Ten Essential Surf Artists to Know

I have always liked surf music. It has laid back grooves, mixed with great instrumental tracks and WAVES of Fender guitars! Here in no particular order, is one more of my random musical guides:
1. Dick Dale and the Del-Tones
The undisputed and reigning king of surf! Dick Dale's staccato attack on the Fender Stratocaster is timeless. Wielding a metallic seafoam Strat, Dick has a tone and delivery that will peal paint off the wall. His early stuff was great, and many say he invented the style, and he has continued to put out decent material even into recent years. You gotta love this guy!
2. The Beach Boys
These guys were the most popular surf band, and eventually went on to become one of the most popular pop bands of their era. The Wilson Brothers with Mike Love and Al Jardine, and their great musicianship and nice harmonies, defined the laid-back Southern California sound. Brian's great studio production and musical vision, and the 'Boys musical prowess took them to the top of the charts. The Beach Boys were around long after the Surf craze died out. "Pet Sounds" and "Endless Summer" are among my favorites.
3. Jan and Dean
Best known for "Surf City", Jan and Dean epitomize the cool California sound of Surf. I will always remember their "Batman" album from my childhood. I wore the grooves off of that one. Tragedy struck this pair and cut them down in their prime. But if you want a great slice of California sunshine, check out Jan and Dean.
4. The Surfaris
Who hasn't heard "Wipeout"? It is a classic of the surf genre. Led by a great drummer, Ron Wilson, and a cool guitar attack, the Surfaris were head and shoulders above the average surf band. Their run of successful albums in the early to mid 60's was quite impressive.
5. The Ventures
Hawaii 5-0, "Walk Don't Run" and "Pipeline" are the best track here. The Ventures played straightforward instrumental surf. This band continued on and off into the 90's and had a worldwide influence. The Best of the Ventures is a must-have of the surf genre.
6. The Trashmen
Widely known for the wacky hit "Surfin Bird" this combo combined crazy vocal techniques with booming guitars and beats that can still be heard in punk acts today. Hailing from Minneapolis, they gained popularity doing surf in the Midwest to the land-locked fans of the genre. Their sound is reminiscent of the wild and unabashed rock and roll we all love.
7. The Chantays
A true surf band, hailing from Santa Ana, California, they are known best for the tune "Pipeline". Catchy instrumental melodies with nice guitar work were the calling card for this band. They represented the legit surf bands, as their biggest hit was reportedly recorded in the back of a surf shop. They were the real deal.
8. Ronny and the Daytonas
Although they were from Nashville, these guys straddled the line between surf and revved-up hotrod tunes. Not surprising considering they were named after a hotrod. I include them in my list since they represented the convergence of the two popular styles of the early 60s. "GTO" was the hit here. Come to think of it, their main hit was named after a hotrod too...
9. The Tornados
Here is one of the earliest of the surf bands. Their instrumental hit "Bustin Surfboards" set the tone for surf. Precise, melodic guitar lines, instrumental grooves, and splashy and pounding drums were their style. And REVERB REVERB REVERB!!! This set the tone for many of those who would follow.
10. The Pyramids
In 1964, the Pyramids hit the charts with "Penetration," the last big national instrumental surf hit, and one of the best of thegenre. From Long Beach, California they too were the real deal SoCal surf outfit. A victim of the British Invasion, which stole the spotlight from the Surf sound, they disbanded after one album and a few singles.They were there at the end of the era, and their hit "Penetration" left a resounding echo.
Hope this list gives you something to think about. Happy Listening!