Album Review:

If there ever were a band that purely defined the homegrown garage bands of 1960s Southern California, it would have to be the Challengers. Originally known as the Bel-Airs, the group began out of an argument between guitarist Eddie Bertrand and drummer Richard Delvy over the use of reverb. As a result, Delvy left the group and teamed up with Glen Grey (lead guitar), Don Landis (rhythm guitar), Randy Nauert (bass), Jim Roberts (keys), and Nick Hefner (sax), to form the Challengers. The sextet found relative teenage stardom across America, releasing a total of 13 albums between the years 1963 and 1967 and appearing on countless TV shows. What's more, the music on these albums is of surprising quality, especially considering Surfbeat was recorded in just three-and-a-half hours. To give the group even further distinction, cartoonist Rick Griffin was brought in to create art for album jackets, promotional materials and fan club memberships.

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'Bulldog' is a dynamic opener that highlights how tight the group had already become. 'Kami-Kaze' is a strong track, while the early surf pinnacle 'Let's Go Trippin'' rocks with fresh energy. Al Casey's 'Ramrod' is another high point of the album. Interestingly, the Bel-Airs' 'Mr. Moto' (the original recording) also makes an appearance in its unaltered state. The forgettable 'Red River Rock' is possibly the album's weakest track, though a clean version of 'Miserlou' makes up for it. The Sentinal's 'Latin'ia' from Big Surf also receives the Challengers' treatment, while the Beach Boy's 'Surfin' Safari' receives an instrumental retooling.* Another worthy cover, 'Movin' and Groovin', bridges the gap between late 50's rock and roll and the surf trend. The Delvy-Johnson composition 'Vampire' is a sleepy Duane Eddy-Esque tune, while a lively version of 'Torquay' closes the album. 

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The Challenger's first album is a strong example of surf music at its purest. Definitely worth locating a copy!

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*NOTE: Early first-day pressings have a vocal version of 'Surfin' Safari,' which the band had taken off for all subsequent pressings. I was able to sell one of these rare copies to bassist Randy Nauert before his passing, which he was extremely glad to hear again.