TIME STAMPS - 1:06 Performance 3:21 Analysis Start 3:31 Keys B and C 4:24 Higher Key, Lower T empo? 5:21 Tempo Increases, Pitch Decreases? 5:56 Different '1 take' Laugh 7:17 Guitar Technique Changes Song Analysis 8:55 Drums! 10:23 Guitar 11:48 Surfer Joe/Wipeout 12:32 Recording Process Background 13:59 Wipeout played over Surfer Joe!
Also- keep in mind that- Back inna day- the- 'Time-Stamps' were- 'ANALOG'- meaning that -'they' had...'Actual'...'Second Hands'. We didn't have 'Digital Data', until- MUCH LATER.
Your "original" is a rerecording on USA Decca. Eventually both ended up with MCA, later Universal. The video has the real original version, although faded early. It was recorded with Surfer Joe at Paul Buff's Pal Studios in Cucamonga, California. After Wipe Out was a hit, Buff sold the studio to a young Frank Zappa.
it occurred to me that by analyzing so many songs and guitar parts, you're probably the most knowledgeable songwriter/musician anywhere, amazing work Fil.
Fil, when I watch your videos I always think to myself "where was this guy when I was trying to teach myself how to play guitar?" But this was waaaay before you were even born, back in the 70's. It is fun to have you answer questions I have wondered about since then, you are a terrific teacher aside from your other many talents. I also appreciate your knowledge of musical history & your sincere love of others talents as you watch their performances. You deserve all success that comes your way.
I completely agree. His analyses of the music from all of his videos I have watched are so informative! He reminds me of my mom, who played piano, organ, and clarinet, and understood music better than most.
I can't solve your mystery, but I can tell you that every band in our area played "Wipeout" at dances because the kids loved it and it gave the drummer a chance to shine. 57 years later, it's still a catchy tune.
I remember when this came out. We thought it was fantastic. So revolutionary in sound. If they are still alive the people in this video are now anywhere from there mid to late 70's and up to maybe their mid 80's! I'm 75 now. and was in High School when this came out!
As a music teacher, my marching band did a surfer show. Wipe Out was one of the arrangements. I was trying to feature the drum section but they had no idea how to play Wipe Out...they had NEVER heard of it which I found hard to believe...it was sad. They kept screwing up the accents and slowing down. The Drum kit was set up in the corner of the room. I was frustrated. On a Friday, I said to them I love you all, but you're floundering. Let me show you how to do it. Since they only knew I was a trumpet player, who played some guitar and piano, they had no idea what they were about to hear. I sat down at the drum kit, started them off and played wipe out perfectly. Some kids were laughing half way through ad they saw the entire drum section's jaws dropping in disbelief. I said that's how it goes, any questions? I got bog applause, the whole band was laughing. Then I said "Never underestimate an old guy and let him show you up!" I was only 46 lol. We all laughed, I instructed them on the accents at a slower tempo, and the next week the drum section had fixed the tempo and the accents, and played it perfectly in the show. It was one of the most fun teaching moments in my life.
Bob Berryhill’s version of The Surfaris history differs from the other 3 members. My late father, happens to be Jim Fuller. The story of the recording of the 45 was partially although “Wipeout” wasn’t written and recorded on the cuff like that. My dad had been working on a song he called, “Switchblade” which was basically the Wipeout rift(s). Berryhills Surfaris tenure was only 63’ - 66’ when the broke up, and again in 81’ - 83’ when Berryhill was let go from the band, as decided by Pash and my father who continued playing with The Surfaris until he passed in 2017. I manage the band since 1991 as well as the Official Twitter, IG, and Facebook accounts for the band. This year the new. Truth In Music Act. which will force the truth to be illuminated.
I'm a jazz drummer in a small ensemble that adds a lot of humor into performances. I'll play the wipeout solo in place of a typical jazz drum solo, just for fun.
That's a hot one!! Bet ya get a lot of grins from geezers like myself. I remember this very well when it came out-summertime in mountains in NY State. In school band every beginning drummer in mid 1960s wanted to learn that routine and show off to one's peers (I played sax). Love the creativity and musicology.
If you were a 12-13 yr old in a garage band back in the day, this song was on your playlist. This song was also what "kid" drummers were judged by. I saw drummers often tire out and by the time they got to the end they were playing slower than everybody else.
That TV video is so cute, it reminds me of the Dire Straits song called "Twisting by the Pool"! It's always great to see you reach for the guitar, it means good things are in store ...and they were!
As with all the filmed performances from this era, the guitars aren’t even plugged in (no wireless back then). When you’re pantomiming it doesn’t matter what you play.
I recorded two songs in 2010 or so, and the year after I thought I'd try to make video versions of those, using the same sound, so I was trying to play them exactly the way I played them one year earlier. It was surprisingly difficult and a lot of takes were required to get it right, and when looking at it later I still found at least one place where audio and video are not the same (a hammer-on in the video, two separate strokes in the audio). But I guess I could have put a lot less effort to it and most people would still not notice.
if you look really close he's not even hitting the drums. To me the biggest tell if you didn't know about the guitar cables- the guy who gets a zoom in clapping is ridiculously off time.
I had a friend get the crap kicked outta him for playing "In A Gadda Da Vida" on the Church organ...those Brothers had no sense of humour in the '70s. :-O
@@jazzpunk That would sound cool.. If I can recall my friend has to sit in the Hall way for the 1 hour class.. I don't think he was kicked out of Orchestra class permanently .. I actually took a couple of Guitar lessons from his Grandfather but I never stuck with it .. Some one should have told me that if you can play guitar you can get all the chicks you want....I would have stuck with it instead of riding dirt bikes so much
Hi Fil! I sure remember this one! I use to do The Pony dance when this played! Sure took me back in time! We had good music in the 60s! I turn 75 this year, and I have to admit I still feel young when I listen to my music! ✌️
The track that accompanies the video is the classic recording we all know and love. The laugh snippet you played from another version is exactly that, another version.
A mystery! 🧐 This is what I have found... Where The Action Is Episode #3.27 Aired on 11th October 1966 Guests: The Surfaris - "Wipe Out" and "Surfer Joe" Question Mark and the Mysterians - "96 Tears" The Hard Times - "Last Train To Clarksville" Tina Mason - "Born A Woman" Great Analysis. Thanks, Fil! 🖤🤘🏽
I was a camera operator on a documentary film on surf music. As I recall, Bob Berryhill said the commercially released version was in B sped up to C. Over the years, several different versions of the Surfaris recorded this song.
My friends and I used to dance to this over and over again. Those were fun times! I'm 73 and my grandchildren actually are interested in my life ... music is a topic that comes up frequently and I always tell them "There's a song for every occasion.
