Summer Beach Party [Varèse Sarabande] (2006)

No rotten surf/beach movie of the early to mid-'60s would be complete without songs that were as frivolous and silly as the films themselves. As guilty a pleasure as those songs were, however, they often outclassed the movies they were soundtracking by a wide margin -- sometimes, indeed, they were the only reason to bother with the films. This 19-track compilation cuts out the middleman, in a sense, by gathering rock & surf songs from numerous such 1963-1965 movies, enabling us to hear the goods without suffering through ... Read More

No rotten surf/beach movie of the early to mid-'60s would be complete without songs that were as frivolous and silly as the films themselves. As guilty a pleasure as those songs were, however, they often outclassed the movies they were soundtracking by a wide margin -- sometimes, indeed, they were the only reason to bother with the films. This 19-track compilation cuts out the middleman, in a sense, by gathering rock & surf songs from numerous such 1963-1965 movies, enabling us to hear the goods without suffering through the scripts. Despite the presence of some hitmakers and major stars, it's hardly deathless music -- only the Beach Boys' gorgeous ballad "Girls on the Beach" is truly excellent, though Jan & Dean's 1964 Top 20 hit "Ride the Wild Surf" and the Astronauts' ripping instrumental "Surf Party" are quite good. Taken in the spirit in which it's intended, however, it's a fun (if slightly trashy) romp through the lighter side of the sun-baked pop/rock of the era. Virtually all of the artists on the CD -- including Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Dick Dale, the Exciters, Donna Loren, the Pyramids, the Kingsmen, Nancy Sinatra, and the Rip Chords -- had a hit of some sort, even if these particular numbers don't include those hits, or even feature those performers at their best. As compensation, though, even the dumbest numbers -- the Kingsmen's "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini" takes the prize, though Annette's "Pajama Party" isn't far behind -- offer some crass if relatively disposable fun. Some of the other tracks aren't without their interest, even viewed apart from the popular culture angle: Frankie Avalon rocks about as hard as he ever did (though not exactly frenetically) on the 1963 single "Don't Stop Now," Donna Loren does a decent tune in the soulful girl group vein with "It Only Hurts When I Cry," and Nancy Sinatra's "Geronimo" predates her big Lee Hazlewood-produced hits. Surf/California expert Stephen J. McParland supplies fine, detailed liner notes. ~ Richie Unterberger, Rovi Read Less

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• CD, Fair 2006, Varese UPC: 030206674224 See Item Details ▾

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  	Edition: 2006, Varese CD, Fair	Details: UPC: 030206674224 Discs: 1 Label: Varese Released: 2006 Alibris ID: 17625476663	Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: $3.46 Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
  Seller's Description: Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
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2006, Varese UPC: 030206674224 CD See All from $10.01