​In 1964, the Dovells (think 'Bristol Stomp') recorded a few hot rod tunes, changed their name, and bingo: the Woofers were born. What resulted is one of the best of the underrated hot rod albums.

The album begins with an adequate rendition of 'Drag City' followed by the energized original 'Hot Rod Races'. 'Mister Hot Rod' utilizes the same backing track as John Zacherley's 'Surfboard 1-0-9' and is a humorous stab at the familiar dragstrip 'jock' image. The album's first instrumental is the jazzy 'Wailin' Wheels,' which admittedly strays from the California sound but does possess some car engine overdubs. Not a bad composition in its own right, 'Ridin' the Rails' is a 'Deadman's Curve'-Esque reminder of the perils of the sport. This was a rewrite of ‘Ridin the Waves ‘with had appeared on Parkway’s Everybody’s Surfin’ album. A cover of 'Little Deuce Coupe' is surprisingly one of the album's strongest moments. 'Bench Racer' is yet another fine original. One of the most underrated songs of the whole genre has to be 'Dragster on the Prowl', which was also released as a Dovells B-side. Another filler instrumental, 'Cool Bash' is actually rather enjoyable, though not completely necessary. Admittedly not the best closure to an otherwise strong album is a rewrite of the gospel tune 'Down By the River Side.'

Excellent songwriting, clean harmonies, and the occasional falsetto save Dragsville from being just another cash-in job. The Dovells really do a good job here as everything seems polished and well executed - even the instrumentals aren't obtrusive to the overall package, making this one worth seeking out!