VA - Surf & Drag, Vol. 01, Sounds From The Beach And Strip! [1989] + Vol. 02, More From The Beach And Strip! [1993] (2 x CDs)

 

SURF & DRAG

VA - Surf & Drag Vol. 01, Sounds From The Beach And Strip! [1989] + Surf & Drag Sounds Vol. 02, More From The Beach And Strip! [1993] (2 x CDs)

If you're a fan of West Coast surf music and looking for something new, VA - Surf & Drag Vol. 01 and Vol. 02 offer a glimpse into the genre's history. Although some of the tracks may have been anthologized before, the albums dig deeper into the car and surf tunes of Gary Usher and other lesser-known acts.

While the songs on these albums may not be consistent hits, they provide valuable insight into the SoCal surf and drag scene by exploring beyond the well-known tunes. The focus of the album is on Gary Usher, known for his songwriting collaborations with Brian Wilson, and his work under band names such as The Four Speeds and Super Stocks. Usher's personal productions feature tracks like "Cheater Slicks," "Four on the Floor," and "My Sting Ray." These songs are filled with authentic slang and sound like they could have been lifted from AIP beach party films. The non-Usher tracks on the album are also noteworthy, including Gene Moles' "Burnin' Rubber" and tracks from The Royal Coachmen. The albums even feature oddities like a pre-"Lies" track from the Knickerbockers and a post-"Tequila" instrumental from The Champs.

Vol. 02 highlights include "She Rides With Me" by Paul Petersen, "Bustin' Surfboards" by the Tornadoes, and "GeeTO Tiger" by the Tigers. The sound quality of both volumes is top-notch, with many first-ever stereo mixes from the original 3-track masters. These albums are certainly a good way to expand your surf collection. (B)

Nice to hear Gene Moles songs get credit they deserve! Topping the playlist is Burning Rubber which a terrific example of great guitar licks from a guitar master!

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Track lists

Vol.1

01 Gene Moles - Burnin' Rubber 2:08

02 Don Brandon - The Swim 2:00

03 Royal Coachmen - Loophole 2:42

04 Knickerbockers - Bite Bite Barracuda 2:12

05 Rhythm Rockers - Rendezvous Stomp 2:45

06 Four Speeds - Four On The Floor 2:26

07 Four Speeds - Cheater Slicks 2:00

08 Jan & Dean - Midsummer Night's Dream 2:15

09 Gene Moles - Twin Pipes 2:11

10 Four Speeds - Barefoot Adventure 1:46

11 Champs - Twenty Thousand Leagues 2:38

12 Don Brandon - The Ballad Of Bonneville 2:33

13 Royal Coachmen - Repeating 2:36

14 Knickerbockers - Mighty Mighty Barracuda 2:30

15 Gary Usher - Power Shift 1:59

16 Gary Usher - Mag Wheels 2:18

17 Donna Loren - Muscle Bustle 2:03

18 Four Speeds - My Sting Ray 1:58

19 Four Speeds - R.P.M. 2:36

20 Don Brandon - The Party Last Night 2:10

Vol.2

01 Shutdowns - Four In The Floor 1:47

02 Tornadoes - Bustin' Surfboards 2:28

03 Sidewalk Surfers - Skateboard 2:39

04 Carol & Cheryl - Go Go G.T.O. 1:37

05 Matadors - I Gotta Drive 2:37

06 Paul Petersen - She Rides With Me 2:03

07 Shutdowns - Beach Buggy 2:07

08 Sea Shells - Hit The Surf 1:41

09 Matadors - Come On Let Yourself Go, Part 1 2:14

10 Tornadoes - The Gremmie 2:32

11 Tigers - Geeto Tiger 2:27

12 Cabin Crew - She Ain't A Yacht 2:35

13 Customs - Nifty '50 1:29

14 Quads - Surfin' Hearse 2:20

15 Customs - Hot Rod City 1:58

16 Customs - '54 Corvette 1:41

17 Tommy Boyce - Let's Go Where The Action Is 2:06

18 Robby And The Robbins - Surfer's Life 1:52

19 Tornadoes - Phantom Surfer 2:22

20 Sidewalk Surfers - Fun Last Summer 2:08

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