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The Rumor I Heard Is More Surf Legends Sound Great!

Mike King | Taunton, MA United States | 09/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Surf Legends And Rumors: 1961-1964" proved to be such a popular collection of surf instrumental music, that Garland Records released this second volume. As good as that first compilation was, I enjoy the variety of selections even more on this CD, which clocks in at nearly 70 minutes. "Baja" by the Astronauts and "Bustin' Surfboards" by the Tornadoes is a great one-two punch to lead off this collection. "Surfin'" was the first song ever written by Brian Wilson, and the first song ever recorded by the Beach Boys. "Mr. Moto" by the Bel-Airs is among the very best of the early surf instrumental songs, and was a regional hit in California. The lesser known groups, such as the Pastel Six and the Nevegans, provide some of the best songs to be found here. I especially like the Revels, whose song "It's Party Time" summed up their philosophy of life. The Barracudas close out this collection with two previously unreleased songs, "I Can't Believe You're Really Mine" and "Come Back To Me." Those songs were recorded at the end of the surf instrumental era and, with vocals, they sound like typical pop songs from the sixties. Be sure to keep listening after the song "Come Back To Me," as this CD ends with a hidden bonus track."