ALBUM REVIEW

VARIOUS ARTISTS

“Cowabunga!”

Rhino

* * * 1/2

While it’s hard to describe a four-CD set of surf-rock as a “must-have” for most rock ‘n’ roll fans, this excellent box is the finest overview of surfin’ sounds a would-be kahuna could hope for. Commendably thoughtful track selections move a listener from surf’s instrumental combo roots (the Gamblers, the Belairs) to its reverb-washed moment in the sun (Dick Dale, the Surfaris, the Ventures), its vocal peaks (the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean) and on up to the work of varied ‘90s neo-surfers. The set is largely filler-free, though its inclusive approach occasionally reels in a novelty tune by performers (Annette Funicello, the Surf Punks) that beg for the skip button.

“Cowabunga!” works both as a reference work and a beach party soundtrack, keeping the long ride across this wedge of pop history instructive and invigorating. Comprehensive liner notes by Jon Blair of Jon & the Nightriders insightfully detail the ebb and flow of the surf scene, while detailed track listings and a glossary of surf terms offer all the info a hodad needs to get in the water. The appeal of surf rock has always been in its musicianship and its spirited sense of fun; both are admirably and definitively showcased here.

New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).