Thanks again Fil for you're Superb Analysis. This remastered version. Is part of my workout routine Appreciate you so much Really enjoyed thoroughly you playing Wipeout over Surfer Joe and explanation of how the beginning of the song was created
Fil, let me help you a bit. The one with the video IS the original recording. It also must be noted that it was recorded direct to mono so the one we are hearing is a digitally extracted stereo recreation. This very version was released originally on two independent labels DFS on January 1963 then reissued on the Princess label two month later. By April, it has been picked up by DOT records (then a Major label) to be distributed to the whole United States. Keep in mind this is still in mono. A true stereo mix of this recording is impossible. Now this is where the situation gets sticky. Remember we are still in 1963. They released their first full length album on DOT Records also that year. BUT ALSO THAT year, they released another album this time on the then unrelated label DECCA (both labels' master recordings are owned by Universal) label. Except for WipeOut and Surfer Joe, both albums have no resemblance. The album on Decca has the magnificent track Point Panic which is in true stereo and in better fidelity than than their album on DOT. Now I listened again to the other WipeOut version with the higher laughter pitch, it is in true stereo and better fidelity than the original release. HERE IS NOW MY CONCLUSION: The version with the higher pitched laughter was the re-recording done for DECCA records. Being that DECCA is the bigger label than Dot, I would like to believe DECCA asked the Surfaris to re-record both WipeOut and Surfer Joe (incidentally the Surfer Joe on DECCA is also in true stereo) to match the sound quality of all the tracks for the album. As for the key, they did it originally in C. As to why the second version is in B, my only guess is that their instruments are downtuned. But don't quote me on that.
Fil, I saw a recent video of The Surfaris playing WipeOut and yes it's in B. That being said, my hunch is the original recording was speeded up. But then again still don't quote me on that. My only basis is all the live performances I have seen on YT.
@Wings of Pegasus should have played a sample of the "original recording" he was referring to. The version of the song I know as the "original recording" is the version played in this video (the version in C). Then he states, "I know for a fact the song was originally in B". He should have explained HOW he knows this. To further confuse things; I agree with you Bryan, the version of Wipe Out on UA-cam that is in B is a different recording, NOT the same version as the version in C slowed down. The follow up video confuses things EVEN FURTHER when Mr. Berryhill explains that they recorded the song in B and the master tape is/was sped up for the 45, seemingly agreeing with Fil that the "original recording" is/was in B. I believe that Fil and Mr. Berryhill are referring to different versions of Wipe Out as the "original recording".
@@tomw9875 Being that this is 58 years ago, could time blurred the accuracy of Mr. Berryhill's memory? I still assert the one in C is the original recording as that can never be remixed to true stereo unless one uses digital extraction. And being that it was a rush recording, it has a lower fidelity than the re-recording.
@@bpabustan It's very possible that Mr Berryhill is correct; there is/may be a version of the original recording that wasn't sped up. (if there is I haven't heard it). Fil never clarified, precisely, what he (Fil) was referring to as the "original recoding" in the first video, nor in the second video. So when Mr. Berryhill referred to the "original recoding" I would assume he's referring to the version in C not sped up. Again; the only version in B I have heard is NOT, as far as I can tell, the version in C slowed down. I would like to know the origin of the version in B.
Thanks so much Fil. So glad that you got a version of Wipeout by the original artists - The Surfaris, with lead guitar by Jimmy Fuller (my old friend) whom sadly passed away a few years ago and was a co-writer of said tune. - Fantastic!
Oh, my goodness, this was before my time, but since I was born and raised in California, and we had a large surfing community, this song was always on the radio at one time or another for years. I am like you, I like to figure out these anomalies. But in this case I had no idea until you informed us, that there were any. So thank you again my dear Phil. I thoroughly enjoy all your analyses. :)
My parents took me to Tijuana, Mexico where I bought a switchblade for $1 and also to downtown LA when I was 14, where they bought me a Eb Alto Saxophone ($200) and the first song I learned was Wipeout. Every summer weekend in the 60's we went to Huntington Beach so this song brings back memories.
As a drummer turned guitarist I did research this years ago. The drummer is from a marching band background and (I think) uses variations on the "paradiddle" (L-R-L-L, R-L-R-R), plus a 'thrown switch' into a paradiddle-diddle to catch the double-off-beat accent. Very clever ! The guitar seems to be in 'B' (6th Fret block) and I think your analysis is correct. The pitch changes may be due to some analogue 'phasing' on the tape machine (?) - intentional, or not, but some 60's engineers could do this (by hand) on the 2" tape machines. It certainly works though....
I tried to reason some of this out, and started with the problem of the tempo being slower than the original while the key is actually higher. This left me with the idea that the video had to have been made while playing slow as molasses. A tiny issue here, though, since the dancers looked in sync with the beat, so they would have had to have been defying gravity, but only slightly. I managed to arrive at just one conclusion: it was high time for a sip of cognac.
Ron Wilson came up with one of Rock and Roll greatest drum solos He was an excellent drummer in his own rights. Great analysis on this one enjoyed all the little details. The original Surfaris where a short lived band 1962 - 1966 but left behind some great tracks.
The laugh on this version actually sounds more familiar and correct to me than the one that is said to be the original. I'm old enough to comfortably predate the streaming era by some margin, so it isn't that I've only heard it online or anything like that as I've definitely heard it long before the straming era, and probably at times from the original vinyl single.
In those days it was common for a band to "perform" in a movie. It's not hard to imagine the TV show using a set like that. Since there's not a guitar cord in sight, they were pretending. Also in those days it was rare for the band members to really take it seriously, hence the lack of identical technique. Just my take on it, anyway. Big fan of your channel!
I wonder if it's a bit of Strawberry Fields trickery, speeding half the things up , half the rest down, to meet in the middle. Broadcasters speed playback up to make room for commercials, fit a bit more in, and/or stay on schedule.
Great analysis. How you figure things out is amazing. You have got great ears for hearing things that most of us would never think about. I will agree that I don't think the music on this video was played by the Safaris. Good job Fil.
Totally interesting - never too long! The 45 version came out when I was living in Florida, a budding surfing community (not like the California scene). You’re right. It did inspire a lot of kids my age to study the drums but every kid with any rhythm at all practiced and pounded out that beat with their two hands until parents told us to stop. My arthritic version doesn’t quite do it justice anymore! Always love sitting in your “classes”! It’s the musical education I threw over for nursing!
As a young drummer, growing up in the seventies’ this song was the ultimate challenge song by friends and neighbours-as in ‘Oh yeah, you’re a drummer? Well, can you play Wipe Out?’ And yes...I could.
Fascinating! Can't solve the myster but can say that The Surfaris re-recorded "Wipe Out" on Decca later on 45 rom and also album. No laughter on "Wipe out". Also has their hit "Point Panic". Supposedly only two songs Surfaris played on Wipe Put LP were the two hits and a group The Challengers did the rest on Dot. Rock on!
Fil, you triggered a fantastic memory for me. Pretty much, most boys during that time were trying hard to imitate that drum sequence with just two fingers on school desktop. We took turns trying to outdo each other with to get it right. You have an incredible way of sorting out hidden gems in songs I never thought much about at the time. But now, it makes sense and fun to learn. Thanks!
I vote for a take specifically for this show. It was common in the 60's for the bands to record the instrumental part of the songs before appearing on the TV shows and then they would sing live. It would have been more effective if they had bothered to plug in their guitars. Since there's nothing to sing except the laugh, which could also have been recorded the same way, that would have worked fine in this case.
“Surfer Joe” was supposed to be the “A” side but “Wipeout” took off. I was in junior high in ‘63 and don’t recall hearing the higher pitched beginning intro. I only remember the one used in this video.
