Surf Instro Review: Monster Summer Hits Wild Surf- Various Artists

This is not just music; it's a fun in-the-sun party! I have noticed that children tend to enjoy this type of music. My five-year-old son can't get enough of it! Thanks to Dad, he has received good training in surf music.

Monster Summer Hits: Wild Surf - Various Artists is packed with hits.

The best thing about surfing comps is that every song is generally around two minutes or so long, so the listener benefits from getting a CD with 26 tracks. Loaded with hits.

Take a look at the cover of the classic 1960s surf art. You know, I remember when my brother would get all those models to put together and paint, including the crazy monsters and rat finks. Man, those were the days! 

Note: This was my first year of writing reviews, so it is rudimentary; however, I did my best to edit it for improvement.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

1998

TRACKS:

01. Surfin'-Beach Boys   

02. Surf City-Jan & Dean   

03. Surfer's Stomp-The Markettes

04. Theme From "Endless Summer"-The  Sandals    

05. Hawaii Five-O    

06. Surfin' Safari-The Beach Boys

07. Finksville U.S.A.-Mr. Gasser & The Weirdos   

08. Shoot The Curl-The Honeys

09. Tell em' I'm Surfin'-TheFantastic Baggies  

10. Ride The Wild Surf-Jan & Dean

11. Surfin' Bird-The Trashmen  

12. Surf Age-Jerry Cole

13. I Live For The Sun-The Sunrays  

14. Surfin' U.S.A.-The Beach Boys

15.  Papa-oom-mow-mow Rivingtons  

16. Wipe Out-Ventures

17. Pipeline- Jerry Cole & His Spacemen   

18. Summer Means Fun-The Fantastic Baggies

19. Pray For Surf-The Honeys  

20. Surfer Girl-The Beach Boys   

21. Goffy-Foot Glen-John Severson

22. Sidewalk Surfin'-Jan & Dean  

23. Surf Route 101-The Super Stocks

24. Doin' The Surfink-Mr. Gasser & The Weirdos  

25. Muscle Beach Party-The Super Stocks

26. Come September-John Severson

Surf Instro Review: The Blue Hawaiians - Sway

The latest release from the Blue Hawaiians, Sway, crafts a unique, shimmering blend of lounge, exotica, and surf sounds. The sound is not just solid, but also clear and complete, a testament to the impressive skills of drummer Tom Maxwell. His contribution is particularly noteworthy, as any surf music aficionado can attest to the importance of a great drummer.

He tames those skins and lays down a rock-solid beat for the rest of the band to follow. The rest of the instrumentation is also outstanding. Everything holds up quite well throughout the entire listen. I found it to be sonically pleasing and the production superb.

"Casino” is a Hawaiian delight, complete with vocals in the native tongue —a unique and intriguing element that adds to the album's diversity. I must say that this was a treat, as I have never heard a surf song done this way.

"Hawaii Five-O" takes on a new meaning with "Martini Five-O", their ode to the lounge sound.

You know what impressed me? David Pascal, the owner of the label, dealt with me. What a class act. It's no wonder the Blue Hawaiians are, too! Undoubtedly one of the best releases of '99. Beautiful music. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

2000

Tracks:

01. Last Days Of Summer   

02. Searchin' For Da Cat   

03. Banzai Pipeline  

04. Casino   

05. Deadman's

06. Quiet Surf   

07. Martini Five-O   

08. Swingin' Hula Girl   

09. Drop The Hammer, Max!  

10. Sharskin Saddle

11. Charade   

12. Tortolla   

13. Drunk Man Noodle   

14. Da Cat (Reprise)

Surf Instro Review: Beat Surfers-Pole Position

This CD EP is a remarkable showcase of the Norwegian group's talent. Despite being an EP, the band manages to cover some impressive ground, leaving a lasting impression.

With their heavy, chunky power surf chords, this group's raw and energized sound is a promising effort. Their potential is undeniable, and it's exciting to consider what they could accomplish.

