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4.0 out of 5 stars
A sampling of the pre-Beach Boys west coast pop sound, June 27, 2000
This review is from: Tough Themes - The Del-Fi... (Audio CD)
Before securing a coveted producer/artist contract with big-time Columbia Records' west coast A&R, Beach Boy-to-be Bruce Johnston was a key part of the team at Del-Fi Records. Its founder/producer, bandleader Bob Keane, had gained national reknown with the discovery of Ritchie Valens before moving into surf music. "Tough Themes" is the 2 CD Japanese import of Bruce's career under Keane's wing (1960-62). This package features young Johnston as session pianist, producer, composer, performer, and all-around A&R wunderkind on the regional Del-Fi family of labels. The tracks range from the fully realised balladry of "Mazatlan" and "Gee, But I'm Lonesome" to his solo singles "Surfer Stomp" and "Soupy Shuffle" to his out-and-out keyboard mania on "Surfers' Pajama Party" outtakes, to his work with other artists (Ron Holden, Richard Berry's Pharaos). This "sonic document" predates Bruce's hitmaking with Terry Melcher (Bruce & Terry, The Rip Chords) and his membership in America's Band. It is a good companion piece to Phil Spector's "Back To Mono" set and the girl group anthology "Grown Up Too Fast" in portraying the pre-BB west coast sound. Package features liner notes by Eliott Kendall & Bryan Thomas, but lacks photos.
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