Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Lively Ones - The Great Surf Hitsdotdotdot
artworkA "Surf Music's Greatest Hits" package, some great tracks, some just ok.
Picks: Wipe Out, Pipeline, Surf Rider, Surf City, Surf Beat, Surfin' U.S.A., High Tide, Rik-A-Tik, Hot Pastrami, Surfin' Safari, Misirlou, Shut Down

Track by Track Review


Wipe Out dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This required repertoire number has been covered and covered, and then covered some more. No one does it like Ron Wilson. Still, this is a serviceable rendition.

Pipeline dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Probably the best period cover of the Chantays' surf archetype. The dribbling glissando opener is stunningly effective, and the whole track reeks power and speed. A totally great track.

Surf Rider dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is what happens when a real surf band covers a Nokie Edwards (Ventures) tune that had no relation to surf as written. In fact, it started life as a Potato concept song called "Spudnik." It is the short fade-out length version, and in mono.

Surf City dotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Jan and Dean classic without the vocals. Spirited, but just OK.

Surf Beat dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

A less gutty sound than the Dick Dale original, but a cool track anyway.

Surfin' U.S.A. dotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Like the other Beach Boys' covers, it is uninspired and just so-so.

High Tide dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is one of the most infectious and fiery surf instros anywhere. It flies through a staccato lead line, and a softer break. Very powerful. This is one of my favorite classic surf tracks. (fake stereo)

Rik-A-Tik dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Fireballs's were closer to the surf sound than any other pre-surf instro band. This tune was quite dry and much less interesting than what these guys did with it. It's just about the happiest surf rave anywhere. An absolute must have classic track.

Hot Pastrami dotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Pedestrian rendition of the Dartells' tune, complete with the expected shouts of food dishes.

Surfin' Safari dotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Like the other Beach Boys' covers, it is uninspired and just so-so.

Misirlou dotdotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

No match for the Dick Dale version, but a damn fine rendition anyway. This has something magnetic about it, even though it is in some ways light weight.

Shut Down dotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Beach Boys' classic without the annoying words, and with a "Linda Lou" backtrack. OK.