Jan & Dean with the Soul Surfers
Heart and Soul / Midsummer's Night Dream / Cannon Ball Stomp / Red Woodie In the Valley / Aura Lee, the Surfin' Honey / Stomp of the Hours / Something A Little Bit Different / Wanted One Girl / Old Surfin' Joe / Hot Doggin' On the Swanee River / Danny, the Loney Surfer Boy / The Red Wing Wipeout
The Surfaris
// 1963 on LJ Records (LJ 101)
2.5
Album Review:
When one thinks of the great surf albums of the 60s, Jan and Dean may come to mind, but the Soul Surfers will not - nor will their joint venture. This album was released on a budget label to cash in on the duo’s newfound surfing success with four repackaged failed singles from the early 60s which have nothing to do with surfing or hot rods. The remaining 8 tracks are a bevy of public-domain tunes by a studio group dubbed the Soul Surfers. As uninspired as it all may be, the playing on these extra tracks is actually impressive, and there are some genuinely great electric guitar moments.
It should be pointed out that while the recording masters from this album sound crystal clear, and a good copy will sound sonically amazing (sans mediocre material), a large percentage of copies I’ve seen have bubbles and other pressing imperfections from the factory. So if you’re looking for a clean copy of this one, just check that before you buy.
CHOICE CUTS:
Aura Lee, Surfin Honey / Hot Doggin' on the Swanee River