mark Marymont.

The Very Best of the String-A-Longs isn't really a best-of collection. This reissue of the 1961 album Pick-A-Hit Featuring Wheels omits two of the String-A-Longs' three Warwick hits and numerous single sides. The String-A-Longs reached number three on the pop charts with the mild-mannered guitar instrumental "Wheels," but aren't as well remembered as their labelmates Johnny & the Hurricanes, even though the latter never made a hit that charted as high as "Wheels." Johnny & the Hurricanes' "Red River Rock" is reinterpreted by the String-A-Longs as "Red River Twist," and a version of "Walk Don't Run" likewise pays tribute to the instrumental rock & roll tradition. The clean guitar tone and relaxed pace of these recordings is pleasant enough, but much of the album is one short step away from guitar Muzak. ~ Greg Adams

Genre:

• Pop / Rock

Labels:

• Collectables Records

Music Categories:

• Oldies: Rock 'N' Roll

Product Groupings:

• Clearance CDs
• Collectables Records - Audio CDs