#1 for weeks of September 21, and 28th, 1959.
MUCH better than the previous song, a breath of fresh air even. I use the air analogy because this is a steel guitar-based instrumental tune which sounds as refreshing as a warm summer's breeze.
Brothers Santo & Johnny Farina's original number, "Sleep Walk", is quite a unique song which, is a slow-dance rock number in a 3/4 waltz time, with a Doo-Wop chord progression. The centerpiece of the song, and what gives it its uniqueness is the steel guitars. The guitars play in harmony throughout the song giving it a very tropical feel.
In fact, I would even go as far as to call this song a proto-Surf Rock tune, due to the fact that it sounds very summery, and brings to mind montages of crashing surf waves on a hot summer's day in California. Pretty good, considering the brothers were from New York City.
That the song's first week at #1 was the final week of the summer of 59, it adds a feeling of melancholia in that these times won't last forever. One other song that evokes this feeling is "Theme From Endless Summer" by The Sandals, but we still have a little ways to go before this style of music became popular. For now, Surf music was still brewing, and it would still be a year or two before that keg was fully tapped.
Final Verdict - This song is the perfect soundtrack to a lazy summer. Its laid back atmosphere makes it good music to relax to, and savor the day. Give this one a few spins.
Coming Up Next - "Mack The Knife" by Bobby Darin.
Until Next Time - Dr. Rock -
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