Finally, after being away for over 30 years, Southern California’s legendary surf band, the Blue Stringrays, have stormed out of retirement with the crackling "Surf-N-Burn," their long, long awaited fourth album of "catch a wave" anthems.
As the detailed liner notes to this recording point out, the Stringrays got their start way back in 1959, amid the likes of Dick Dale and the Sufaris, with the release of "Let’s Go," "Surf Party," and "Valley of the Rays," all on the now defunct Del-Rey label. All three records are long out of print, which makes the new album all that more special.
The Stringrays, through the early Sixties, steadfastly refused their record label’s overtures to hire a vocalist, and were adamant about remaining anonymous, refusing to appear live or do any promotional work. After the British invasion in 1964 drove off the surf music craze, they relocated to a tiny island off Tahiti, where they worked steadily.
"Surf-N-Burn" is their triumphant return, crackling with great guitar work and memories of those who want to catch a wave and sit on top of the world. A great record.
***1/2
p.s. The Blue Stringrays are actually Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers and "Surf-N-Burn" is a one-off project between work with Petty. It’s their only record, but it’s still a gas. Happy April Fool’s Day.