Reading Reviews 4
SURF MUSIC USA
ALL THE SURF, HOT-ROD, MOTORCYCLE & SKATEBOARD HITS : 1960-65
Written, researched and annotated by Stephen J McParland
Published by CMusic (2006) : Softcover and Limited Edition Hardcover
I can’t really praise this book, all 298 A4 pages of it, highly enough – and if the rise and longevity of the 60’s surf’n’hot-rod scene, and all its subsequent spin-offs, is of interest to you, then there is no better place to start … or, in truth, finish.
For anyone who has already checked out any number of McParland’s California-related books to date this one’ll come as no surprise with regards to detail. Storytelling just isn’t his style. What we have here is detail – and loads of it. Breaking the genre, often simply referred to as ‘surf music’ , down into its relevant categories (instrumental, vocal etc) this takes us on a ride through the formative years when The Belairs, Dick Dale and The Frogmen were cutting the edge, and into the more widely acknowledged ‘vocal’ intrusions of The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, Melcher and Usher, when the true ‘edge’ was lost but national acceptancy was gained – before diversifying the California sound into hot-rods, skateboards, motorcycles and summer sun. Dozens of interviews have been undertaken by the author over the years, and whilst much of what is covered here has appeared previously in his many other publications, it’s nice to have it all condensed into one meaty factfile – and it certainly helps to see it run in virtual chronological order aswell !
However, from this reviewers perspective, what certainly assists with the overall enjoyment are the wealth of images. Album sleeves, 45rpm sleeves and labels, original concert flyers, magazine advertisements … and a great number in full colour !
Without doubt, for anyone with a passing interest on what actually went on all those years ago, or for anyone who continues to live the dream through the music, this HAS to lie on your coffee table, on your book shelf or by the bedside table. You’ll find yourself constantly referring back to it time and time again. But, that does lead to the question, where CAN Mr McParland go forward after this ? Is this the definitive, and possibly the last word on the subject ?
