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Surf & Instrumental Music

Instrumental Rock'n'Roll

Before the British Invasion, instrumental groups owned an immense popularity in the U.S. and throughout the world. Those bands were wild, young and savage and spread the true spirit of Rock'n'Roll music into the worldwide music scene. Most bands acted completely without vocals and added at least one instrument taking over the 'singing' part - mostly hot electric guitars. And Teenagers kept on dancing – who would need lyrics anyhow?! Recent years have seen a huge amount of CD reissues in that field and a great amount on vinyl! Nevertheless, the few adult exponents of that style, Link Wray, Duane Eddy and The Ventures, should not be neglected! 

Woodies, Boards and the Fiberglass Jungle - Roots of the California Surfin' and Hot Rod Scene

At this stage we could just copy the wonderful books about the California music scene written by John Blair (Check 'em out in our mailorder) Well, we're not talking about Surf music sung with nice voices like The Beach Boys and Jan & Dean did, we're talking about the real Surf style and that is? Bingo! Instrumental Surf! A broad trend that dominated grassroots teenage music in America during the years 1961-1965, actually creaks down into four distinct phases. It started as early as 1961-1962, with such transitional records as 'Mr. Moto' by The Belairs (on Felsted label), 'Stick Shift' by The Duals (on Sue label), 'Moon Dawg' by The Gamblers (World-Pacific label), 'Church Key' by The Revels (on Impact), and 'Fiberglass Jungle' by The Crossfires - later to become The Turtles - (on Capco) which had what later would be called a surf sound, but no overt connection with surfing. This was instrumental music, a direct outgrowth of the hard rock, sax-and-guitar instrumentals that were 1959's biggest trend (Duane Eddy & The Rebels, Johnny & The Hurricanes, The Viscounts, The Ventures, The Rock-A-Teens, The Royaltones, The Fendermen etc.), a style taken over by local dance bands everywhere.

Dick Dale - The Guitar Legend

The catalyst that turned these thousands of instrumental bands into surf bands was Dick Dale, whose Eastern-influenced, staccato guitar sound with reverb was designed to simulate the feel of being on a surfboard riding pipelines and tubes. Dale's popularity at Southern California dances became immense in 1961 and 1962, and he was soon imitated by a whole wave of surf bands including The Chantays, The Rumblers, The Tornadoes, The Pyramids, The Marketts, The Surfaris, The Challengers and Dave Myers & The Surftones. This music established the audience for surf-related music, in California at least. Dale perfectionized his instrumental reverb sounds throughout the sixties in creating amplifiers (Fender Showman) and guitars for Leo Fender's company.

California Style

But it took Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys to give it a commercial cast to which the rest of the world could relate. They pioneered surf lyrics in songs that were about going to the beach, surfing, partying, etc. In short, they had built surfing into a universal metaphor for being young and having fun. Their inspiration, however, had come from The Regents - Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann - and of course Jan & Dean, whose truly pioneering 1959 records such as 'Baby Talk' (on Dore label) had introduced the California style of falsetto and doo-wop-derived nonsense phrases used heavily in the early Beach Boys records. The vocal surf bands who followed made up the golden age of surf music. Even Hollywood followed with easy Teenage Beach Party movies starring Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon with tremendous commercial success. 

Surf & Instrumental Music Instrumental Rock'n'Roll Before the British Invasion, instrumental groups owned an immense popularity in the U.S. and throughout the world. Those bands were wild,... read more »
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Go Guitar!

Surf & Instrumental Music

Instrumental Rock'n'Roll

Before the British Invasion, instrumental groups owned an immense popularity in the U.S. and throughout the world. Those bands were wild, young and savage and spread the true spirit of Rock'n'Roll music into the worldwide music scene. Most bands acted completely without vocals and added at least one instrument taking over the 'singing' part - mostly hot electric guitars. And Teenagers kept on dancing – who would need lyrics anyhow?! Recent years have seen a huge amount of CD reissues in that field and a great amount on vinyl! Nevertheless, the few adult exponents of that style, Link Wray, Duane Eddy and The Ventures, should not be neglected! 

Woodies, Boards and the Fiberglass Jungle - Roots of the California Surfin' and Hot Rod Scene

At this stage we could just copy the wonderful books about the California music scene written by John Blair (Check 'em out in our mailorder) Well, we're not talking about Surf music sung with nice voices like The Beach Boys and Jan & Dean did, we're talking about the real Surf style and that is? Bingo! Instrumental Surf! A broad trend that dominated grassroots teenage music in America during the years 1961-1965, actually creaks down into four distinct phases. It started as early as 1961-1962, with such transitional records as 'Mr. Moto' by The Belairs (on Felsted label), 'Stick Shift' by The Duals (on Sue label), 'Moon Dawg' by The Gamblers (World-Pacific label), 'Church Key' by The Revels (on Impact), and 'Fiberglass Jungle' by The Crossfires - later to become The Turtles - (on Capco) which had what later would be called a surf sound, but no overt connection with surfing. This was instrumental music, a direct outgrowth of the hard rock, sax-and-guitar instrumentals that were 1959's biggest trend (Duane Eddy & The Rebels, Johnny & The Hurricanes, The Viscounts, The Ventures, The Rock-A-Teens, The Royaltones, The Fendermen etc.), a style taken over by local dance bands everywhere.