From the Illustrated Discography of Surf Music, by John Blair : The original version was on the DFS ( Dale Smallen ) label. Recorded at PAL in Rancho Cucamonga Jan '63 This had the original, long version of both songs. The second pressing was on Princess records. The first issue has the longer version. The second issue has shorter versions of the songs. The third pressing, also shorter version, was on Dot records. This version was the hit version.
According to Bob Berryhill, the shorter version is an edited version of the original longer version, not a 2nd take. ua-cam.com/video/eGtJ1dj3a2I/v-deo.html
"Bustin' Surfboards" was an instrumental by a California group called the Tornadoes that charted in the U.S. in the fall of 1962. They're not to be confused with the British group the Tornados, who hit it big with "Telstar" around the same time in Britain, and in North America shortly thereafter.
i was born in 57. Growing up and seeing this new stuff on TV was fantastic. I had no idea at the time how all the playing was fake, it was all the studio versions, the guitars were not even plugged in, etc.
A local 50s cover band called the whitesidwalls played this back in the 70s they didnt like playing it saying there was nothing to it and boring to make it a little interesting for their audiance all 7 band members took a turn on the drums no break in the drum playing as they switched to a new person druming and then each also played the guitar playing the picking lead that was fun to watch thought u might enjoy this story... enjoy ur channel very much from and old guy in wisconsin u.s.a thanks
Same here. The version in the video matches my memory. The one he claims is the original, doesn't. Looking around UA-cam, there's a video labeled 1962 that sounds "right". The others, do not. I'm thinking the "original" is in fact a re-recording. A number of artists have gone back into the recording studio to do their hits so they have the rights to them. As far as the recording goes, the video version sounds more "vintage" with a few room mics. The "original" sounds different - particularly the drums. I'm thinking the "original" is "original artist" and NOT the one that put them on the charts.
Yep, I'm a surfer, so I've heard this song a zillion times... The version that's in this video is the one I remember. I don't recall the "laughter" that you say is from the "original"... just the one from this video.
The drum part is trickier than you might think. It becomes somewhat fatiguing to maintain that even pattern and hit all the accents without any imperfection and then to come out of it and get back on beat. It's always a challenge to get it down perfect. ** As far as the guitar issue and key changes are concerned, I really have no idea which is unusual for me. But I must admit I'm a bit lost on this one.
Thanks, Phil. Now this is going to be stuck in my head for the rest of the day. Say, I know this is a bit off topic, but sit down when you've got some time and listen to "The Roy Clark Guitar Spectacular" start to finish. You'll be amazed at the spectrum of musical genres that he covers on this album. Country, jazz, blues, and some stuff that I don't know what category it falls into. Enjoy.
I've been spelling your name wrong this whole time. Sorry about that. Go to Superannuted LP to get the entire Roy Clark Guitar Spectacular if you're interested. Thanks for all you do.
I know that when FCC rules changed, and they were legally able to have more commercials in a 30 or 60 minute show, sometimes they'd cut scenes out, and sometimes they'd speed up the playback. No idea what's going on here.
I'm familiar with this version...methinks, but yeah, it is different alright! Good call Fil on the original key. It sounds like somebody (recently) placed this alternate version on top of this film. Maybe somebody placed the alt version on this footage for copyright so UA-cam wouldn't take it down...? I liked the comparisons you made man. Great analysis as usual Fil!!!
Awesome analysis between Surfer Joe and Wipeout and the similarities between both. In school we all use to play Wipeout on our desks before classes started....
i'm quite glad that you took this challenge, Fil. it's pretty strange that they didn't know that there's two sides of a 45 rpm record. hey, sometimes the "B" side outperformed the "A" side. it's happened since then, too. i came away feeling that it was an alternate recording.
This was really fun to watch.. and your analysis was interesting.. I was 10, but I think my best friend and I used this song to try out for cheerleader in 7 th grade.. we were awful! 🤣🤣🤣 Great memories..
Fil, Where The Action Is was circa '65 '66. All the acts that performed on the show played to a recording of the song, lip sync, etc. This video has better quality sound but I know the original program never had live performances.
Original recording at Pal Records in Cucamonga Ca..They came from Glendora High.I went to the same school five years later.Note the Tartan plaid squares of fabric stuck around the drum shells.
Fil, I found and solved a similar mis-matched song-to-video mystery. In this case it was the McCoys’ mid-60’s classic rock tune “Hang on Sloopy”. The video was titled “original recording” however the clothing and hairstyles were from the mid 70s. Also, strangely, there was a guy on stage playing completely inaudible steel drums! I finally figured out that Rick Derringer had actually recorded a REGGAE version of “Hang on Sloopy” in 1974 In an effort to cash in on the reggae craze of the time (Think Eric Clapton’s “ I shot the Sheriff”). The video was a promotional effort for that song but someone had synched the old recording over it. another strange twist - I think it may have been done for karaoke reasons. By the way the woman dancing in the video is absolutely stunning!!!
This may or may not be related, but tempo and key only increase or decrease together in analog terms when superhetrodyning is not added. You can mix a steady sine wave tone with any source to adjust its pitch without changing its tempo or vice-versa. Cool stuff!
Hi Fil ! I believe you have sliced, diced, Julianed and shredded this video!! You have a really natural ear for the subtle differences. 😎 cool. I played and listened to this when it was new and was like blown away. Now, all these years later it just sounds crude and hokey. But then rock n roll was still a baby then.
HI FIL , YES , WIPEOUT WAS / IS A GREAT RECORD. I SAW IT ON BILLBOARD CHARTS & I THOUGHT THIS SOUNDS A GOOD TITLE. -- WHEN IT WAS RELEASED OVER HERE , I BOUGHT IT & I / WE WEREN'T DISAPPOINTED WITH IT. -- YES ,YOU HAVE CERTAINLY GOT TO THE ROOTS OF THIS !! --- JOHN UK. ----
Hahahaha wipeout I remember learning the drum part when this came out my classmates said we know you can't play wipeout but I hade learned before that so it freaked them out when I played it on bongos fun times your analogy is right to the way the song was done Ty for posting
Sounds like a high-fidelity studio recording overdubbed onto an outdoor event film. If it were the real audio of the actual group in the outdoor film, you'd hear crowd noise, laughter, water splashing, far off speaker sounds, echoes, muffled noises, outside distractions, the wind blowing on the microphone, etc.
Wow, this was about the time I graduated high school and thought I would study music. Yeah, that idea faded quickly in my first year of college. Sadly, I was a music reader and not much else. I really appreciate your studies of music, though too many are WAY over my head, but they have helped me appreciate some of the real artists of our time. This one really struck home, too insightful a look into my youth. I'll be here for a while...
Fil, I’ve found two versions of the song. The “hit version” released in mono on Surfaris’ Wipe Out album in 1963. This is the version heard in the video you played and the version I remember. There is another version that may be a re-record. It’s even longer at 2:46, in stereo and released in 2004. I think the “original” you’re referring to is actually the later, stereo re-record and the video audio is, in fact, the original version.
Yes, this must be the correct explanation. I was 15 when it came out and I remember it clearly, as anyone would at the time. The laugh in the video is the only one I remember. I don't think I have ever heard the "original" laugh, until I saw this.
You are correct. He is mixing up the original & the re-recorded version. He may have heard the 1967 version 1st during his life but that does not make it the 1st recorded version which is in this video.