The sound mix is fair. I think with a chance to record with a more prominent U.S.-based label and some good production, these fellows would have a great shot at taking off.

It's impossible not to admire this group's dedication to being heard and exposed. Their efforts are certainly appreciated, and it's a pleasure to be introduced to their music! 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

2000

Tracks:

01. Oppa Fjellet  

02. Throttleman   

03. Pole Position   

04. El Nino   

05. Kon Tiki   

06. Piken T Dalen

07. Reinlender   

08. The Cruel Sea

Track Features: The Outback Surf Squad

I got a note from Jamie Balcombe of The Outback Surf Squad and checked out the two tunes. Please give them a listen! It's some rumblings from down under! 

I have provided the track streams.  It's always a pleasure to hear that this music continues to thrive! 

Here is my review of the tracks to entice you to give them a listen.

Thanks for sharing, Jamie!

Keith "MuzkMan" Hannaleck

May 10, 2025

"Podium Finish" begins with the sound of a hot rod revving up; this is a retro hot rod surf tune to the finish line. One brief passage reminded me of "Secret Agent Man." A lot of music is packed into just over two minutes, with enough changes to keep you interested.

"Moana Point" begins with a trippy, psychedelic sound and then transitions straight into a traditional surf instrumental featuring the core beats from the drums. There is some speedy playing going on, with numerous changes. Good guitar chops are featured.

 

Note From Artist:

The first 2 tunes from T.O.S.S are "Podium Finish" and "Moana Point." I hope you are able to review them for your site. Jason Deatherage from the Surf Hermits helped me with Podium Finish, and John Verhoef collaborated with me for Moana Point. I am also the creator/producer of Australia's no1 surf rock podcast The Dodge City Social Club....have a great day!!

Jamie Balcombe.

Surf and Rock Instrumental Review: Delphonic Sounds Of Today - Various Artists

Have you experienced the unique blend of old surf tunes with a 90s twist? If not, you're in for a treat. Del-Fi is back with another exceptional compilation CD, blending the best of both eras. Their consistency in delivering such unique blends is commendable, and I look forward to seeing what they come up with next.

Man or Astroman? The Tiki Tones and Los Straitjackets, among others, deliver stellar performances, as expected from these top-tier surf groups. Davie Allan and The Arrows' rendition of "Our Favorite Martian" is a standout, arguably one of the most amazing surf tunes ever recorded.

This has a 90s feel, yet it can also convey the sound of the era. This is no small task, considering that many groups do not use vintage equipment, such as classic Fender guitars and vintage tube amplifiers, which are integral to the sound of surf music.

If you want to tune into the third wave of surf and enjoy the old classics, you will love this! I did. It's very cool. Their performances are sure to leave you in awe.

You can get it on Amazon for a very low price if you're interested!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

2000

Tracks:

0I. I Fought The Law - The Brian Jonestown Massacre    

02. Surf Rider - Los Straitjackets

03. Bullwinkle Part II - Elliot Easton's Tiki Gods    

04. Our Favorite Martian - Davie Allan & The Arrows

05. Yo Yo's Pad - Man Or Astroman?      

06. Hippy Hippy Shake - The Liquor Giants

07. World's Greatest Sinner - The Dekes Of Hazzard      

08. Slauson Shuffle - The Tiki Tones

09. Come On, Let's Go - Russell Scott & His Red Hots      

10. Hitch Hiker - Neil Mooney

11. Afternoon Affair, An - Mello Cads     

12. Full Moon (Tropical Blend) - Wondermints

13. Magic Touch, The - The Negro Problem   

14. All In The Run Of A Day - Baby Lemonade

15. New Shade Of Blue - Nan Vernon   

16. My Lovin' Baby - Single Bullet Theory

17. Luci Baines - Jigsaw Seen      

18. Donna - Elliot Kendall

19. When I Did The Mashed Potatos With You - Wiskey Biscuital