BY TIFFANY BRODEN
Over the decades there have been many artists who have written about surfing. It really took off and flourished in the 60s with the Beach Boys classic hit “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas &The Papas.
Some of the more influential surf songs of this decade include “Wipeout” by the Surfaris and “Pipeline” by the Chantays, both all time classics.
Perhaps one of the most impactful musicians of this popular era of surf music was Dick Dale. Of all the surf musicians, Dick Dale owns the title of King of the Surf Guitar. With the help of his Del-Tones and his heavy guitar riffs and unforgettable sounds of “Miserlou” and “Let’s go Trippin’,” it’s no wonder he’s the king of surf music.
In the 70s and 80s the surf music scene wasn’t as popular as it had been in the 60s. The tunes had changed some and punk rock was becoming the surf scene. “Summer Breeze” by the Seals & Crofts in the 70s topped the charts.
The 90s had the Aqua Velvets with their albums “Nomad” and “Surfmania.” Some of their top hits included “Surf Nouveau” and “Surfmania.” Weezer also made their name with surf music in 1994 when they released “Surf Wax America.”
Now that you’ve had your surf music history lesson, today, there’s plenty of modern music to get you amped to catch the waves. It’s always fun to have a great playlist to listen on the way to the beach. Here are some of my favorite songs to listen to while cruising to the ocean:
- “Riptide” by Vance Joy
- “Hey!” by Set Sail
- “The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti and Spearhead
- “Give Love” by MC Yogi
- “The Only Place” by Best Coast
- “So It Goes” by Opus Orange
- “Better Together” By Jack Johnson
- “Road To Paradise” by TAT
- “Wiseman” Slightly Stoopid
- “Shine On” The Kooks
