The Rip Chords

With the recording of "Three Window Coupe" and its subsequent album and follow-ups, producers Terry Melcher and Bruce Johnston started singing on the Rip Chords sessions as well. This move effectively forced original members Phil Stewart and Ernie Bringas into touring-group-only status. On this album, only Stewart appears anywhere, and even then, it's only on two tracks, "Bonneville Bonnie" and "Old Car Made in '52." But as another Bruce and Terry production, this is top-notch stuff, with all the L.A. session heavyweights and the best hot rod-surf production this side of Brian Wilson and Jan & Dean. In addition to the original 12-song lineup (chock full of great covers like "Gas Money" and "Surf City"), this also features three bonus tracks, the singles "One Piece Topless Bathing Suit," "Wah-Wahini," and "Red Hot Roadster," the latter tune from the soundtrack for the teen movie microepic A Swingin' Summer. No matter who is actually singing this stuff, this is top-notch California surf/hot rod material and a welcome addition to anyone's rock & roll collection. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide