A Raunchy Challenger's CD
11/17/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Many years ago my brother bought the original vinyl of this Challengers cd in a thrift store. It was my favorite album for many years while in high school in the late 70's and early 80's. While others were listening to AC-DC, I was groovin' to The Challengers. Somehow the album got lost by one of my brothers friends. Until recently it had been well over 15 years since I heard this record. When a friend of mine recently told me he had found and bought this cd, I was in great anticipation of getting a copy of it myself. Unfortunately, the songs on this cd are quite different than that original vinyl. I remember the record included a version of "Lonely Bull" amongst other unique Challengers renditions. I can't help but say I was disappointed. I continued to listen to the cd anyway and found it to be pretty darn good. But, for the record, this is not the original "Sidewalk Surfin'" song selection."
One of the Finest Surf Music Bands!
K. Brown | Walnut, Ca USA | 06/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Every time I pick up another Challengers CD, it's like receiving an awesome mystery gift. I see a song like "Mr. Moto" or "K-39" listed on the line-up, a song I've heard them play on their other CDs. Yet with The Challengers at the wheel, I know it's unlikely that I'll hear a simple rehash of the tune. This is one of the reasons why The Challengers have become my favorite surf band; they don't just replay the song note for note with the same instrumental line-up. They go ahead and put a fresh spin on a classic surf instrumental without butchering its essence."Go Sidewalk Surfing" belts out one of these examples in the first track with "Pipeline," one of surf's most frequently covered songs of all time. It starts not ten seconds into the song with that classic "breaking wave" backup, a lighter and smoother backup, which gives the core of the song a welcome contrast with a rough and passionate edge. The Challengers' threw lots of saxophone into this mix, giving "Pipeline" a wicked attitude! This take has become my favorite rendition of "Pipeline." The entire CD is every bit as solid, with songs like "Big Shot" and "Skinned Shins" especially capturing my attention. Another notable is "Bust Your Buns," a nice melodic piece that has such a pure surf music aura, so much that I'm surprised we haven't seen it covered more frequently.The extras on this CD are different takes on "Cruel Sea" and "Big Shot." These renditions are good, but unlike most of their alernative editions, these don't stand out. No problem on my end as the rest of "Go Sidewalk Surfing" is one of the best surf albums I have ever heard. If you're a big fan of bonus tracks, and want to pick up a Challengers' album with some five-star-previously-unrecorded gems, K-39 is the album to pick up; just as good as "Go Sidewalk Surfing," with the bonus tracks being a total treat!The Challengers, simply put, are one of the most creative and bold surf music groups in history. While I am also a huge admirer of The Ventures and The Surfaris, they have a very crisp & clean sound to them....almost a little too crisp & clean at times. The Challengers have a creative edge and that unique and exotic surf-guitar melody we have grown to love. They add just the right dose of attitude without going overboard. If you have never heard these hep-cats before, now is the time. You won't be disappointed!"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1