Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
Collection: Ride The Wild Surf
artworkThis CD is a subset of the 3 CD Ride The Wild Surf release. Gone are the fake bands like Rick Gale and the Surf Riders, and most of the most pathetic remakes. Still, it is mostly just crud.
Picks: The Surfaris - Wipe Out, The Chantays - Pipeline

Track by Track Review


The Beach Boys - Surfer's Stomp dotdot
MOR Surf (Instrumental)

Just learned to hold the instruments, no idea about the sense of ensemble required, or the need for a bit of soul in the playing, thus able to deliver an even less interesting and more stripped down rendition of a studio concoction. Historically interesting, but of no other value.

The Chantays - Pipeline dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This track is the 1975 K-Tel session, recorded for a concept collection called Rebel Rouser. It is very different than the original is sound, closer to the Ventures' version in some ways. It is precise, well played, and very solid. It's also quite rare on vinyl. The other remake version still remaining unreleased is the eighties remake that was issued on a high compliance super-vinyl label. This is worth having, for sure.

The Marketts - Batman Theme
Surf (Instrumental)

Egad... The Neil Hefty TV theme is slushed and horned out with chorus. The electricity consumed to record this has to be of more value than the result!

The Surfaris - Wipe Out dotdotdotdot
TV Surf (Instrumental)

"Wipe Out" is simply the definitive drummer's badge of courage. If he can do a decent "Wipe Out," he's hired. Simple, and written and recorded in just minutes, this is an international classic that has sold multimillions of copies, and still does every year worldwide.