Dick Dale - The Guitar Legend

The catalyst that turned these thousands of instrumental bands into surf bands was Dick Dale, whose Eastern-influenced, staccato guitar sound with reverb was designed to simulate the feel of being on a surfboard riding pipelines and tubes. Dale's popularity at Southern California dances became immense in 1961 and 1962, and he was soon imitated by a whole wave of surf bands including The Chantays, The Rumblers, The Tornadoes, The Pyramids, The Marketts, The Surfaris, The Challengers and Dave Myers & The Surftones. This music established the audience for surf-related music, in California at least. Dale perfectionized his instrumental reverb sounds throughout the sixties in creating amplifiers (Fender Showman) and guitars for Leo Fender's company.

California Style

But it took Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys to give it a commercial cast to which the rest of the world could relate. They pioneered surf lyrics in songs that were about going to the beach, surfing, partying, etc. In short, they had built surfing into a universal metaphor for being young and having fun. Their inspiration, however, had come from The Regents - Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann - and of course Jan & Dean, whose truly pioneering 1959 records such as 'Baby Talk' (on Dore label) had introduced the California style of falsetto and doo-wop-derived nonsense phrases used heavily in the early Beach Boys records. The vocal surf bands who followed made up the golden age of surf music. Even Hollywood followed with easy Teenage Beach Party movies starring Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon with tremendous commercial success. 

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Guitar Sound From Holland Vol.8 (CD)
Various: Guitar Sound From Holland Vol.8 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDHL20629

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(Sam Sam Music) 20 tracks Volume 8 of a fantastic guitar series featuring great Dutch guitar bands. This volume contains 20 great guitar songs from artists like: The Black Albinos, Hap Cats, René & His Alligators, René & Black Albinos,...
$16.25 $18.05
Live At The Sunhouse Amsterdam - Live At The Int. Cliff & Shadows Meeting Tilburg - In Amsterdam (DVD + CD)
MUSTANGS: Live At The Sunhouse Amsterdam - Live At The... Art-Nr.: DVDC1959

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(Rarity Records) 34 incl. bonus tracks on DVD and 24 tracks on bonus CD. The Mustangs are a well-known instrumental guitar group from Finland. They have a special sound and play rock 'n roll / pop songs from all over the world, including...
$20.33 $22.58
Guitar Mania Vol.28 (CD)
Various: Guitar Mania Vol.28 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDHL20578

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(Rarity Records) 24 tracks Volume 28 of a fantastic instrumental rock 'n roll / pop guitar music album series. This volume contains 24 songs from different European guitar groups with their own style. Featuring: Rock Of Ages, The...
$16.25 $18.05
Black Bandits - Best Instrumental Guitar Songs (CD)
BLACK BANDITS: Black Bandits - Best Instrumental Guitar Songs... Art-Nr.: CDC192468

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(Rarity Records) 18 tracks - The Black Bandits were formed in the early sixties and were musicians from the northern part of Holland who merged from 2 other bands: The Black Devils and The Bandits. They mainly played the repertoire of...
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The Dynamic Rockers (CD)
The Dynamic Rockers: The Dynamic Rockers (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192442

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(Rarity Records) 16 tracks - Pure rock'n'roll nostalgia with this best-of album by The Dynamic Rockers, featuring only original recordings. From the early 60's to the 80's the group was very successful in Belgium and Holland. A beautiful...
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Live At The Sunhouse - Get Ready To Rock (DVD + CD)
CAT YANKS: Live At The Sunhouse - Get Ready To Rock (DVD +... Art-Nr.: DVDC1951

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(Rarity Records) 19 tracks live, 6 clips, 20 tracks CD; The Cat Yanks is a rock'n'roll/rockabilly band from Leiden in the Netherlands. Since the band was formed in 1998, they have toured all over Europe. They play songs from the 50's to...
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Live At The Sunhouse (DVD)
The Surphonics: Live At The Sunhouse (DVD) Art-Nr.: DVDC1946

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(2004/RARITY) PAL, Farbe/Color,4:3, Stereo, Surround 5.0, 17 tracks plus interview, 59 minutes; The Surphonics is a Surf/Beat band with strong vocals and harmonies. Besides some typical American Surf Classics they also play great...
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The Return Of The Lowlanders (CD)
The Lowlanders: The Return Of The Lowlanders (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192568

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(Rarity Records) 21 tracks Dutch instro band in the style of indo rock! The instrumental guitar group The Lowlanders is one of the oldest guitar groups from the Netherlands (1966). During their early period no recordings were made, so it...
$18.29 $20.31
Rockin' Guitars (CD)
The Vickings: Rockin' Guitars (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192556

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(Rarity Records) 22 tracks The special guitar group The Vickings comes from Belgium. The band finds its origin as a dance orchestra in 1961 and disbanded in 1963. In 1992 they started again with some new band members, still performing...
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Rare Recordings Vol.4 (CD)
JOKERS: Rare Recordings Vol.4 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192532

