Album Review:

Of the hundreds of homegrown surf bands that sprung up along the coast of Southern California, relatively few actually had the chance to record an album. The Lively Ones were one such lucky band that enjoyed some 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 died, the band continued to play around at local gigs and recorded one final album in 1967 entitled Bugaloo Party. 

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The Dick Dale penned 'Surf Beat' opens the album, followed by two other Dale tracks, 'Let's Go Trippin'' and 'Miserlou,' all of which would've been relatively fresh to listeners' ears. A Duane Eddy hit, '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 original 'Catapiller Crawl' is a nice addition to the line-up, as is 'Walkin' the Board' - both strong compositions in their own right. The sleepy 'Paradise Cove' predates the Mr. Gasser Lps by year but could easily fit on those. Another original, '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.