Very interesting analysis to a simple song, yet not so simple. Never picked up on those subtle differences, as a matter of fact, had no idea there even was a difference
I have just listened to other versions-The Ventures. I might have solved one problem but I am not a musician. The drum part is the essence of this hit-I was in school band that they threw me into and every beginning drummr then wanted to plat wipe out on their drum pads-and show off!. Be that as it may-Even on the Ventures record the drums might not be miked correctly-by today's standards. They sound flat, then in tune, etc. I did not hear that as much on this one. But I have learned by watching all these music videos that drum miking is essential if the drums are going to play a role in the music-to any extent-So Fil-When you play with a drummer and are trying to lay it down for real, to Mike Your Drums!!
I remember that show - watched it religiously - loved all the surfin' stuff. Can't tell you anything about this film though except it had to be synced to the record.
Hi Fil, you're right. The original was done in 1962 with Fenders and Fender amps. (Everyone knows that sound). The video version was 1965 , and as you can see, post-British Invasion. After the Beatles first came out, Fenders weren't "cool" any more, for about 3-4 years. Everyone wanted Rickenbackers (like John Lennon's, and later, Jim/Roger McGuinn of the Byrds) or Gibsons like the Rolling Stones had. You can see in the vid that Pat Connolly has a Gibson bass, and one of the guitars is a Gibson Firebird like the Stones' Brian Wilson, the other is a Rickenbacker 360 like McGuinn and occasionally George Harrison played (McGuinn switched to Rickenbacker after seeing Harrison's 12-string in "Hard Day's Night").
Ed, I love you for taking the time to post this knowledgable and informative message. I wish you were my neighbor. All the best, from old but very cool gal in Albuquerque
Yes as others have mentioned this is from the TV series W.T.A.I. but a lot of speculation as to the date even the year. This appearance was broadcast on Oct. 11, 1966.
Hey Fil, My musical talent begins and ends with turning on the stereo, so I always bow to your expertise. I do know that all of Dick Clark’s tv shows used recorded music and the artists lip syncing and faking playing instruments. 😷😎🤟🏻✌🏻
I vote alternative take for tv shows. Wipe Out was the anthem of every high school kid in the early to mid 70’s as they badly drummed on their school desks.
You must have lived in the boonies. In 1964, when "The Beatles" hit, more than 90 per cent of this crap was blown off the radio, and record store shelves. By the 1970s we'd long moved on from most pr-1964 "music".
The Surfaris, the Beach Boys and the Byrds were the 3 first bands that inspired me to change my life and listen to Rock music for the remainder of my life. What an amazing music this was and how deeply this influenced all our sweet lives in the early magic sixties. joerg
In 1963 I was 17 in Australia surfing all weekend good old days mate had band played all surf music at night Misirlou Dick Dale's is another great one. peace out
In the 60's and 70's, pop radio stations in NY (and probably everywhere) sped up the records too so they could cram in more songs/hour than their competing stations did. I grew up in Jersey where all of our radio came out of NYC and, every hit song was played faster making it very sharp when trying to learn how to play it.
When I was 13yo I got my first electric Guitar and this was the most common tune that you learn because of the simplicity of the playing. I played it in A major and all you need was 3 chords to play the rhythm. Now back then most rock bands recorded in their car garages on tape and sent the tape to a small company to press on few records that the bands would take to a radio station to play over the air. If the song ws requested many times then a copy was sent to a major recording studio in Hollywood or Nashville and the band would go to that studio to re-record on a more professional venue. The bands would play at private partys or clubs so much that the song would evolve in it's technique. "Wipeout" was a turn to describe when a Surfer would be riding a good wave then the wave would crash on them and they would wipeout.
I really enjoyed this very detailed *exegesis* of wipeout in its puzzling differences, it was really important to enter deep and then having puzzled over the mystery then get Bob Berryhill to go through the solutions, it must have been really satisfying . Special note should be made about Frank Zappa and his relationship to the record. It exists not merely because of his relationship with Paul Buff of PAL studios is I am sure FZ referenced it through out his career. Listen to Lumpy Gravy.
TIME STAMPS -
1:06 Performance
3:21 Analysis Start
3:31 Keys B and C
4:24 Higher Key, Lower T empo?
5:21 Tempo Increases, Pitch Decreases?
5:56 Different '1 take' Laugh
7:17 Guitar Technique Changes
Song Analysis
8:55 Drums!
10:23 Guitar
11:48 Surfer Joe/Wipeout
12:32 Recording Process Background
13:59 Wipeout played over Surfer Joe!
Would like you bring on the CREAM
ERIC CLAPTON
Also- keep in mind that- Back inna day- the- 'Time-Stamps' were- 'ANALOG'- meaning that -'they' had...'Actual'...'Second Hands'. We didn't have 'Digital Data', until- MUCH LATER.
Your "original" is a rerecording on USA Decca. Eventually both ended up with MCA, later Universal.
The video has the real original version, although faded early. It was recorded with Surfer Joe at Paul Buff's Pal Studios in Cucamonga, California. After Wipe Out was a hit, Buff sold the studio to a young Frank Zappa.
it occurred to me that by analyzing so many songs and guitar parts, you're probably the most knowledgeable songwriter/musician anywhere, amazing work Fil.
Fil, when I watch your videos I always think to myself "where was this guy when I was trying to teach myself how to play guitar?" But this was waaaay before you were even born, back in the 70's. It is fun to have you answer questions I have wondered about since then, you are a terrific teacher aside from your other many talents. I also appreciate your knowledge of musical history & your sincere love of others talents as you watch their performances. You deserve all success that comes your way.
Thanks for the kind words!
@Chris F. You couldn't have put it better. Well said!
Thank you, the praise goes to Fil, he is the one doing all the hard work. 😁
I completely agree. His analyses of the music from all of his videos I have watched are so informative! He reminds me of my mom, who played piano, organ, and clarinet, and understood music better than most.
Wipeout was released in the early 60's, wasn't it.
My brother Jack played bass in this video. That was in 67.
My brother also recorded Chicago Green and they played the Grammys that year.
I can't solve your mystery, but I can tell you that every band in our area played "Wipeout" at dances because the kids loved it and it gave the drummer a chance to shine. 57 years later, it's still a catchy tune.
I love your videos Fil. I was born in 1954, so I grew up with 60s and 70s rock. I was a frustrated guitarist who now appreciates you.
I remember when this came out. We thought it was fantastic. So revolutionary in sound. If they are still alive the people in this video are now anywhere from there mid to late 70's and up to maybe their mid 80's! I'm 75 now. and was in High School when this came out!
Danced to this many times in the 60s. but I've never heard 'Surfer Joe' before!
I'm 71 from Sullivan H.S. Chicago....we too drummed on our desks in 8th grade...
I was in junior high. And what was fantastic then is weak tea (sorry, tea, for the insult) today.
My brother Jack is on bass. He 73 now, 74 in October. Lives here with me in OC CA. That was recorded at Dick Clark’s house in 67.
@@neoanderson5015 Great to hear. I was wondering what happened to your brother. Glad to hear that he is ok.
