Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Collection: Surfin' Safari
 | This 1977 Australian K-tel compilation includes a number of surf classics, and unlike many of the US versions, they used the original hits instead of re-recordings. |
Picks: Wipe Out, Bombora, Pipeline, The Crusher, Murphy The Surfie
Track by Track Review
TV Surf (Instrumental)
"Wipe Out" is simply the definitive drummer's badge of courage. If he can do a decent "Wipe Out," he's hired. Simple, and written and recorded in just minutes, this is an international classic that has sold multimillions of copies, and still does every year worldwide.
Surf (Instrumental)
Pick noises and stinging notes, and a piercing lead fronting a speedster deluxe. This is definitely up to the standard they set with it on the CBS Australia release from the sixties. Totally infectious and driven. A grand Peter Hood/Jim Skiathitis tune.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is it. This track defined surf. It is the archetype! Paul Johnson once told me that when first heard this tune on his car radio, he said Whoa! Wha-at is THAT?, and pulled over to the side of the road to listen. The Chantays defined the classic surf line up, 2 guitars, piano, bass, and drums. Glorious first use of glissandos, first rhythm guitar dominance in the mix, and just plain essential.
Post Surf (Instrumental)
Twangin' cool Aussie-Shadows number with their signature rapid drums. Quite nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is the single the Surfaris covered. High spirited Aussie surf, infectious melody lines, and spunky playing. This is due out from the masters in a couple of months.