Album Review:

Recorded 'live' at the fourth annual Teenage Fair in 1965, the Challengers' only live album has the group keeping steadfast to its surf roots amid the changing musical landscape.

​

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen; welcome again to the fourth annual Teen-age Fair. They have given me the okay that it's time, that it's time for all the tapes are rolling, that all the people are ready....so ladies and gentlemen, if you will, please welcome...Richard Delvy and the fabulous Challengers!"    

​

Such open the album, as the band launches into a suspiciously clean recording of 'Collision Course.' Whether or not any part of this album was actually recorded before a live audience is debatable, though it is still an extremely strong track. The second tune, a cover of the Searchers' 'When You Walk in the Room,' features some vocals, presumably overdubbed in over the original performance. 'The Wedge' also turns out fine and is a little more believable as a live recording than the first number. The Challengers are then joined by the little-known but always dependable Richard George and Woodies (a personal favorite) for the vocal 'Do You Wanna Dance.' A nice surprise: the extra harmony and vocal support are a welcome addition to the line-up, and though the cover may not come close to the Beach Boys' version, it's still a worthwhile effort. 'The Duck Waddle' turns out to be a fine surf instrumental, complete with a key change. Herman's Hermit's hit single, 'Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter' gets a surfy make-over while still keeping the exaggerated Cockney accent, as the Woodies supply backup vocals. Richard George and company get showcased in Gary Lewis' 'Count Me In,' backed by the Challengers. 'Small Fry' is another strong instrumental a' la Richard Delvy, while the Woodies' 'Tired of Waiting For You' is a kind of Beach Boys-meet-the-Kinks ordeal, devoid of any harmonies, though catching the tail-end of the surf craze. The Instrumental 'Scratch' is a typical effort from the band, with not much distinction. Rhythm Guitarist Don Landis gets the spotlight in his own 'Come Right Back To Me' as the group closes the show with their hit 'K-39'.

​

The Challengers at the Teenage Fair proves that the band was one of the last groups to abandon their sunny image to accommodate the new musical styles. A few of these tracks had previously appeared on the Good Guys' Sidewalk Surfing! album (see review for breakdown). Solid Drums beats, twangy guitars, and even a splash of harmony, all mixed in with its puzzling release date, do make this album worth a spin.