Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Collection: Surf's Up! The Chantays - The Surfaris
 | This is a great split ep from 1963. All four tracks are essential surf listening. What more do you need to know? |
Picks: The Chantays - Pipeline, Move It, The Surfaris - Surfer Joe, Wipe Out
Track by Track Review
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.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Chantays' "Move It" is a classic flip side... one of the best B-side melodies and concepts ever, but the rendition is hard to listen to. The version of this that truly rules is the live recording of the Spiedels. It's A-side is "Pipeline," the definitive surf instro. "Move It" is an infectious and playful ditty that emphasizes choked slides for a unique experience. The warbly almost tape-flutter mix is a difficult listen.
The Surfaris - Surfer Joe Surf (Vocal)
This is the hit three verse version of the song, not the full five verse original. It's a classic bit of surf history that has been at the center of a firestorm from its birth, long wit the flip side "Wipe Out."
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.