21 Oct 2004
To the Editor, Guitar World Magazine:
With regard to your current article on “The 100 Worst Riffs, Licks and Solos of All Time,” I congratulate you on your iconclastic spirit. I was particularly gratified to see “The Game of Love” — an abomination that has set my teeth on edge for years — mentioned in your compilation.
I will confess that I am but a lowly keyboardist — although some of my best friends are guitarists! Consequently, I am only vaguely acquainted with the (ahem) artistry of Mr. C.C. DeVille and do not share the keen interest you evidently take in his musical efforts. (A separate matter, upon which I have commented elsewhere).
However, while grocery shopping today, I was reminded of another guitar solo that has disturbed my equanimity for decades: the regrettable effort ensconced within Donovan’s “Sunshine Superman.” While the guitarist responsible for this abortion (an admittedly sensitive word which I use here advisedly) has not yet been definitively ascertained, a blue-ribbon panel has been commissioned to investigate the matter.* The guitar playing (a term I use here in the loosest sense) sounds like something a studio hack would crank out — if he’d only learned the song five minutes ago and was a half-hour late for his next gig.
Might I respectfully suggest that this guitar solo merits (dis)honorable mention?
Yr Humble Correspondent,
DP
* Preliminary reports from our research staff point to one John Cameron, an arranger and studio musician, as the prime suspect. Cameron, along with producer Mickie Most, was collaborating closely with Donovan (Leitch) at the time this song was recorded.
