Search - Lively Ones :: Hang Five: Best of

Rockin' good time

10/25/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're lokking for some sappy beach music with a mellow mood, then this is not the CD for you. But you like stacotto guitar lines, driving beats, and some great sax work-- this is for you! Wow, when I bought this CD, I didn't know what to expect since much of the music was from the early 1960s. I'm not into "golden oldies". Not to worry, this CD rocks! If you like the guitar work from new wave bands like the B52s or the Go Gos, you may really dig this band and this CD. Surf's up!"

Hang Five - Stars That Is!

Mike King | Taunton, MA United States | 09/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Lively Ones were an aptly named group, since they played every song with enthusiasm and passion. Many surf instrumental groups only lasted long enough to put out a few singles or one album. The Lively Ones recorded five albums in little more than a year. This generous collection of 24 songs clocks in at one hour and four minutes. "High Tide (Tranquilizer)" starts out as anything but tranquil. The saxophone compliments the main melody played by the guitar, much like a background singer sings harmony. "Walkin' The Board," "Goofy Foot (Surf Battle)" and "Guitarget (Hotdoggen)" rock along like a surfer riding the curl of a big wave. In their rocking version of Dick Dale's "Misirlou," the saxophone plays the trumpet's part to great effect. The Lively Ones are best known for their outstanding rendition of the song "Surf Rider," which was featured on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. That song was written by Nokie Edwards of the Ventures and recorded by the Ventures, as well as several other groups. The arrangement and performance of "Surf Rider" by the Lively Ones remains the definitive version. I highly recommend this lively collection of great surf instrumental songs!"