Hangin' Twenty
Frogwalk Part II / Church Key / Smokey Stomper / King's Surf / Aquavelva / Surferama / Moment of Truth / Road to Rincon / Surfbreaker / Surfers Theme / Passion / Wetwalkin'
Dave Myers & the Surftones
// 1963 on Del-Fi Records (DFST 1239/DFLP 1239)
6.5
Album Review:
Considering their prominence on compilation albums, it may surprise some that Dave Myers and the Surf-Tones released just one album. Winners of the 18-band surf battle (see a review of the album by the same name), the group's material also appeared on a few early 60s compilations before changing their name to the Myers and the Disciples. The band released Greatest Racing Themes under the guise of the Dave Myers Effect in 1968 before disbanding entirely. In this, their only surf-related album, the band tackles some popular surfing hits of the day while also incorporating a few tunes of their own.
'Frogwalk Part II' (was there a part I?) starts off the album and sounds almost like a rewrite of 'Battle of Jericho' followed by an energized rendition of 'Church Key.' 'Smokey Stomper' is a rather forgettable fare based on the folk-tune 'On Top of Old Smokey' while 'King's Surf' ventures back into the more surf-related territory. 'Aquavelva' is a sleepy little number flavored with some piano riffs and tasty Latin percussion. 'Surferama' is no more than a filler instrumental with a few interesting rising and falling modulations. A cover of 'Moment of Truth' seems to suit the band's style well, while 'Road to Rincon' follows the capricious tone of its predecessor. The brief 'Surfbreaker' boasts some great guitar work and is an album highlight. The bland 'Surfer's Theme' is marred by some poor brass playing. Some drum rolls and an obvious tape-slice kick-off 'Passion.' It's understated, but a vibe. The infectiously energetic 'Wetwalkin'' closes out the album.
Musically, Hangin' Twenty is a bit of a mish-mash of styles and the material isn't quite at the same level of other Del-Fi releases. Sonically, however, this release holds some very exciting moments and, overall, is stronger as a package than its individual tracks might have you believe. Also, it's got one of the best album covers from the period .... and that's half the fun, isn't it?
CHOICE CUTS:
Wetwalkin' / Surfbreaker / Passion / Aquavelva