First, let me say that “My Sharona” by the Knack includes one of my absolute favorite solos without question, but Jeremy Porter has already posted that one; so good job, Jeremy. The second thing you need to know is that for me, any song over four minutes long is too long, and even four minutes is really pushing it. For that reason, most of my favorite guitar solos average about 30 seconds. Do they even qualify as guitar solos? This is what happens when a non-musician gets to participate in a series that includes guys like Jeremy Porter and Ricki C. If you only listen to the first two, that’ll be okay, they are far and away my favorites.
For my list, I’ll start with not only my favorite guitar solo, but one of my favorite songs of all time, “Another Girl, Another Planet” by The Only Ones. This is just perfection to me. (solo: 1:43 to 2:21)
Next up, and the co-leader for best of my bunch, is one of my favorite bands, English punks 999. These guys have a spectacular new record out called Bish Bash Bosh that you should listen to. But my 999 guitar solo is from a much older 1980 song called “Fun Thing.” I don’t think was typical of British punk from 1980, but maybe it should have been. Another notable thing, this solo essentially ends the song. That’s a little unusual. (solo: 2:31 to 3:31)
Here’s one from a female guitarist, Cris Bonacci. This solo is from a song called “Are You Ready” by the British band Girlschool. This one stands out in my mind because I once played this whole record during a party and someone said, “Damn, that guy plays a screaming guitar.” “It’s a girl” I said. “They’re all girls.” (solo: 2:03 to 2:34)
I can’t make a guitar solo list without putting on something by Derek Frigo (R.I.P.) of Enuff Z’Nuff. The one I picked is from a song called “For Now.” There’s a lot more where this came from on that major label debut by Enuff Z’Nuff. (solo: 2:37 to 2:58)
My fifth and final pick is a cover song. This is a band called Crucified Barbara doing “Killed By Death” by Motorhead. This is a screaming version. I think Lemmy (R.I.P.) would approve. (solo: 1:49 to 2:19)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNRu1-kxvrs