Questions and Answers
In Dick Dale's song 'Let's Go Trippin'', what instrument is featured most prominently throughout the song?
Guitar
How would you best classify Dick Dale's playing style?
Fast exciting licks
Which of the Million Dollar Quartet is Dick Dale paying tribute to by playing 'Ring of Fire'?
Johnny Cash
What vegetable does Paul McCartney play/chomp in The Beach Boys' song 'Vegetables'?
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What group of instruments supports the vocals in the introduction of 'Kokomo'?
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Which instrument plays the solo in 'Kokomo'?
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Are the drums the featured solo instrument through all of the solo breaks of 'Wipe Out'?
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Select all of the elements that appear in the song 'Surf City'.
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Do the vocals in 'Surfin'' sound more like a doo wop ensemble than a rock 'n' roll band?
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How much of the melody did The Beach Boys borrow to create 'Surfer Girl'?
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Which song is noted for swinging the rhythm, 'Surfin' USA' or 'Sweet Little 16'?
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What effect did Brian Wilson achieve in 'Good Vibrations'?
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Study Notes
Dick Dale and Surf Music
- Dick Dale, known as the King of Surf Guitar, is a pivotal figure in surf music innovation.
- His hit song "Let's Go Trippin'" prominently features the guitar.
- "Miserlou," another of his famous tracks, is recognized from films like Pulp Fiction and Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares.
- Dale's guitar playing style is characterized by fast, exciting licks.
Tributes and Influences
- Dale's rendition of "Ring of Fire" pays tribute to Johnny Cash, showcasing his massive reverb sound and Spanish-influenced solos.
- The Beach Boys song "Vegetables" features unique backing instruments made from real vegetables, with Paul McCartney adding a celery chomping sound.
The Beach Boys and Chart Success
- "Kokomo" marked The Beach Boys' first #1 hit in 22 years, describing a fictional Caribbean paradise.
- The introduction of "Kokomo" is supported by percussion instruments, while the saxophone features prominently in the song's solo.
- Despite being voted one of the worst music videos in 1988, "Kokomo" achieved international chart success.
Iconic Surf Songs
- "Wipe Out" by The Surfaris remains a classic surf track, defined by its infectious drum rhythms and famous laugh intro, with drums highlighted during solo breaks.
- Jan and Dean transitioned from doo-wop to surf music, with "Surf City" featuring backing vocals from The Beach Boys and becoming their first major hit.
Beach Boys Early Works
- The Beach Boys' first charting song "Surfin'" was released in 1961, showcasing their early, less polished vocal sound akin to a doo-wop group.
- Significant borrowing in composition is noted, with "Surfer Girl" taking more than 75% of its melody from "When You Wish Upon A Star."
Artistic Homage
- "Surfin' USA" closely resembles Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little 16," with Berry's version having a swinging rhythm while the Beach Boys' song maintains a straight, even rhythm.
- Brian Wilson's "Good Vibrations" is described as a "pocket symphony," reflecting his fascination with Phil Spector's wall of sound, resulting in an enriched sound for The Beach Boys.
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Description
Test your knowledge on surf music and the iconic artist Dick Dale in this listening assignment. Explore his hit songs and the instruments that define his unique sound. Perfect for music students and enthusiasts alike!
