Known as the ‘Hot Rod Trilogy,’ Del-Fi released a string of three excellent car-themed albums in 1963 to appeal to the auto enthusiasts of the day. Credited to three separate artists (The Darts, The De-Fenders, The Deuce Coupes), in actuality, all were played by the same studio group. Members of the Wrecking Crew such as Glen Campbell, Leon Russell, Tommy Tedesco, and Hal Blaine show off their musicianship through a frenzy of great guitar licks and adrenaline throughout each album - though this one is one of my favorites.
 

Both 'Smooth Stick' and 'Road Rattler' are excellent numbers. The cool 'Tiajuana Gasser' lays back in an easy groove. You can almost feel the car engines rumble in 'Gear Masher' and the shuffling 'Candy Apply Blue.' 'Satan's Chariot' has some haunting guitar effects while rampant 'Hayburner' shreds up a storm. 'Dawn Patrol,' has a spooky quality to it and is definitely an album highlight. The exuberant 'Double-A Fueler' showcases some wild string twanging. Glassy guitars invoke the swell of the surf on 'Nite Surfer and 'Nite Prowler' gives us one more reason to fall in love with this album. 

 

Hotrodder's Choice is rip-roaring fun, full of surprises, and high-octane energy. I found my copy last week at a local record shop grouped with a bunch of sound effects records, rather than in their ‘Beach Boys/Surf’ section. It’s the final one I was missing in the series! Goes to show if you’re looking for surf/ hot rod albums, sometimes going the extra mile pays off!