EVERYBODY’S GONE SURFIN
By: Aine Lafferty
During the Early 1960s, the early Rock n Roll sound
traveled across the United States making its way to New
York, Chicago, Detroit and eventually to California.
Groups in California were influenced
by the sounds and skills of Chuck
Berry, Elvis Presley, Little Richard,
Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly, but
incorporated their laid back
California sound to create a new
style of music called Surf Rock.
Dick Dale, the pioneer solo
artist of Surf Rock first started
performing his style of music in the
late 1950s. By the early 1960’s his popularity grew with
his new style of Surf Guitar music. He rarely sang, but
when he did his themes were mostly about Surfing, Hotrods,
and beach parties.
The Surf Guitar music contained fast
driving drumming patterns, high-sounding singing as well as
the use of the electric guitar.
Dick Dale was famous for
his electric guitar surf riffs, which were inspired by
Chuck Berry’s guitar riffs.
With the success of Dick Dale, five guys from
Hawthorne, California formed a group called The Beach Boys.
Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson (all brothers),
and their cousin Mike Love with their friend Al Jardine
were the founding members of the Beach Boys. With help
from the Wilson’s father, they were able to break down new
barriers in music by creating a unique Surf sound.
Combined with the characteristics of Surf Rock
(driving drum rhythm, high sounding singing and electric
guitar surf riffs), these boys added a new characteristic
of harmony singing. These five guys could beautifully
blend their voices in a new way no group had done yet. In
addition to their unique characteristics, they were open to
experimenting with sound and eclectic instruments such as
the sitar and the Theremin. Some of their early hits
include: Surfin’ USA, Surfin’ Safari, Fun Fun Fun, Help Me
Rhonda and Barbara Anne.
The Beach Boys had huge success, but in 1964, when the
Beatles came to America, their music was put on the back
burner. Most American music was having
a hard time selling due to the
popularity of the British Invasion
artists. This gave time for Brian
Wilson (the mastermind behind the Beach
Boys) to compose and produce an album
like no other, Pet Sounds. This album
is rated the number one album of all
time, and Paul McCartney of the Beatles
has even said that this is the greatest
album ever written.
Brian Wilson used
his studio production techniques to new territory,
incorporating actual pet sounds, use of double track studio
recording and other unique aspects. Some songs from this
album include: Wouldn’t It Be Nice, God Only Knows, Good
Vibrations and Sloop John B.
Ultimately, the Beach Boys had a hard time becoming
more popular than The Beatles, and Brian Wilson left the
band (and later rejoined the band, and then again quit).
The Beach Boys ended their recording career as a studio
band, rarely going on tour as the original Beach Boys.
Dennis and Carl Wilson both passed away, Mike Love decided
to tour as “The Beach Boys,” with other musicians, but has
run into legal trouble with Brian Wilson and Al Jardine who
both now have successful solo careers. Surf Rock is still
influenced in the popular music of today. Groups such as
the Black Eyed Peas, The Ramones, and David Bowie
incorporate elements of Surf Rock into their songs and
albums.
TOP ARTISTS AND HITS
Dick Dale
- Surfin’ Misirlou
- Swinging and a Surfin
The
-
Beach Boys
Surfer Girl
Surfin’ USA
Surfin’ Safari
California Girls
Help Me Rhonda
Barabara Ann
God Only Knows
- Wouldn’t It Be Nice
- Good Vibrations
- Kokomo
Jan and Dean
- Who Put The Bomp
- Little Old Lady From Pasadena