Surf guitar at its best
feoras | 11/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one timeless piece of music history, i listen to it and i can hear the evolution of musical genious... Sure it came before Zeppelin and the Doors (all hail the doors) But this music can really take you somewhere if you let it... It's very creative and beautiful, a he11 of a cd to own, and not too expensive either, for what all you get, so buy it now or buy me one!"
Very Enjoyable
S. D. Mortenson | Aliso Viejo, CA USA | 05/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you even slightly like surf music, you'll probably like this album. It's cool and hokey at the same time. The liner notes are a good read too!"
ONE OF THE BETTER COLLECTIONS OF SURF MUSIC
Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 04/24/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"54 minutes in length approximately. The tracks,from the original analogue tapes,have been remastered. The sound is fairly crisp and open. The booklet contains some good info on the bands,producers,and the era.
This collection does contain some rare West Coast surf music,from the small Titan Records label. This was one of a myriad of small,independent record companies in the late 50's/early 60's that released surf music hoping to cash-in on the surf/instrumental craze (which only lasted a short time),then coming into vogue. Usually the vast numbers of these groups (THE SURFMEN,THE STRANGERS,THE STORMS,THE PLAYBOYS,among others), sold their records only locally,or at best,regionally. Very few of these groups made it to the national level in sales. It's interesting that (the late) Gary Usher (heard here),who was responsible (and famous) for dozens of teen records (both instrumental and vocal),made his first recordings for Titan.
The tracks here range from up-beat instrumentals,to slower,atmospheric tunes,which are very evocative of their time. This gives this collection added depth and appeal. Besides Usher,probably the most well known musician appearing here (courtesy of Kim Fowley) is Ritchie Blackmore (first guitarist in DEEP PURPLE),playing with an English pick-up group called THE LANCASTERS. This was a three-piece band originally called THE SUPERSTITIONS. The two singles (which have some good guitar),from 1964,went basically nowhere,even after being sold to Titan for U.S. release. The only other musician listeners might recognize is Davie Allan,known for his intense fuzz-styled guitar sound with his group THE ARROWS. Allan's two tracks are easily recognized by his guitar playing.
But no matter who the groups were,the music in this collection has a certain sound and feel that raises it above the typical surf music collection. If you're looking for some great guitar music with that twangy sound,with the standard honking sax,this is it. It would make a good addition to almost anyone's musical library of surf music. It's good period music,especially if you live near the ocean and can remember the era. If you can't relive those times,or aren't near the ocean-this music will transport you there. Cowabunga-pray for surf!"
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1