Album Review:

Of the hundreds of homegrown surf bands that sprung up along the coast of Southern California, relatively few had the opportunity to record an entire album. The Lively Ones were one such band fortunate enough to enjoyed some long-play success on Bob Keane's Del-Fi label. Consisting of lead guitarist Jim Masoner, rhythm guitarist Ed Chiaverini, bassist Ron Griffith, saxophonist Joel Willenbring, and drummer Tim Fitzpatrick, the Lively Ones became one of the top instrumental groups, releasing a total of 5 albums between 1963 and 1964. In fact, well after surf music had gone, the band continued to play around at local gigs and managed to nab one final Lp in 1967 entitled Bugaloo Party. 

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Three Dick Dale tracks open up the album;  'Surf Beat', 'Let's Go Trippin'', and 'Miserlou,' all of which would've been relatively fresh to listeners' ears. Duane Eddy's 'Dance With the Guitar Man' (listed simply as 'Guitar Man'), is another enjoyable number with the usual girl chorus swapped out for a gritty saxophone. The Lively Ones' original 'Catapiller Crawl' is a solid addition to the track listing, as is 'Walkin' the Board' - proof that the band could author strong compositions on their own. The sleepy 'Paradise Cove' predates the Mr. Gasser Lps by year but would easily have fit among those tracks. Yet a third original tune, 'Goofy Foot,' is a highlight, while 'Surf Rider' (a note-for-note cover of the Venture's 'Spudnik') introduces a familiar tune to the infant genre. 'Happy Gremmie' cheerfully skips along, followed by the fun 'Hot Doggin'.' The album comes to a low, twangy close with 'Surfer's Lament.'

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One of the earlier surf releases, Surf Rider helped define the wet and wild characteristics of the genre and still stands out as one of the best.