Album Review:

Skaterdater was released in 1965 and is widely considered to be the first Skateboard film (although I can't imagine there being a very large list to begin with). It won the Palme d'Or for Best Short Film at the 1966 Cannes Film Festival and was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short Subject. The soundtrack was engineered by Davie Allen and the Arrows. Most songs simply retool the various motifs and riffs from the first three tracks on the record.

'The Fountain' is a dreamy surf tune with the Arrows' early clean guitar sound. 'Skaterdater 1' is a lively surf number; the melody from which would be utilized repeatedly on this record. The brief 'Missy and the Statue' doesn't offer much of interest other than introducing the third melody to be borrowed. 'Skaterdater II' is a variation of part one - this time with a rapid marching snare. 'Skate Out' is little more than a thunderous one-chord jam. At 1:22, it is one of the shortest surf tracks. Fans of Dave Allen will recognize the tremoloed, fuzzed-out tone on 'Skaterdater Rock' from the band's later albums. The signature sound is used here only once but became standard on just about every other Arrows album that followed. Other than the new tonal aesthetic, the track itself is another recapitulation of the already familiar tune. 'Together 1' is a flute-driven rendition of the 'Fountain' melody. Side 2 begins with what is finally new material on 'Statue.' 'Skate Board Safari' is another point of interest and another melody. As the title suggests, 'Skaterdater III' is yet another installment in what could now be referred to as the "Variations on the Skaterdater Suite." 'Together II' is an extension of the first part. The conclusion to the four-piece saga, 'Skaterdater IV,' clips along at a brisk pace and is a fitting closer. 'Missy's Theme' winds up the album on a gentle note.

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Skaterdater is definitely a soundtrack. There's not a great deal of original material here, but if you enjoy rare and independent surf film soundtracks, there is enough bounty here to warrant a listen or two. For most others, however, the lack of substance will be a deterrent.