synopsis

review

This final South African Baggys release was released very late in 1967 and, unlike the previous offerings which snuck a few unreleased Sloan and Barri tracks into the mix, is exclusively performed by their cross-Atlantic counterpart. For those who haven’t checked out the first post, following the surprise success of P. F. Sloan and Steve Barri’s 1964 album Tell ‘Em I’m Surfin’ in South Africa, Imperial contracted the local band, The Falling Leaves to record a follow-up album called Ride The Wild Surf in 1966. This album had no involvement from Sloan or Barri and was only released in South Africa. 
 

'Four and Twenty Hours' is a psychedelic number reminiscent of the Beach Boys' Smile album. 'Only When You're Lonely' sounds like a garage band trying to sound like the Byrds number while 'Anytime, Anywhere At All' is a slower number in the style of Ronny & the Daytonas Sandy album. 'Hangin' Ten' is a moody surf-infused track that brings the group back to its roots. 'Surfer's Paradise' is an inventive surf instrumental and one of the high spots on the album. 'Yellow Belly Surfer Named Clyde' finds the band doing their best to imitate Bob Dylan's voice over a humorous tune about the perils of losing one's board in the surf. The results are actually pretty good. 'Surfin' Bird' is the Trashmen song. Another album highlight is the 'Catch A Wild One' which slips through modulation after modulation and is a solid surf track. 'Surfer's Lament' drags a bit little while 'Bag Yourself A Board' is essentially a rewrite of 'Sloop John B' with surfing lyrics. The pinnacle of this release however is undoubtedly 'Mussel Beach' which stands out as one of the best surf instrumentals - period. It's a shame it can only be found on this album. 'Bye Bye Linda' is an acoustic guitar-driven number stereotypical of this era of pop.

I was pleasantly surprised when I dropped the needle on this one - I had initially written it off years ago when I bought it in a pack with the other South African release as largely inferior. Today I realized I may have been a little rash in my original review. It’s actually a pretty unique blend of psychedelic, sunshine pop, and surf music. I mean just check out ‘Four and Twenty Hours” ( last video ). It’s definitely influenced by The Beach Boys’ 1966-1968 output. Really cool album if you can ever find one. I believe a total of 3 have ever sold on eBay.

// 1967 on Imperial Records (IRL 381)

Four and Twenty Hours / Only When You're Lonely / Anytime, Anywhere At All / Hangin' Ten / Surfer's Paradise / Yellow Belly Surfer Named Clyde / Surfin' Bird / Catch A Wild One / Surfer's Lament / Bag Yourself A Board / Mussel Beach / Bye Bye Linda