Wipe Out (1963)

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• The Surfaris - Wipe Out (MP3)

By: The Surfaris, who were elevated to international status with the release of the "Surfer Joe" and "Wipe Out" single.

At their first recording session, the Surfaris wrote the song on the spot in the studio as a B-side for their song "Surfer Joe". They collaborated on an instrumental based on a melody from guitarist Jim Fuller's instrumental "Switchblade". The drums were lift from Preston Epps' #14 hit "Bongo Rock".

Legend has it one of the band members suggested that a sound simulating a wipeout on a surfboard be emulated, and that it was achieved by cracking a half-broken 2x4 into a microphone.

The now-classic spoken introduction was by the band's manager, Dale Smallen.

Chart position: #2 (US), #5 (UK).

It charted at #2 in the US in June 1963. It was kept from #1 in the US by "Fingertips (Part 2)" (Little Stevie Wonder).

It returned to the Hot 100 in 1966, reaching #16 in its second national chart run.

The Top Ten Songs: August 10, 1963 (US Billboard Hot 100).

1. "Fingertips (Part 2)" (Little Stevie Wonder)
2. "Wipe Out" (Surfaris)
3. "(You're the) Devil in Disguise" (Elvis Presley)
4. "Blowin' in the Wind" (Peter, Paul and Mary)
5. "So Much in Love" (Tymes)
6. "Judy's Turn to Cry" (Lesley Gore)
7. "Surf City" (Jan and Dean)
8. "Candy Girl" (Four Seasons)
9. "Easier Said Than Done" (Essex)
10. "More" (Kai Winding)

Written by: The Surfaris: Bob Berryhill, Pat Connolly, Jim Fuller and Ron Wilson.

A wipeout is a misfortune that can occur in surfing, involving a surfer crashing and burning, usually with physical danger.

Also by: The Fat Boys, featuring the Beach Boys, whose version reached #12 (US) and #10 (US R&B).

Download MP3s from Amazon.com:

• The Surfaris - Wipe Out (MP3)

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