(guest blogged by AndyK)
Let's Go Away For Awhile from Pet Sounds
Long before Thomas Frank got the inspiration to write his latest book, The Wrecking Crew, there was a group of studio musicians known by that name. Many of you are probably thinking, "Never heard of 'em." But let me assure you, you've heard The Wrecking Crew, and you've probably heard more times than you can count!
In the '60's, while the faces on the album covers were on the road, these guys (and one gal) recorded the music that ended up on your (or your parents'- and even your grandparents') record players. Members of The Wrecking Crew provided the instrumental music for recordings by The Beach Boys, The Byrds and Simon and Garfunkel, as well as Bing Crosby, Herb Alpert, The Carpenters and Elvis, just to name a few. They recorded scores for films and television shows. They recorded advertising jingles, too.
You probably recognize three of The Wrecking Crew members from their solo careers: Glenn Campbell, Leon Russell and Dr. John (Max Rebennack). You might not know the names of drummer Hal Blaine, who appeared on 39 #1 singles between 1961 and 1976, or guitarist Tommy Tedesco, once pegged by Guitar Player magazine as the most recorded guitarist in history.
You might be wondering why I linked this Beach Boys instrumental. Here's why: There are 12 musicians on this recording. None of them are Beach Boys, and only one isn't a member of The Wrecking Crew.
