THE CHALLENGERS – Killer Surf! The Best Of The Challengers

 

“One of the most popular of the early Southern Californian surf bands, the Challengers were formed by drummer Richard Delvy after he left the Bel-Airs, who had recorded one of the very first surf singles, “Mr. Moto.” Their debut LP, Surfbeat (early 1963), was one of the very first all-instrumental surf albums and sold 200,000 copies, an astronomical number for a regional act. Recording several albums over the next couple of years, most of their repertoire consisted of covers of popular rock and surf tunes; undeniably exciting at the time, their lack of originality can make their work generic to wade through. The moody “K-39,” also available on surf compilations, is their most famous cut.”

“Clocking in at 30 tracks, this is a top-heavy collection of surf sides the Challengers cut for the GNP/Crescendo label. As the group never really had a hit, this is arguably all the Challengers you might ever need for the collection. But it is grade-A surf music, extremely well played with various session ringers like Hal Blaine, Jim Keltner, Steve Douglas, and Paul Johnson brought in on various numbers.”[AMG]

Interesting collection of instro surfin’ by this well known L.A. surf band. There are some different versions of tunes from their early albums as “Surfbeat”, “K-39” and “Go Sidewalk Surfing!” which is strange but OK. Also, there is entire 1964. “Sidewalk Surfing!” LP by The Good Guys, studio band project with Art Fisher, Hal Blaine, Paul Johnson and Steve Douglas.

 

(((0)))

THE CHALLENGERS – Hot Rod Album [60’s Hot Rod Surfin’]

 

”Among the surf groups of the Golden State, none rode a higher wave than The Challengers. Formed in 1962 by drummer Richard Delvy, who had been the beat keeper for The Bel-Airs, The Challengers were an instant success. Their 1963 LP, Surfbeat, became one of the genre’s biggest sellers. Reportedly recorded in under four hours at World Pacific Studios, the LP was released on Vault and helped solidify the surf sound.

In early ’60s California, surf and car culture were joined at the baggy-clad hip. This convergence was reflected in the music of the surf bands, many of whom began to devote equal time to automobile anthems. By now something of a surf rock entrepreneur, Delvy moved to capitalize on this trend by recording hot rod songs with The Challengers. Unfortunately, an intended 1964 LP of car tunes never came together and the fast moving decade left the surf ‘n’ street scene in the incense ashes.”

Unissued 60s lp by ”The kings of clean-cut surfin”. Fine mix of hot rod & surf vocals & instros on limited edition vinyl. It’s a Hot Rod Hootenanny. Dig!!!

 

***