6505. Incredible Bongo Band - Let There Be Drums

- Thursday, July 10, 2025

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71YI7EU-IqL._SX522_.jpg

From: Bongo Rock; Year: 1973; Genre: Surf Rock

I heard this track yesterday for the first time in years, but it wasn't this version, but rather the original by drumming great Sandy Nelson. I really love the original, but the version I heard first, way, way back on one of my Dad's many old K-Tel or Ronco superhit records; I believe the one it was on was one that featured instrumental hits of the '60s and '70s.

Apparently, the Incredible Bongo Band was actually a project by producer Michael Viner, which was originally created for making the soundtrack for the sci-fi/comedy B-film The Thing With Two Heads. From wot I can tell the soundtrack, which is a beat-heavy funk and surf rock instrumental, is about the only memorable aspect of the endeavour. The "band," which was a rotating ensemble of available studio musicians, some from the legendary Wrecking Crew, only lasted around two and a half years. Their output consisted of two albums, which I believe were all cover songs, of course Let There Be Drums is from the first one. Other notable recordings from the band were covers of: Bongo Rock, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, and Apache. However, many of their tracks found new life with the emerging rap and hip-hop scene, which their extended, funky instrumental catalogue fit the new genres perfectly. Of course over the decades since the songs have been used in media and commercials as well.

Hear Let There Be Drums on YouTube.

My song pick 1 year ago today: Buster Poindexter - Hot Hot Hot

My song pick 2 years ago today: Steeleye Span - Awake, Awake

My song pick 3 years ago today: Zakk Wylde - Throwin' It All Away

My song pick 4 years ago today: The (Detroit) Spinners - I've Got To Make It On My Own

My song pick 5 years ago today: Bootsy Collins - Bass-Rigged-System