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

Reply to comment by singlejeff in Can a song be surf music if it doesn't mention the ocean, surfing, etc.? What makes surf music surf music? by GregJamesDahlen

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.