As a music teacher, my marching band did a surfer show. Wipe Out was one of the arrangements. I was trying to feature the drum section but they had no idea how to play Wipe Out...they had NEVER heard of it which I found hard to believe...it was sad. They kept screwing up the accents and slowing down. The Drum kit was set up in the corner of the room. I was frustrated. On a Friday, I said to them I love you all, but you're floundering. Let me show you how to do it. Since they only knew I was a trumpet player, who played some guitar and piano, they had no idea what they were about to hear. I sat down at the drum kit, started them off and played wipe out perfectly. Some kids were laughing half way through ad they saw the entire drum section's jaws dropping in disbelief. I said that's how it goes, any questions? I got bog applause, the whole band was laughing. Then I said "Never underestimate an old guy and let him show you up!" I was only 46 lol. We all laughed, I instructed them on the accents at a slower tempo, and the next week the drum section had fixed the tempo and the accents, and played it perfectly in the show. It was one of the most fun teaching moments in my life.
Bob Berryhill’s version of The Surfaris history differs from the other 3 members. My late father, happens to be Jim Fuller. The story of the recording of the 45 was partially although “Wipeout” wasn’t written and recorded on the cuff like that. My dad had been working on a song he called, “Switchblade” which was basically the Wipeout rift(s). Berryhills Surfaris tenure was only 63’ - 66’ when the broke up, and again in 81’ - 83’ when Berryhill was let go from the band, as decided by Pash and my father who continued playing with The Surfaris until he passed in 2017. I manage the band since 1991 as well as the Official Twitter, IG, and Facebook accounts for the band. This year the new. Truth In Music Act. which will force the truth to be illuminated.
I'm a jazz drummer in a small ensemble that adds a lot of humor into performances. I'll play the wipeout solo in place of a typical jazz drum solo, just for fun.
That's a hot one!! Bet ya get a lot of grins from geezers like myself. I remember this very well when it came out-summertime in mountains in NY State. In school band every beginning drummer in mid 1960s wanted to learn that routine and show off to one's peers (I played sax). Love the creativity and musicology.
WE WANT VIDEO!!
If you were a 12-13 yr old in a garage band back in the day, this song was on your playlist. This song was also what "kid" drummers were judged by. I saw drummers often tire out and by the time they got to the end they were playing slower than everybody else.
Too...FME, my earliest garage bands...the drummer was the most accomplished. So, "Wipeout" lasted 10+ minutes...8 minutes of drum solo, though. :-O
@@oldermusiclover ginny: why not? You can do it at any age!
Every drummer in school played this on their desk top. Lol
That TV video is so cute, it reminds me of the Dire Straits song called "Twisting by the Pool"! It's always great to see you reach for the guitar, it means good things are in store ...and they were!
As with all the filmed performances from this era, the guitars aren’t even plugged in (no wireless back then). When you’re pantomiming it doesn’t matter what you play.
I recorded two songs in 2010 or so, and the year after I thought I'd try to make video versions of those, using the same sound, so I was trying to play them exactly the way I played them one year earlier. It was surprisingly difficult and a lot of takes were required to get it right, and when looking at it later I still found at least one place where audio and video are not the same (a hammer-on in the video, two separate strokes in the audio). But I guess I could have put a lot less effort to it and most people would still not notice.
Fil. We want you to do the. Laugh intro please. Lol
if you look really close he's not even hitting the drums. To me the biggest tell if you didn't know about the guitar cables- the guy who gets a zoom in clapping is ridiculously off time.
@@81wildbore i thought he just didn't have any rythm
@@lisadavenport476 lol!
Every beginner drummer had to know how to play wipe out, when I was a sixth grader. What a great era.
My Buddy got kicked out of 3rd grade orchesra class for picking wipe out on the Violin ..
I had a friend get the crap kicked outta him for playing "In A Gadda Da Vida" on the Church organ...those Brothers had no sense of humour in the '70s. :-O
@@jazzpunk That would sound cool.. If I can recall my friend has to sit in the Hall way for the 1 hour class.. I don't think he was kicked out of Orchestra class permanently .. I actually took a couple of Guitar lessons from his Grandfather but I never stuck with it .. Some one should have told me that if you can play guitar you can get all the chicks you want....I would have stuck with it instead of riding dirt bikes so much
No
Hi Fil! I sure remember this one! I use to do The Pony dance when this played! Sure took me back in time! We had good music in the 60s! I turn 75 this year, and I have to admit I still feel young when I listen to my music! ✌️
The track that accompanies the video is the classic recording we all know and love. The laugh snippet you played from another version is exactly that, another version.
AWESOME SONG ! I am 60 and this brings back memories of high school - we loved these surfing songs !! They were so "Groovy and Boss" !!
A mystery! 🧐
This is what I have found...
Where The Action Is
Episode #3.27
Aired on 11th October 1966
Guests: The Surfaris - "Wipe Out" and "Surfer Joe"
Question Mark and the Mysterians - "96 Tears"
The Hard Times - "Last Train To Clarksville"
Tina Mason - "Born A Woman"
Great Analysis. Thanks, Fil! 🖤🤘🏽
I was a camera operator on a documentary film on surf music. As I recall, Bob Berryhill said the commercially released version was in B sped up to C. Over the years, several different versions of the Surfaris recorded this song.
My friends and I used to dance to this over and over again. Those were fun times! I'm 73 and my grandchildren actually are interested in my life ... music is a topic that comes up frequently and I always tell them "There's a song for every occasion.
Thanks again Fil for you're Superb Analysis. This remastered version. Is part of my workout routine
Appreciate you so much
Really enjoyed thoroughly you playing Wipeout over Surfer Joe and explanation of how the beginning of the song was created
Aside from your mystery-it's great to see the drummer from my old band, Ron Wilson with the Surfaris. He's passed on now+I appreciate this!!!
Fil, let me help you a bit. The one with the video IS the original recording. It also must be noted that it was recorded direct to mono so the one we are hearing is a digitally extracted stereo recreation. This very version was released originally on two independent labels DFS on January 1963 then reissued on the Princess label two month later. By April, it has been picked up by DOT records (then a Major label) to be distributed to the whole United States. Keep in mind this is still in mono. A true stereo mix of this recording is impossible.
Now this is where the situation gets sticky. Remember we are still in 1963. They released their first full length album on DOT Records also that year. BUT ALSO THAT year, they released another album this time on the then unrelated label DECCA (both labels' master recordings are owned by Universal) label. Except for WipeOut and Surfer Joe, both albums have no resemblance. The album on Decca has the magnificent track Point Panic which is in true stereo and in better fidelity than than their album on DOT. Now I listened again to the other WipeOut version with the higher laughter pitch, it is in true stereo and better fidelity than the original release.
HERE IS NOW MY CONCLUSION: The version with the higher pitched laughter was the re-recording done for DECCA records. Being that DECCA is the bigger label than Dot, I would like to believe DECCA asked the Surfaris to re-record both WipeOut and Surfer Joe (incidentally the Surfer Joe on DECCA is also in true stereo) to match the sound quality of all the tracks for the album.
As for the key, they did it originally in C. As to why the second version is in B, my only guess is that their instruments are downtuned. But don't quote me on that.
Fil, I saw a recent video of The Surfaris playing WipeOut and yes it's in B. That being said, my hunch is the original recording was speeded up. But then again still don't quote me on that. My only basis is all the live performances I have seen on YT.
