Search - The Challengers :: Killer Surf: The Best Of The Challengers

I Challenge The Challengers!

Mike King | Taunton, MA United States | 09/06/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This Challengers' collection contains 30 songs, clocking in at 72 minutes. They do very good versions of classic surf instrumentals, such as "Pipeline" and "Wipe Out," but they're not as good as the original versions by the Chantays and the Surfaris. This brings me to the reason why I only gave this CD two stars. The version of their signature song "K-39" on this collection sounded different to me, especially the saxophone part. I did a little research on the Internet and found a song by song review of this compilation. That review verified the fact that the version of "K-39" included in this collection is NOT the hit version. It was taken from a different recording session. To have alternate versions of certain songs on a compilation isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, when you have an alternate version of your only hit song on a best of collection, without also including the original hit version, that's unforgivable."

Excellent Surf Music Compilation!

K. Brown | Walnut, Ca USA | 04/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, there are LOTS of surf music compilations available on CD these days; most that I've come across are decent, but seem to have lots of mediocre "filler" songs in between the truly hep classics like "Miserlou" or "Pipeline." This rings true even with solid groups like The Ventures or, the abovementioned group, The Challengers. This particular Challengers collection is especially good if you are new to the surf music sound, and wish to find a strong album put out by one specific group. The variety is diverse in this collection, starting off with the peppy "Lanky Bones" (in my opinion, one of the under-appreciated surf guitar tunes!), going into a misty Tel-Star (sheer nostalgic bliss for early baby-boomers!), and following with 28 more strong tunes. Great versions/covers of the classics are there:Pipeline, Penetration, Mr. Moto (Moto is a particularly interesting surf tune if you listen to various groups' versions; same song, same melody, yet each group that covers this particular song puts a noticeably different instrumental spin on the piece. This version is one of my favorites as the guitar dominates the song, but a cool saxophine highlights the melody a half way through the piece), and lesser known (albeit fabulous!) songs like "Roller Derby" (a methodical but cutting guitar tune, similar to "Bullwinkle") K-39 and Cruel Sea. If there is a weakness to this album, it can only be if you could do without those "Almost Muzak" surf hits like "Lonely Bull," "The Work Song" or "Telstar." Although straight Muzak makes me ill, I do enjoy the majority of surf/department-store tunes. They are present on this CD, but not in a big honking dose! If you are a surf music fan, this CD is a must! If you're looking for just one solid surf CD for your collection, I would readily rank this on the top 5."

Killer Indeed

Avram Jarek Fawcett | crapland | 06/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Killer Surf! is a collection of music recorded by surf group The Challengers in the groovy 1960s. I'm not quite sure if this is like a best of as the title implies. I have heard that this is sort of just a mix of stuff from albums and otherwise. Some of the albums (Not all) have been reissued by GNP Crescendo and I don't think any of these songs are from them. Well, some of the same songs are here but they aren't the same versions on the albums. All twelve of the album Sidewalk Surfing (1964) are included, some remixed a bit. So the legimacy of this being a greatest hits is a bit suspicious to me.



Anyway, it's a great collection. These songs should be familiar to many. Among the well known bits are Dick Dale's "Miserlou," The Ventures' "Walk Don't Run" and The Champs' "Tequila." An instrumental version of Paul Revere & The Raiders' "Kicks" is excellent and "Camel Back" is a funky rocker. The Sidewalk Surfing tracks are all great, among them the goofy classic "Duck Waddle" the high energy "Collison Course" and a different version of their hit "K-39." The sax is wilder on this version. Some tracks are a tad pop and not much surf, but BAH! It's great music! Get it if ya dig instrumental surf."