The Lonely Surfer

Jack Nitzsche | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 14, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Collector's Choice
• ASIN: B00005B1IV
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #211,768 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The late Jack Nitszche wrote arranged and/or played keyboards for Phil Spector, The Rolling Stones and Neil Young among other legends, and scored such movies as 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest'. 'The Lonely Surfer' was originally released in 1963. 12 tracks. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solo Debut of a Wild Talent, March 27, 2002

By 

Bill Taylor (Van Nuys,, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Lonely Surfer (Audio CD)

The Lonely Surfer is the album follow-up to Jack Nitzsche's only solo hit single, a top-ten instrumental from the early 'sixties. Made with a modest band of familiar Wall-of-Sound session players (Hal Blaine a standout on drums) it features several catchy originals with very strong tunes and unusual arrangements (French Horns in surf music!) as well as covers of some hits of the day ("More", "Stranger on the Shore" and so forth). Some of the cuts could have used more players or more tracking, reminders that this dates from the three-track days at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood.

There's only a hint here of the resourceful, sometimes brilliant orchestral composer that Nitzsche was to make of himself. For that you'll have to find the CD of "St. Giles Cripplegate", his self-produced calling card/audition as a "serious" composer, (a limited edition release from Rhino Records). Nor is there much evidence of the Oscar-winning songwriter ("Up Where We Belong") that was to come, though he had already written "Needles and Pins" with Jackie DeShannon.

Nitzsche's obits made much of his struggles with his personal demons, and they certainly helped to obscure the breadth of his achievements, keeping him a slightly marginal figure. This CD is really a record of a tremendously talented musician beginning his growth from a Spector side-man into a world-recognized film composer and music producer. And anyone who realized that "Da Doo Ron Ron" had potential as a ballad deserves a listen!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPER COOL MAN ! I WAS HOOKED FROM THE OPENING NOTE!, July 11, 2007

By 

! MR. KNOW IT ALL ;-b "DR SHOCK" (TRI STATE AREA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Lonely Surfer (Audio CD)

I came across this album quite a few years ago and it just looked like I needed to hear it.......I am so glad I did! After doing some reseach, I realized that I had been listening to this man for years and didn't even know it. He has played on some very impressive albums by some very impressive groups(Rolling Stones). This may not be for everyone,but if you like the first cut "the Lonely Surfer" with it's baritone guitar, you should dig this CD.....I do!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nostalgic for anyone who remembers "Marlboro Country", May 20, 2010

By 

H. Paul Steiger (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Lonely Surfer (Audio CD)

I learned who Nitsche was reading the liner notes to Neil Young's first album although I had heard his music as a child. It brings back memories for me, but I don't know why he called it surf music. I call it cowboy music since it was used in those Magnificient Seven movies and, I think, the Marlboro commercials. It has Mexican style horns that make it seem like the old west to me. Other than the memories, it is very relaxing and unusual orchestral pop music.