@Wings of Pegasus should have played a sample of the "original recording" he was referring to. The version of the song I know as the "original recording" is the version played in this video (the version in C). Then he states, "I know for a fact the song was originally in B". He should have explained HOW he knows this.
To further confuse things; I agree with you Bryan, the version of Wipe Out on UA-cam that is in B is a different recording, NOT the same version as the version in C slowed down.
The follow up video confuses things EVEN FURTHER when Mr. Berryhill explains that they recorded the song in B and the master tape is/was sped up for the 45, seemingly agreeing with Fil that the "original recording" is/was in B.
I believe that Fil and Mr. Berryhill are referring to different versions of Wipe Out as the "original recording".
@@tomw9875 Being that this is 58 years ago, could time blurred the accuracy of Mr. Berryhill's memory? I still assert the one in C is the original recording as that can never be remixed to true stereo unless one uses digital extraction. And being that it was a rush recording, it has a lower fidelity than the re-recording.
@@bpabustan It's very possible that Mr Berryhill is correct; there is/may be a version of the original recording that wasn't sped up. (if there is I haven't heard it). Fil never clarified, precisely, what he (Fil) was referring to as the "original recoding" in the first video, nor in the second video. So when Mr. Berryhill referred to the "original recoding" I would assume he's referring to the version in C not sped up. Again; the only version in B I have heard is NOT, as far as I can tell, the version in C slowed down. I would like to know the origin of the version in B.
@@bpabustan By the way, I started a thread on the follow-up video with these same comments/questions.
Takes me back to La Mesa, CA & my youth. Love the Surfaris.
Wax down your board and let's go to Zuma! We can get a Tommy Burger afterwards 💥
Thanks so much Fil. So glad that you got a version of Wipeout by the original artists - The Surfaris, with lead guitar by Jimmy Fuller (my old friend) whom sadly passed away a few years ago and was a co-writer of said tune. - Fantastic!
Oh, my goodness, this was before my time, but since I was born and raised in California, and we had a large surfing community, this song was always on the radio at one time or another for years. I am like you, I like to figure out these anomalies. But in this case I had no idea until you informed us, that there were any. So thank you again my dear Phil. I thoroughly enjoy all your analyses. :)
Yaaaaassss! Thanks for this Fil! I wore this album out playing it over and over and over again as a kid.
My parents took me to Tijuana, Mexico where I bought a switchblade for $1 and also to downtown LA when I was 14, where they bought me a Eb Alto Saxophone ($200) and the first song I learned was Wipeout. Every summer weekend in the 60's we went to Huntington Beach so this song brings back memories.
As a drummer turned guitarist I did research this years ago. The drummer is from a marching band background and (I think) uses variations on the "paradiddle" (L-R-L-L, R-L-R-R), plus a 'thrown switch' into a paradiddle-diddle to catch the double-off-beat accent. Very clever ! The guitar seems to be in 'B' (6th Fret block) and I think your analysis is correct. The pitch changes may be due to some analogue 'phasing' on the tape machine (?) - intentional, or not, but some 60's engineers could do this (by hand) on the 2" tape machines. It certainly works though....
I tried to reason some of this out, and started with the problem of the tempo being slower than the original while the key is actually higher. This left me with the idea that the video had to have been made while playing slow as molasses. A tiny issue here, though, since the dancers looked in sync with the beat, so they would have had to have been defying gravity, but only slightly. I managed to arrive at just one conclusion: it was high time for a sip of cognac.
Ron Wilson came up with one of Rock and Roll greatest drum solos He was an excellent drummer in his own rights. Great analysis on this one enjoyed all the little details. The original Surfaris where a short lived band 1962 - 1966 but left behind some great tracks.
The laugh on this version actually sounds more familiar and correct to me than the one that is said to be the original. I'm old enough to comfortably predate the streaming era by some margin, so it isn't that I've only heard it online or anything like that as I've definitely heard it long before the straming era, and probably at times from the original vinyl single.
In those days it was common for a band to "perform" in a movie.
It's not hard to imagine the TV show using a set like that.
Since there's not a guitar cord in sight, they were pretending.
Also in those days it was rare for the band members to really take it seriously, hence the lack of identical technique.
Just my take on it, anyway.
Big fan of your channel!
Thanks! Yes it's definitely not live audio!
And I bet the original was done using strats. The Ricky in the clip looks like a 360, something I don’t think was invented in the early sixties.
@@pensiveboogie I doubt the original was done using a Rick but they started making the 360 around 1958.
Just like Captain Geech And The Shrimp Shack Shooters shown in the movie That Thing you Do. No one took it seriously.
I wonder if it's a bit of Strawberry Fields trickery, speeding half the things up , half the rest down, to meet in the middle. Broadcasters speed playback up to make room for commercials, fit a bit more in, and/or stay on schedule.
Great analysis. How you figure things out is amazing. You have got great ears for hearing things that most of us would never think about. I will agree that I don't think the music on this video was played by the Safaris. Good job Fil.
Totally interesting - never too long! The 45 version came out when I was living in Florida, a budding surfing community (not like the California scene). You’re right. It did inspire a lot of kids my age to study the drums but every kid with any rhythm at all practiced and pounded out that beat with their two hands until parents told us to stop. My arthritic version doesn’t quite do it justice anymore! Always love sitting in your “classes”! It’s the musical education I threw over for nursing!
The footage is from '65 at the earliest because Rickenbacker didn't make that body style 360 before that.
You're absolutely right. Good catch!
I can see this stuff from you and L Ron Cupboard, my view is that the "long" hair is too early to be 63
Also note the large paisley shape on one guy’s T-Shirt, definitely not ‘63!
@Busta Speeker aaah so he really is still alive on planet earth, I knew it ! 👾
As a young drummer, growing up in the seventies’ this song was the ultimate challenge song by friends and neighbours-as in ‘Oh yeah, you’re a drummer? Well, can you play Wipe Out?’
And yes...I could.
Fascinating! Can't solve the myster but can say that The Surfaris re-recorded "Wipe Out" on Decca later on 45 rom and also album. No laughter on "Wipe out". Also has their hit "Point Panic". Supposedly only two songs Surfaris played on Wipe Put LP were the two hits and a group The Challengers did the rest on Dot. Rock on!
Fil, you triggered a fantastic memory for me. Pretty much, most boys during that time were trying hard to imitate that drum sequence with just two fingers on school desktop. We took turns trying to outdo each other with to get it right.
You have an incredible way of sorting out hidden gems in songs I never thought much about at the time. But now, it makes sense and fun to learn. Thanks!
I vote for a take specifically for this show. It was common in the 60's for the bands to record the instrumental part of the songs before appearing on the TV shows and then they would sing live. It would have been more effective if they had bothered to plug in their guitars. Since there's nothing to sing except the laugh, which could also have been recorded the same way, that would have worked fine in this case.
Great observation. Good to hear some behind the scenes and guitar technics. (I was in the eight grade when it came out).
“Surfer Joe” was supposed to be the “A” side but “Wipeout” took off. I was in junior high in ‘63 and don’t recall hearing the higher pitched beginning intro. I only remember the one used in this video.
Dale Smallin did the laugh on the original recording. My brother Jack / also the bass player in this video did the laugh at times.
I love how deep you got into this song, I love the alternative picking. I learned alot from your perspective.
