Search - New Dimensions :: Best of

The Best in Instrumental Surf Music

Fred Rayworth | Las Vegas, NV United States | 07/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some 42 years later, I still remember National Breakout! I bought Surfin' Bongos in 63 or so and loved it. I partially learned drums from that record. I always wondered if they were a real band, a studio band, or just a project to cash in on the surf craze. It was a very pleasant surprise to find out they were not only a real band, but a bunch of high school kids! I can't speak for their other albums, but for Surfin' Bongos, the album cover was definitely done on the cheap. There was no photo of the band, no mention of the musicians (that I can remember) so it made you wonder where the music came from. I recently found Craig Nuttycombe, their rhythm guitar player and what a nice guy!



As far as this best of, it really hits the mark. You can't ask for better surf music. And no, I am not comparing them to the Beach Boys. They are in a different category with the other instrumental greats. They didn't have the production values of some of the other bands, but they capture the all important California surfing spirit. When I listen to the samples, I can smell the salt surf, hear the pounding waves, feel the hot sand on my feet, even see the ice plant on the sand dunes.



If you want great instrumental surf music, you can't go wrong with the New Dimensions.



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