Surf RockSurf music developed from a unique subculture:- Own languages, fashions, behavior- Centered in Southern California- Strongly influenced by Hollywood “beach movies” (1959-1965)- Song lyrics deal primarily with:o Surfingo Fun in the suno CarsInstrumental Surf Rock- Strongly influenced by late-1950s, early 1960s instrumental pop groupso The Venture; Walk, Don’t Run (1960)- Guitar-based bands- Guitar has tinny, trebly quality- Lots of reverb on lead guitar- Fast, double-picking style (“staccato machine-gun picking”)- Often includes an electric keyboard in the band (piano or organ)- Drummers often double beat two of the backbeat rhythm (-II-I)- If vocals are used, usually “oohs” and “ahs”, etc.- Tune titles often associated with surfingExamples:- The Chantays; Pipeline (1962)- The Surfaris; Wipeout (1963)Dick Dale“King of Surf Guitar”- Considered to be the originator of surf music (1960)- Guitar sound has heavy reverb- Rapid double picking style- Double picked, descending side on bass strings influenced by roar of pet lion- Double picked, descending slide on treble strings influenced by sound of ocean waves while surfing- Melodically influenced by Middle Eastern modes (scales), also flamenco (Spanish) guitar tunes- Rhythmically influenced by drums of jazz drummer Gene Kruba- Ex.- MisirlouVocal Surf RockThe Beach Boys- The epitome of vocal surf rock- Tightly arranged vocal harmony accompanied by surf rock band- High lead vocals (Mike Love, Brian Wilson)- Influences include:o Vocal group rock ‘n’ roll- The Four Freshman (Brian)o Chuck Berry guitar style (Carl)o Surfing lifestyle (Dennis)o Production- Phil Spector- 2 musical styles, 3 style periodso Surf rock (1962-1966) Surfin’ USA (1963) Chuck Berry contrafecta of Sweet Little Sixeen In My Room (1963)o Experimental (1966-1972) Good Vibrations (1966) Sudden changes in tempo Experiment with instrumental soundso Surf rock (1972-present) Mostly nostalgic performances on early surf hits Few new songs or albums released**Instrumental surf rock was considered to be the musical expression of riding the waves, while vocal surf rock was considered to be the vocal expression of the surf
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