From the Illustrated Discography of Surf Music, by John Blair :
The original version was on the DFS ( Dale Smallen ) label. Recorded at PAL in Rancho Cucamonga Jan '63
This had the original, long version of both songs.
The second pressing was on Princess records. The first issue has the longer version. The second issue has shorter versions of the songs.
The third pressing, also shorter version, was on Dot records. This version was the hit version.
Its a great book.....have it on my shelf as well.
According to Bob Berryhill, the shorter version is an edited version of the original longer version, not a 2nd take. ua-cam.com/video/eGtJ1dj3a2I/v-deo.html
Thank you so much for reviewing WIPE OUT
I still have my album and I will be playing it tonight
"Bustin' Surfboards" was an instrumental by a California group called the Tornadoes that charted in the U.S. in the fall of 1962. They're not to be confused with the British group the Tornados, who hit it big with "Telstar" around the same time in Britain, and in North America shortly thereafter.
Camco drums in the video! I still have two Camco drum sets from 1973 and 1977. Thanks, Fil for another interesting video and commentary.
i was born in 57. Growing up and seeing this new stuff on TV was fantastic. I had no idea at the time how all the playing was fake, it was all the studio versions, the guitars were not even plugged in, etc.
Always a pleasure listening to you Fil!
Professor Fil's forensic 60s surf music mystery investigation consumes UA-camrs worldwide (;-) (;-)
A local 50s cover band called the whitesidwalls played this back in the 70s they didnt like playing it saying there was nothing to it and boring to make it a little interesting for their audiance all 7 band members took a turn on the drums no break in the drum playing as they switched to a new person druming and then each also played the guitar playing the picking lead that was fun to watch thought u might enjoy this story... enjoy ur channel very much from and old guy in wisconsin u.s.a thanks
That’s weird. The first laugh and the simpler version, as in this video, is the one I remember, quite vividly. I like how you play the riff.
Same here. The version in the video matches my memory. The one he claims is the original, doesn't. Looking around UA-cam, there's a video labeled 1962 that sounds "right". The others, do not. I'm thinking the "original" is in fact a re-recording. A number of artists have gone back into the recording studio to do their hits so they have the rights to them. As far as the recording goes, the video version sounds more "vintage" with a few room mics. The "original" sounds different - particularly the drums. I'm thinking the "original" is "original artist" and NOT the one that put them on the charts.
@@russellhltn1396 Yes.
@@russellhltn1396 Good point. I think the above version is the one that has been played a gazillion times on the radio over the years.
Yep, I'm a surfer, so I've heard this song a zillion times... The version that's in this video is the one I remember.
I don't recall the "laughter" that you say is from the "original"... just the one from this video.
The drum part is trickier than you might think. It becomes somewhat fatiguing to maintain that even pattern and hit all the accents without any imperfection and then to come out of it and get back on beat. It's always a challenge to get it down perfect. ** As far as the guitar issue and key changes are concerned, I really have no idea which is unusual for me. But I must admit I'm a bit lost on this one.
Thanks, Phil. Now this is going to be stuck in my head for the rest of the day. Say, I know this is a bit off topic, but sit down when you've got some time and listen to "The Roy Clark Guitar Spectacular" start to finish. You'll be amazed at the spectrum of musical genres that he covers on this album. Country, jazz, blues, and some stuff that I don't know what category it falls into. Enjoy.
I've been spelling your name wrong this whole time. Sorry about that. Go to Superannuted LP to get the entire Roy Clark Guitar Spectacular if you're interested. Thanks for all you do.
I know that when FCC rules changed, and they were legally able to have more commercials in a 30 or 60 minute show, sometimes they'd cut scenes out, and sometimes they'd speed up the playback. No idea what's going on here.
I'm familiar with this version...methinks, but yeah, it is different alright! Good call Fil on the original key. It sounds like somebody (recently) placed this alternate version on top of this film. Maybe somebody placed the alt version on this footage for copyright so UA-cam wouldn't take it down...? I liked the comparisons you made man. Great analysis as usual Fil!!!
The version of the song is being claimed on copyright on that first video too, so if they were trying to get away with it, it failed!
@@wingsofpegasus 👍😎
Wow, had never crossed my mind until now. We used to play Wipeout in the key of C too. Because that's where we heard it on the recording we had.
Awesome analysis between Surfer Joe and Wipeout and the similarities between both. In school we all use to play Wipeout on our desks before classes started....
i'm quite glad that you took this challenge, Fil. it's pretty strange that they didn't know that there's two sides of a 45 rpm record. hey, sometimes the "B" side outperformed the "A" side. it's happened since then, too. i came away feeling that it was an alternate recording.
This was really fun to watch.. and your analysis was interesting.. I was 10, but I think my best friend and I used this song to try out for cheerleader in 7 th grade.. we were awful! 🤣🤣🤣 Great memories..
A song from my childhood. Memories! Think I'll go surfing now. 😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦
Fil, Where The Action Is was circa '65 '66. All the acts that performed on the show played to a recording of the song, lip sync, etc. This video has better quality sound but I know the original program never had live performances.
Original recording at Pal Records in Cucamonga Ca..They came from Glendora High.I went to the same school five years later.Note the Tartan plaid squares of fabric stuck around the drum shells.
Fil, I found and solved a similar mis-matched song-to-video mystery. In this case it was the McCoys’ mid-60’s classic rock tune “Hang on Sloopy”. The video was titled “original recording” however the clothing and hairstyles were from the mid 70s. Also, strangely, there was a guy on stage playing completely inaudible steel drums! I finally figured out that Rick Derringer had actually recorded a REGGAE version of “Hang on Sloopy” in 1974 In an effort to cash in on the reggae craze of the time (Think Eric Clapton’s “ I shot the Sheriff”). The video was a promotional effort for that song but someone had synched the old recording over it. another strange twist - I think it may have been done for karaoke reasons. By the way the woman dancing in the video is absolutely stunning!!!
This may or may not be related, but tempo and key only increase or decrease together in analog terms when superhetrodyning is not added. You can mix a steady sine wave tone with any source to adjust its pitch without changing its tempo or vice-versa. Cool stuff!
Hi Fil ! I believe you have sliced, diced, Julianed and shredded this video!! You have a really natural ear for the subtle differences. 😎 cool. I played and listened to this when it was new and was like blown away. Now, all these years later it just sounds crude and hokey.
But then rock n roll was still a baby then.
HI FIL , YES , WIPEOUT WAS / IS A GREAT RECORD. I SAW IT ON BILLBOARD CHARTS & I THOUGHT THIS SOUNDS A GOOD TITLE. -- WHEN IT WAS RELEASED OVER HERE , I BOUGHT IT & I / WE WEREN'T DISAPPOINTED WITH IT. -- YES ,YOU HAVE CERTAINLY GOT TO THE ROOTS OF THIS !! --- JOHN UK. ----
Hahahaha wipeout I remember learning the drum part when this came out my classmates said we know you can't play wipeout but I hade learned before that so it freaked them out when I played it on bongos fun times your analogy is right to the way the song was done Ty for posting
Love drummers too! It's not always about the guitarist! 👍
You have tremendous patience, but it must be a blast., fine work, as usual, a consummate professional. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words!
