Vincent Bell - Pop Goes The Electric Sitar (1968)

Session guitarist Vinnie Bell was one of the best pop session players of the 60's easy listening/pop scene... rivaling Al Caiola in my opinion.

His style was inventive and you can find his name listed all over the coolest Enoch Light and Tony Mottola albums on the Command and Project 3 labels. But his solo albums are tops.

Bell also invented several electric guitars of his own, including the first electric 12-string.

This is a great easy listening Sitar-sploitation sixties LP, among one of my faves, up there with Lord Sitars LP. Lots of theatrical flare from start to finish, and the rockers REALLY rock, well, for lounge.

Jackie Gleason also released a sitar LP which starts off with "Goin' Out Of My Head", but there is no comparison, Vinnie Bell's version is where it's at. THIS album is where it's at. Famous for his "wet" guitar sound... it's all over the place on this album. Bell's electric sitar playing was featured on the Lemon Pipers' hit "Green Tambourine" and it's apparent. Compare the sound on this record, it's unmistakeable. One last fun fact before I go: Bell played on the Twin Peaks soundtrack.

Download the album here!