It is quite a period to imagine when looking at this album,
recorded thirty years ago, then reaching back another 30 or more years to when
those songs were released. Now you can relive them in a live setting, in all
their glory. That is precisely what you get with Legends of Surf Guitar-Recorded Live at The Lighthouse 1995
on Oglio Records.
The title "Legends of Surf Guitar" pays homage
to the influential artists featured on this album, marking it a
significant event in the history of surf music. The location was Hermosa Beach,
CA, and that was most appropriate.
This 2-LP vinyl set, a must-have for any serious collector, is
housed in gatefold sleeves featuring pictures and commentary on the inside. The
vinyl is a beautiful, light green, translucent, with superb sound. The gatefold
sleeves not only protect the vinyl but also provide a visual treat for the
eyes, with rare photographs and insightful commentary about the performances.
Many of the tracks on this album are the ones that first drew me
into the world of surf music. Revisiting them now, in a live setting, is an
exhilarating experience. The lineups that provided the entertainment were
top-notch, and the sound quality was impeccable. If I were to sum it up in a
tagline, I'd say, “It’s a riptide of surf instrumental that will pull you out
and drown you in reverb.” What a way to go, right?
All the tracks are short but very impactful, and the best way to
describe them is to do it the same way: short, sweet, and to the point. The
brevity of the tracks adds to the album's energy and keeps the listener
engaged, with each track delivering a punchy, memorable performance.
Tracks 1-10 by Paul Johnson and The Packards:
“Lanky Bones” brings on an explosive start to the proceedings,
and I would not have expected anything less. This is surf rock, and I detected
a hint of country flavor around the edges, which came as a surprise but was
nevertheless a welcome one.
“Andele” is twangy with a great beat set behind the guitar. The
steady bottom end holds it all together nicely.
“Windshield Wiper” is filled with hooks and sparkling reverb as
it slides right into “Joyful Blues,” which is filled with clean licks and no
tricks. I was reminded fondly of Danny Gatton.
“Apache” is classic surf instro! I love the irresistible riff,
featuring some rapid picking that emulates the sound of a rider on his horse
leaving a trail of dust behind. Think The Ventures and The Shadows on this one,
at least that came to mind for my ears. Both bands covered it, and many have
followed suit.
“Tally Ho” features a dueling guitar sound, followed by a switch
to a strong lead run and fine rhythm backing, creating the surf instro
foundation that all the great tracks have. They are totally in the groove and
sound like a musical machine on fire!
“Armor of Light” is a real toe-tapper with superior rhythms,
featuring a quick, rapid-fire drum fill for added excitement to end side one.
“Kami Kaze” opens side two soaked in reverb, followed by a
splash of instrumental greatness.
“Squad Car” features a saxophone that provides the siren sound
and a very familiar riff to all of us surf fans. It is surf instro in
hyperdrive.
“Mr. Moto” is a Paul Johnson classic. They remake it live to
perfection!
“Peter Gunn/Baby Elephant Walk” and “Blues Theme” bring back
Davie Allan & The Arrows, and they nail it down. You get the best of both
worlds with surf/spy sounds, then some real string bending sounding like a bee
ready to sting! Then, some heavy fuzz steps away from surf instro and sounds
more like rock with attitude, without uttering a word as side two comes to an
end.
Side Three introduces The Chantays as “Killer Dana,” reminding
us of the first wave of surf again. Vintage reverb fills the air, featuring
some cool transitions, nice picking, and all supported by a steady rhythm
section.
“Crystal-T” features some catchy riffing that transitions into
more rock-oriented leads. I enjoyed that mixture and the back-and-forth.
“Pipeline” catches that perfect wave of legendary tracks that
never seem to get old; it's timeless.
If you like reverb+, you will love it!
“Green Room” is a high-energy rocker with a tight rhythm section.
Jim Masoner (The Lively Ones) comes on stage and kicks it off
with “Surf Rider.” Another can’t miss classic and a standard for the “first
wave” set list—an unmistakable riff and one short part where the guitar
screams, which catches you off guard. Then “Happy Gremmie” closes side three
with some red-hot leads.
Bob Dalley (The Surf Raiders) opens side four with “Curl Rider,”
featuring a strong bass part. The track then cranks up with superb reverb-laden
guitar leads, a brief rapid drum fill, and some fast picking.
John Blair (Jon & The Nightriders), who started the second
wave of surf, was a producer of this project with Matt Linett. The track begins
with some powerful drums and bass on “Rumble at Waikiki.” The reverberating
guitar notes put you smack in the middle of the rumble. The atmosphere is
cinematic as you imagine the huge waves in Hawaii at their peak, where only a
few dare to surf.
“Geronimo” has some guitars meshing nicely as the tribal beat of
the room fills the hall.
Bob Demmon (Astronauts) is off to a strong start with the
classic “Baja,” a perfect surf instro tune. The irresistible rhythms and leads
are excellent!
“Movin’” begins with a bass line, something unusual on this
recording, as the guitar rings out with clear and crisp hooks.
“Hot Doggin’” is your typical fast-moving surf, equaling the
thundering waves hitting the beach at high tide. This is the sound of the genre
and the culture.
Now, to end things properly with Jim Pash (Surfaris), we have the most recognizable and
probably the most famous song of the genre, “Wipe Out.” This all-time great
tune is known for its brisk drum parts and the crazed cackle saying, “Wipe
Out,” this time courtesy of Bob Dalley. You can hear the crowd hooting and
hollering—a perfect ending to one amazing recording.
Legends of Surf Guitar-Recorded Live at The Lighthouse 1995 is sure
to become an instant hit and collectors' item. There are only 500 copies
available, so get yours before it becomes an overpriced, out-of-reach
after-market item.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf
Music and Art Reviews Founder
July 5, 2025
