Album Review: Various Artists — Legends of Surf Guitar
As rock subgenres go, surf instrumental is among the most timeless. Eschewing vocals means that there are not past-their-sell-by-date turns of phrase, and few instruments are more durable in their impression than a well-played electric guitar. A 1995 show in Hermosa Beach, California celebrated the surf instro aesthetic, with a core set by Paul Johnson and the Packards. Joining them for the celebration were the Chantays plus assorted members of iconic bands from surf’s 1960s heyday.
Anyone who appreciates The Ventures, Los Straitjackets or much anything in between will luxuriate in the six-string fireworks that dominate this set. Tuneful in the extreme and very very guitar-centric (no vocals pretty much means all solos all the time, y’know), Legends of Surf Gutiar is a musical thrill ride.
Open the gatefold of the nicely-packaged 2LP set and you’ll find some informative liner notes, a few pics, and a detailed roster of who-plays-what-and-when. Familiar names show up. Davie Allan, Probyn Gregory from Wondermints and Brian Wilson’s band, Pete Curry (later of Los Straitjackets), Don Murray (formerly of The Turtles) and others made an appearance.
Those listeners not disposed of an affinity toward surf guitar might find it all too mind-numblingy much. But the rest of us will dig it with glee. Fuzz and whammy bars dominate, as should they. And the assorted axemen (‘cause it’s an all-dudes-onstage night) each shine in their own ways.
The signature moment comes toward the end of the first LP when Davie Allan tears off “Blues Theme,” the tune for which he (and the Arrows) are best known. But anyone who enjoys that tune will find the other two dozen of similar appeal.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.