Album Review:

For the band's sophomore release, Vault opted to borrow the good name of television host Lloyd Thaxton and slap it on the cover in good measure. Covering several rock standards and a few of their own, Lloyd Thaxton Goes Surfing with the Challengers expanded the group's following and continued their national rank as one of the top surf bands of the time.

​

Some eerie, space-age sounds open up 'Moon Dawg', a brilliant version that actually improves on the original. A cover of Duane Eddy's 'Dance with the Guitar Man' testifies to Glen Grey's proficiency on electric. He's joined by a female chorus. 'Coming Home Baby' gives Roberts a chance on the keys, while 'You Can't Sit Down' is one of the better organ rockers of the period. 'Foot Patter' is another fine instrumental, while Grey's original 'Rampage' is a welcome addition to the bevy of covers. 'Ventures' Medley' is a cheerful homage to the popular instrumental group. Richard Delvy also blends two popular fads with 'Surfer's Pony' (based on the Chubby Checker dance). In addition, 'The Twist' and 'Surfer's Stomp' also get mashed together, becoming 'The Twomp.' 'Tidal Wave' is a strong surf rocker, and the Rondels' super obscure single 'Satan's Theme' gets a makeover. The album concludes with another Delvy original, 'So What.'

​

Packed with heavy beats, twangy guitars, and backed by the powerful (yet at this point obscure) name of Lloyd Thaxton, the Challengers' second album was another hit among young record buyers in mid-1963 and cemented the group as one of the forerunners of surf instrumental music. There are multiple special editions of this album pressed on yellow, red, and blue vinyl, which fetch large sums of money today among collectors. The rest of us will have to settle for black...