Album Review:

Released on the front end of 1964, Fun City U.S.A. rides briskly on the heels of 1963's surprise hit "Wipe Out," though without any chart hits of its own. 

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'Dune Buggy' reinforces the definitive Surfaris sound and demonstrates that the band was committed to continuing their signature brand. A sophomoric rendition of 'Hound Dog' is hard to listen to 60+ years later, while 'Hot Rod Graveyard' remains another classic Surfaris track. Ron Wilson lends his unique vocals to "I'm Leaving Town', followed by the uncharted yet often covered 'Murphy the Surfie.' 'Apache' is a fine instrumental but easily overshadowed by the original version of the Gary Usher - Roger Christian composition 'Hot Rod High' - the true gem on the album. A surfed-up version of 'Moon Dawg' is a fun throwback to the Gambler's 1959 hit, while a lackluster (albeit energetic) self-penned 'Go Go Go for Louie's Place' is a thin rewrite of 'Louie Louie'. Both 'Big Surge' and 'Burnin' Rubber' combine some of the best parts of the genre and find the band at their creative best. The sax-heavy 'Shazam!' was written by Lee Hazelwood and Duane Eddy and fits in nicely among the others.

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While not breaking any new ground, Fun City U.S.A. showcases one of the most iconic surf bands at a high point in their career and is an excellent example of the ungoverned raw energy a band can attain when given full creative control. 

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