singlejeff t1_jeai6bp wrote on March 30, 2023 at 4:34 PM

Surf to me is the rolling bass lines popularized (in my experience) by Dick Dale maybe with a hint of the acoustic harmonies of SoCal bands like the Beach Boys.

Johhnynumber5ht2a t1_jeakew2 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 4:48 PM

I second the base line comment.....if anyone wants a modern day surf rock example listen to Uma Thurman by Falloutboy

beep-bloop-beep t1_jeamo98 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 5:02 PM

that’s mostly the munsters theme song you are hearing

Johhnynumber5ht2a t1_jeartfi wrote on March 30, 2023 at 5:35 PM

That too

beep-bloop-beep t1_jeb2dd0 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 6:42 PM

the munsters maybe could add a bit more spring reverb and a wood paneled station wagon, and they'd be at it

Johhnynumber5ht2a t1_jeb2x6r wrote on March 30, 2023 at 6:46 PM

Or they could grab some penny boards and skitch down to the bonfire

GregJamesDahlen OP t1_jeakxgx wrote on March 30, 2023 at 4:51 PM

thoughts on why rolling bass lines and beach boys style harmonies say surf? Is it just because the early progenitors had those elements and they became linked to surf in general? or does something about those elements really make one think of the ocean?

singlejeff t1_jeas3oz wrote on March 30, 2023 at 5:37 PM

For me it is pretty much as you say. Growing up in the 60-70s these sounds were linked to the west coast beach culture. If you want something that is reminiscent of the ocean some of Enya’s (or others I’m not thinking of) music has that ebb and flow feel of waves on the surf.