Dale, Dick and The Deltones – “Singles Collection ’61-65″ – [Sundazed Records]

This 2-LP collection of Dick Dale’s very early Deltone and Capitol singles (1961-65) is of historic interest both for the man himself and for the beginnings of surf music. From the perspective of almost 50 years later, this is rock ‘n roll, not surf, but the emphasis on instrumentals, guitar virtuosity, and driving drum beat show signs of surf all over the place. Yakety sax from a number of players adds to that late 50′s R&R sound.

Dale’s vocals are pretty awful and the tunes’ lyrics are sometimes trite, but bring back memories especially to those of us who cherish the car songs of the 1960′s. Liner notes provide well written concise early biographical information.

Also see Phil Dirt’s review at http://www.reverbcentral.com.