For once we get an instrumental surf-based collection with a wider brief that takes in some British examples alongside the more celebrated US guitar cuts. After two powerful Link Wray tracks, Rumble and Slinky, The Fireballs’ Bulldog sets the tone for more familiar waters: The Gamblers, Dick Dale, The Belairs and Johnny & The Hurricanes’ Sandstorm. The Ventures are represented by both their ever-popular Perfida and fast-rocking Wailin’, one of their toughest outings. The British releases come from The Hunters, The Outlaws, Bert Weedon and a couple of fine tunes from The Krew Kats with Big Jim Sullivan on lead.
After 20 twangy tracks, things shift gear substantially with Bud Shank’s complete soundtrack for the Slippery When Wet surf film. His small group modern jazz ensemble works up 10 very different cuts, with Shank’s alto sax and flute leading jazz guitar, bass and drums, about as different as you can get from the big, brash sounds that preceded it. It’s the sort of contrast that separates this compilation from the more predictable ones.
