Album Review:

I'm sure that by glancing at this cover, you can already tell that Rod & the Cobras were not a real band. What we have here is a studio group masquerading as an established surf ensemble. Nevertheless, Drag Race at Surf City, despite its obvious low-budget roots is a nice reprieve from many other similar albums

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The vocal numbers are surprisingly well-performed as far as budget surf albums go. The team's rendition of 'Hey Little Cobra' is definitely one of the better covers of the tune. Both 'Surfin' U.S.A.' and 'Surf City' are rather bland affairs. 'Surfin' Safari' is slightly better and the guitar solo helps. The instrumentals are equally hit-and-miss. 'Dragsville' has a strong melody that weaves about an inventive chord pattern. 'Four on the Floor,' 'Gear Down,' and 'Souped Up' aren't much more than sax and organ jams. 'Deuce On the Loose' has some nice guitar work. 'Beach Boy Stomp' is a rather uninspiring closer. 

Drag Race at Surf City

Hey Little Cobra / Dragsville / Four on the Floor / Surfin Safari / Gear Down / Surf City / Souped Up / Surfin U.S.A. / Deuce on the Loose / Beach Boy Stomp

Rod & the Cobras

// 1964 on Sommerset Records (SF-20500 / P-20500)