Sounds like a high-fidelity studio recording overdubbed onto an outdoor event film. If it were the real audio of the actual group in the outdoor film, you'd hear crowd noise, laughter, water splashing, far off speaker sounds, echoes, muffled noises, outside distractions, the wind blowing on the microphone, etc.
Wow, this was about the time I graduated high school and thought I would study music. Yeah, that idea faded quickly in my first year of college. Sadly, I was a music reader and not much else. I really appreciate your studies of music, though too many are WAY over my head, but they have helped me appreciate some of the real artists of our time. This one really struck home, too insightful a look into my youth. I'll be here for a while...
Fil, I’ve found two versions of the song. The “hit version” released in mono on Surfaris’ Wipe Out album in 1963. This is the version heard in the video you played and the version I remember. There is another version that may be a re-record. It’s even longer at 2:46, in stereo and released in 2004. I think the “original” you’re referring to is actually the later, stereo re-record and the video audio is, in fact, the original version.
You are correct sir.
Correct this version was re-recorded in 1967. That’s my brother Jack on bass
@@neoanderson5015 Sweet version
Yes, this must be the correct explanation. I was 15 when it came out and I remember it clearly, as anyone would at the time. The laugh in the video is the only one I remember. I don't think I have ever heard the "original" laugh, until I saw this.
You are correct. He is mixing up the original & the re-recorded version. He may have heard the 1967 version 1st during his life but that does not make it the 1st recorded version which is in this video.
Oh my. I loved this piece!!!! When it came on at the roller rink, then the speed of skating got faster.
Loved this song as a kid as we drove around in our station wagon. Daddy always let us listen to the radio.
Enjoyed the analysis 🧐
Very interesting analysis to a simple song, yet not so simple. Never picked up on those subtle differences, as a matter of fact, had no idea there even was a difference
I have just listened to other versions-The Ventures. I might have solved one problem but I am not a musician. The drum part is the essence of this hit-I was in school band that they threw me into and every beginning drummr then wanted to plat wipe out on their drum pads-and show off!. Be that as it may-Even on the Ventures record the drums might not be miked correctly-by today's standards. They sound flat, then in tune, etc. I did not hear that as much on this one. But I have learned by watching all these music videos that drum miking is essential if the drums are going to play a role in the music-to any extent-So Fil-When you play with a drummer and are trying to lay it down for real, to Mike Your Drums!!
Looks like they married the audio to a video. They didn’t get it right but for the early 60’s this was no doubt really entertaining! Great job Fil.
This is recording that was played on radio stations in the US. I can tell by the laugh and the drumming technic at the end.
I remember that show - watched it religiously - loved all the surfin' stuff. Can't tell you anything about this film though except it had to be synced to the record.
Hi Fil, you're right. The original was done in 1962 with Fenders and Fender amps. (Everyone knows that sound). The video version was 1965 , and as you can see, post-British Invasion. After the Beatles first came out, Fenders weren't "cool" any more, for about 3-4 years. Everyone wanted Rickenbackers (like John Lennon's, and later, Jim/Roger McGuinn of the Byrds) or Gibsons like the Rolling Stones had. You can see in the vid that Pat Connolly has a Gibson bass, and one of the guitars is a Gibson Firebird like the Stones' Brian Wilson, the other is a Rickenbacker 360 like McGuinn and occasionally George Harrison played (McGuinn switched to Rickenbacker after seeing Harrison's 12-string in "Hard Day's Night").
Ed, I love you for taking the time to post this knowledgable and informative message. I wish you were my neighbor. All the best, from old but very cool gal in Albuquerque
I think you mean Brian Jones not Wilson- a Beach Boy genius.
Not a Gibson bass. It's a Guild Starfire.
There is now a Johnny Winter Firebird they sell.
Nice set of vintage (now) Camco drums. I was playing this song at the age of 4 years old...on my Ludwig drum kit. I was born banging on things.
Well done Phil! Fun fun fun..
Yes as others have mentioned this is from the TV series W.T.A.I. but a lot of speculation as to the date even the year. This appearance was broadcast on Oct. 11, 1966.
Hey Fil,
My musical talent begins and ends with turning on the stereo, so I always bow to your expertise. I do know that all of Dick Clark’s tv shows used recorded music and the artists lip syncing and faking playing instruments. 😷😎🤟🏻✌🏻
I vote alternative take for tv shows. Wipe Out was the anthem of every high school kid in the early to mid 70’s as they badly drummed on their school desks.
We had the best Air Band in the whole Village in 1976...
You must have lived in the boonies. In 1964, when "The Beatles" hit, more than 90 per cent of this crap was blown off the radio, and record store shelves. By the 1970s we'd long moved on from most pr-1964 "music".
This is the song that got me into guitar playing as a kid.
The Surfaris, the Beach Boys and the Byrds were the 3 first bands that inspired me to change my life and listen to Rock music for the remainder of my life. What an amazing music this was and how deeply this influenced all our sweet lives in the early magic sixties. joerg
Speeding up music on top 40 pop radio stations was common back in the 60s. Wouldn't be surprised if it was on TV as well.
The Safaris Dude...I've heard many Bar Bands perform this great tune..Many three chord country bands...thanks Fil
Hi Mark! This song is in my DNA!
@@lynndow3185 California Girl Music
@@lynndow3185 What could have made me think of you right off the bat? 🏄🏻♀️😄
@@konstantia1607 Haha!! It was so much fun!
@@mevrammcoyoteV8f150 We got to dance to Dick Dale!
You really know the history. I really enjoy your videos. Going to pass you on to my sister.
We used to drive our 5th grade teacher mad in 1965 Southern California when the boys in class would beat on the tin shelf under our desks to Wipeout.
Three's Company theme is really cool in my opinion. There were slightly different versions as well. Rock On!
In 1963 I was 17 in Australia surfing all weekend good old days mate had band played all surf music at night Misirlou Dick Dale's is another great one. peace out
Fil NOT smiling. I feel you pain, Fil. This is maddening.
In the 60's and 70's, pop radio stations in NY (and probably everywhere) sped up the records too so they could cram in more songs/hour than their competing stations did. I grew up in Jersey where all of our radio came out of NYC and, every hit song was played faster making it very sharp when trying to learn how to play it.
When I was 13yo I got my first electric Guitar and this was the most common tune that you learn because of the simplicity of the playing. I played it in A major and all you need was 3 chords to play the rhythm. Now back then most rock bands recorded in their car garages on tape and sent the tape to a small company to press on few records that the bands would take to a radio station to play over the air. If the song ws requested many times then a copy was sent to a major recording studio in Hollywood or Nashville and the band would go to that studio to re-record on a more professional venue. The bands would play at private partys or clubs so much that the song would evolve in it's technique. "Wipeout" was a turn to describe when a Surfer would be riding a good wave then the wave would crash on them and they would wipeout.
I really enjoyed this very detailed *exegesis* of wipeout in its puzzling differences, it was really important to enter deep and then having puzzled over the mystery then get Bob Berryhill to go through the solutions, it must have been really satisfying . Special note should be made about Frank Zappa and his relationship to the record. It exists not merely because of his relationship with Paul Buff of PAL studios is I am sure FZ referenced it through out his career. Listen to Lumpy Gravy.
Wow! You know your stuff, Fil! Very impressive.