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(Rarity Recording) 31 tracks The Jokers focused on instrumental work, with Shadows-like songs Their singles all had the same formula: a charming instrumental rock on the A-side, on the flipside a slow song, a mix of The Shadows and James...
$18.29
Shadows & Shades (CD)
SILHOUETS: Shadows & Shades (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192488

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(Rarity Records) 24 tracks​ The Silhouets is one of the most talented rock'n'roll bands from Belgium. They are known for their own sound and strong instrumental guitar songs. This album called Shadows & Shades is a mix of sixties style...
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Nokie Edwards With Adventure – Studio Album (CD)
Nokie Edwards & Adventure: Nokie Edwards With Adventure – Studio Album (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192724

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(Rarity Records) 16 tracks Nokie Edwards is the lead guitarist of the famous guitar group The Ventures. He recorded this studio album solo with the Dutch instrumental guitar group Adventure. A fantastic recording and a must have for fans...
$18.29
The Arrival Of The Pistoleros (CD)
The Pistoleros: The Arrival Of The Pistoleros (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192660

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(Rarity Records) 20 tracks The Pistoleros are a fantastic instrumental guitar group from Norway, formed in May 1997. Their source of inspiration was the group The Shadows and other bands from Norway and Sweden. The music they make is a...
$16.25 $18.05
Things a-Cookin' (CD)
Dixie Fried: Things a-Cookin' (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192740

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(Rarity Records) 16 Tracks - Slappin' Rockabilly gems, traditional Rockabilly from the Netherlands, with a tendency to the sound of Sid King & The Five Strings!
$20.31
International (CD)
The Blue Stars: International (CD) Art-Nr.: CDHL20623

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(Rarity Records) 23 tracks The Blue Stars are one of the best guitar groups in Denmark. Truly exceptional guitar playing and perfect accompaniment, a style and sound all their own. This album called "International" is a musical journey...
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Collector Items From Belgium Vol.1 (CD)
Various: Collector Items From Belgium Vol.1 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192481

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(Rarity Records) 28 tracks - including a 12 page booklet with information about the various artitsts Part one of a 2 album series featuring various instrumental guitar groups from Belgium. A collector's item series, a unique historical...
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The Instrumental Side Of Blue Explosion (CD)
Blue Explosion: The Instrumental Side Of Blue Explosion (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192521

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(Rarity Records) 20 tracks Instrumental guitar group from the Netherlands that has recorded several albums. This album contains 20 great guitar tracks.
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Full Circle (CD)
The Chief: Full Circle (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192601

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(Rarity Records) 16 Tracks
$14.23 $20.31
Guitar Mania Vol.25 (CD)
Various: Guitar Mania Vol.25 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDHL20575

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(Rarity Records) 25 tracks Part 25 of a fantastic instrumental guitar / rock 'n roll sixies album series This installment features 25 great songs from 9 different artists from different countries, all playing fabulous instrumental guitar...
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Guitar Mania Vol.24 (CD)
Various: Guitar Mania Vol.24 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDHL20574

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(Rarity Records) 24 tracks Volume 24 of a fantastic instrumental guitar music CD series featuring various guitar bands from the Netherlands and Europe. Volume 24 contains 7 different artists playing together 24 beautiful and special...
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Guitar Mania Vol.30 (CD)
Various: Guitar Mania Vol.30 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDHL20580

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(Sam Sam Music) 24 tracks Band 30 einer einzigartigen instrumentalen Rock'n'Roll-Gitarrenmusik-Albumserie. 24 Songs im Stil der Sechzigerjahre, gespielt von verschiedenen niederländischen, belgischen und anderen europäischen...
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Guitar Mania Vol.29 (CD)
Various: Guitar Mania Vol.29 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDHL20579

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(Sam Sam Music) 21 tracks Part 29 of a fantastic instrumental guitar rock'n'roll sixties series! 21 great tracks from different artists from different countries! Not only recommended for fans of great instrumental guitar music! With...
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Guitar Mania Vol.27 (CD)
Various: Guitar Mania Vol.27 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDHL20577

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(Rarity Records) 24 tracks Volume 27 of a fantastic instrumental rock 'n roll / pop guitar music album series. This volume has 24 songs from different European guitar groups with their own style. Volume 27 is special compared to the...
$16.25 $20.31
Guitar Mania Vol.26 (CD)
Various: Guitar Mania Vol.26 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDHL20576

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(Rarity Records) 24 tracks Volume 26 of a fantastic instrumental rock'n'roll guitar music CD series. This volume features 24 tracks from 8 different artists playing instrumental guitar songs in their own style. Included are The Dakotas,...
$16.25 $18.05
Mountain Tale (CD)
Pekka Tiilkainen & Beatmakers: Mountain Tale (CD) Art-Nr.: CDC192631

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(Rarity Records) 21 tracks - A very special instrumental guitar group from Finland with a special sound and style. Formed in 1988 and still active. This beautiful album contains 21 great guitar songs and is a must have for fans. Highly...
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